4.6 Check engine light problems
New User
Joined: Feb 2006
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I'm having the same problem everyone else seems to be having. If my code says cyl 1 is the problem is it worth just changing that injector? I have heard that often the codes are not that accurate and it could easily be a different one or maybe even multiple cyl's. Also to save money would it be worth it to go to a junk yard and try to find a cheap used injector before wasting the money on new ones that are not even needed? Thanks
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Freshman User
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 25
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From: Arizona
JandFcams,
All I can tell you is that changing both the injector and the plug solved my fuel related check engine light problems. But that was after doing alot of troubleshooting and seemingly going in circles. I know at more than $50 a pop injectors aren't cheap, but I prefer the peace of mind of a new one rather than pick up someone elses problem.
It seems to me that the 4.6 is having alot of problems after 100,000 miles, but I haven't seen much on the 5.4 (or maybe I haven't paid attention to the 5.4 posts) A buddy has a '97 F-150 with a 5.4 around 85,000 miles, and he's had absolutely no problems. Also, his is a Canada truck, mine is a Kansas City truck. Not sure if that matters either, because I think all the engines come out of the same plant but it's something to consider.
I plan on getting up early and doing the compression tests before work tomorrow, been kind of putting it off so I don't have to face reality. Spent a bit of time on the web looking for a new engine today, that was somewhat encouraging but... I'll post my findings here for those of you following this saga.
Crush
Semper Fi!
All I can tell you is that changing both the injector and the plug solved my fuel related check engine light problems. But that was after doing alot of troubleshooting and seemingly going in circles. I know at more than $50 a pop injectors aren't cheap, but I prefer the peace of mind of a new one rather than pick up someone elses problem.
It seems to me that the 4.6 is having alot of problems after 100,000 miles, but I haven't seen much on the 5.4 (or maybe I haven't paid attention to the 5.4 posts) A buddy has a '97 F-150 with a 5.4 around 85,000 miles, and he's had absolutely no problems. Also, his is a Canada truck, mine is a Kansas City truck. Not sure if that matters either, because I think all the engines come out of the same plant but it's something to consider.
I plan on getting up early and doing the compression tests before work tomorrow, been kind of putting it off so I don't have to face reality. Spent a bit of time on the web looking for a new engine today, that was somewhat encouraging but... I'll post my findings here for those of you following this saga.
Crush
Semper Fi!
Could be a vacuum leak.
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Freshman User
Joined: Dec 2003
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From: Arizona
Thanks Budwinvon, but my issue is with only one cylinder and I don't believe a vacuum leak would cause that. It might, and at the rate my luck has been going you never know.
Just finished the compression check on my engine, and I knew I was in for an adventure when I pulled the #4 plug and it was nice and clean just like it's supposed to be. The entire right bank ranges from 165 to 170 psi with the two lower readings being cyl's 3 & 4 which I attribute to it being a pain in the butt to get the pressure line in and tight. The left side of the engine was pretty much 170 psi.
I'm ready to give in, either my truck is possessed by a retarded ghost, or it's a definite sign from Murphy himself that it's time to bail. I'm out of patience and ideas which is a bad combination.
Crush
Semper Fi!
Just finished the compression check on my engine, and I knew I was in for an adventure when I pulled the #4 plug and it was nice and clean just like it's supposed to be. The entire right bank ranges from 165 to 170 psi with the two lower readings being cyl's 3 & 4 which I attribute to it being a pain in the butt to get the pressure line in and tight. The left side of the engine was pretty much 170 psi.
I'm ready to give in, either my truck is possessed by a retarded ghost, or it's a definite sign from Murphy himself that it's time to bail. I'm out of patience and ideas which is a bad combination.
Crush
Semper Fi!
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Freshman User
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 25
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From: Arizona
All right, the proverbial straw that broke the camel's back occurred today. Check engine light flashing 'again', scanner says misfire in cyl's 3, 4, 6, and 7. That's it I'm done messing with it, thinking the computer is going. Getting rid of her and moving up with the big boys in the super duty forum. Stuck with her moodiness and temperamental behavior for over a year. It's been real, and it's been fun, but it hasn't been real fun for awhile. Good luck with your endeavors, hope your outcome is better than mine.
Crush
Semper Fi!
Crush
Semper Fi!
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Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 28
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From: Yuma
Well on the 5.4, i know that there has been problems with it because the heater lines are directly above it. they will start leaking fluid and land directly above the plug. those plugs when they get humidity or wet inside, they go out and you need to replace. check to see if it's that and fix first then change bad coil pack.
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Joined: Dec 2005
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I chased the same problem as I have posted before. The computer at the dealership will do a much better job of finding the problem. I took my truck to a mechanic. This was the first time in my life someone other than myself had done any repair work or diagnostic work on my truck. Cost me $64 to run the engine diagnostic along with a smoke test in the vacuum lines. Everything checked out great including the compression which was compareable to yours. I was told to replace all 4 O2 sensors and the truck has ran great for about 1500 miles. They were able to tell me to do that after they hooked it up to there computer. I do not know if you still have the truck but with your compression being good you still have a good motor. My truck has 245,000 miles on it and it is still going.
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