Hello everyone. My first post. This looks like a place I'll be visiting often in the weeks to come.

I bought my first Ford truck, actually my first Ford vehicle of any model. I've always owned the General's vehicles before now, driven my GMC Sierra forever. Anyway, I've always admired the newer F-150s (1997+) since I had the pleasure of driving one for my job a few years ago. So I recently bought a used F-150 to replace my 16 year old GMC.

This truck has 100,000 miles on it (4.2L V6). I got a good deal but it needs some TLC. No problem for me, I do all my own work, always have - albeit on Chevy or Import vehicles. For one, the SES light is on. The previous owner told me it's an EGR code. I generally don't take people's word on these things so decided to check it myself. I followed the procedure at the top of this forum to enter "Dealer Test" mode. VERY nice feature - thank you Ford!! Anyway, when I cycle to the "DTC" display, it shows "None"?

Questions:
If there is no DTC code set then why is the SES light on?

Or does the Dealer Test mode only show selective DTCs, not all? If this is the case then I assume the only way to get a complete list of DTC codes is to use a scan tool?

Is there anyway to reset the DTC codes without using a scan tool? I don't have easy access to an OBDII scan tool.


If it is an EGR code, I've read it more than likely is clogged passages in the lower intake manifold. The fix is to remove the upper intake manifold and clean the passages. Doesn't look like a big deal. Since this truck has 100k miles on it I'm thinking it's probably not a bad idea to clean the passages anyway.

Questions:
Does Ford (or aftermarket) sell a gasket "kit" for the upper intake manifold or do I need to order individual gaskets/O-rings?

Do I need to drain the coolant before removing the upper intake?


Sorry for the long post. Hope someone can answer my questions.

Thanks.

 

Howdy and welcome to FTE and the 4.2 forum! Glad to have you here.

Since you're starting with something of an unknown, I'd disconnect the battery and leave it disconnected for 1/2 hour or so. That will clear a check engine light.
Then, if and when the light comes back on, I'd swing by Autozone and have them read the code for you (the will do it free). If you don't have an Autozone convenient, you'll need to get the code read one way or another.
Once you have the code, we can (hopefully) go further in ID'ing your problem.

What model year is your truck?
Auto or manual?
I had a 2000 that I sold a few months back after buying an '05.
The 2000 was a great truck. 170,000 miles and it still ran fine.
Best vehicle I have ever owned.

 

Hey, thanks for the welcome. My truck is a 2001 automatic, 4.2L V6. So far I'm liking it.

Once I get this code fixed I'll be even happier. I just think it's odd that the "dealer test" function reports no DTCs. I have a buddy with a Snap-On scanner, I'll borrow it and see what it says.

Thanks