tuneup question
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tuneup question
Aside from changing plugs and wires, and occasionally cleaning the Mass Air Flow sensor, what are the other tune up routines for a 99 F-150 5.4? I have seen some references made to COPZ and IAC, but I'm not familiar with these acronyms (oxygen sensors perhaps?). My previous truck was a 1981 F-100 5.0/302. A lot has changed over the years. Your help is appreciated.
Last edited by 99 Ford; Apr 21, 2006 at 09:54 AM.
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First of all you do not have plug wires, you have the COPZ acronym that you were not familiar with or just simply COP's which stand for Coil-over-plugs, which intern means every plug has its own coil pack. Check the sticky post above in this forum to explain the proceedure to replace your plugs which should be done at about 50-60k miles.
IAC stands for Idle Air Control which controls your idle and I think is a must to clean every so often, they have been known to get a little sticky from carbon deposits and the oily mist from your pcv valve (another standard maintenance item). It is located at the back of your throttlebody and if you have a some mechanical skill, it should'nt be a problem to get at.
I usually replace my tranny, diff, and transfer casefluid every other year just for added protection.
IAC stands for Idle Air Control which controls your idle and I think is a must to clean every so often, they have been known to get a little sticky from carbon deposits and the oily mist from your pcv valve (another standard maintenance item). It is located at the back of your throttlebody and if you have a some mechanical skill, it should'nt be a problem to get at.
I usually replace my tranny, diff, and transfer casefluid every other year just for added protection.
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COPs are Coil On Plug, IAC is Idle Air Control. COPs have been a weak point (they eliminate the troublesome high voltage spark plug wires; but that's a bad place to put a coil). Neither is a routine maintenance item, but rather a consideration in trouble shooting.
Actually, if you get a scan tool (I think they're down to about $50) that reads out DTCs (Diagnostic Trouble Codes), I think you'll find that things have actually become a lot easier over the years.
PS: Although it certainly wouldn't hurt to change your plugs at 50 - 60,000 miles, I think you'll find that Ford recommends 100,000 miles. In my experience (2001, 4.6, 126,000 miles) that is adequate.
Actually, if you get a scan tool (I think they're down to about $50) that reads out DTCs (Diagnostic Trouble Codes), I think you'll find that things have actually become a lot easier over the years.
PS: Although it certainly wouldn't hurt to change your plugs at 50 - 60,000 miles, I think you'll find that Ford recommends 100,000 miles. In my experience (2001, 4.6, 126,000 miles) that is adequate.
Last edited by MrBSS; Apr 21, 2006 at 10:39 AM.
