Fuel Filter - Reflash?
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Post Fiend
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 26,966
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From: Texas
Fuel Filter - Reflash?
My wifes truck is having some problems that sounds like it is surging after she starts it up. She's also been complaining lately about a rough idle. Today she had problems at the store and said the computer told her "something about fuel pressure or something like that" The truck is an 04 with 23,000 miles on it. I'm guessing I need to change the fuel filter.
I've also been reading the TSB's about the PCM reflash and I'm wondering if it's worth it. We're out of the 3yr warranty coverage and she averages 16-17 MPG driving around the country (so the computer says) Should we get a reflash, or will this make the mileage worse? Am I missing anything else?
Thanks for the help.
I've also been reading the TSB's about the PCM reflash and I'm wondering if it's worth it. We're out of the 3yr warranty coverage and she averages 16-17 MPG driving around the country (so the computer says) Should we get a reflash, or will this make the mileage worse? Am I missing anything else?
Thanks for the help.
Senior User
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 488
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From: Gettysburg, Pa
I think step one would be to try the fuel filter, I know it made a big difference when I changed my '03. Fuel filters cost a little bit of nothing, and id that don't work go from there, I would guess reflashing isnt gonna be too cheap....well compared to the filter anyhow.
I think you'll find that 16-17 MPG isn't bad (I'm assuming it's a 5.4). I think most guys in here (including me) are getting somewhere in the 15-17 range, so what you're getting should be right on.
I think you'll find that 16-17 MPG isn't bad (I'm assuming it's a 5.4). I think most guys in here (including me) are getting somewhere in the 15-17 range, so what you're getting should be right on.
Super Moderator
Joined: Aug 2003
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From: Isanti, MN
All a reflash will do is update the software in the PCM to the latest version, and will likely not make any noticable changes. Won't change anything unless the problem is caused by faulty programming
Sick 'n Tired
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 2,969
Likes: 47
From: League City, TX
If it hasn't always had the rough idle condition I wouldn't think it would cure it. I'd replace the fuel filter, air filter, clean the MAF sensor and run some seafoam through the intake and gas. However, getting the most current PCM flash shouldn't hurt anything...it's not like the updates are provided by Microsoft.
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Post Fiend
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 26,966
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From: Texas
Originally Posted by bridge
If it hasn't always had the rough idle condition I wouldn't think it would cure it. I'd replace the fuel filter, air filter, clean the MAF sensor and run some seafoam through the intake and gas. However, getting the most current PCM flash shouldn't hurt anything...it's not like the updates are provided by Microsoft.
I've tried searching the forum for cleaning the MAF and did not have much luck. Any pointers on this? If it weren't for the changing fuel filter instructions on this site (which were only fair in my opinion) I would have never bought that little tool to remove the lines and would have definitely broken something by now.
I like the idea of fixing things without breaking something along the way. I'm afraid the days of fixing your truck and having a few bolts left over at the end being no bid deal are gone.
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Sick 'n Tired
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 2,969
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From: League City, TX
These 5.4's are just temperamental, they tick and idle rough. I'm yet to have to clean the MAF in a newer 5.4. In my '01 Expy you just removed the sensor from the air intake tube and use some electrical connection cleaner (radio-shack) or alcohol to clean the sensor wire. After I replaced my air intake on my '06 Screw I noticed the MAF looks nothing like the one in my '01...it's flat and has alot more electronics on it. I'll check the service manual and see what it says, if anything.
What oil are you using? My '06 Expy idles rough and switching over to Mobil 1 helped a bit.
What oil are you using? My '06 Expy idles rough and switching over to Mobil 1 helped a bit.
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Joined: Dec 2005
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From: Lexington,SC
Instead of a reflash,try this FIRST. Disconnect neg battery cable;wait 30 min. During this time clean the MAF with a Electronic cleaner(leaves no residue. CRC is good stuff), After the MAF is cleaned,reconnect the neg battery cable. This will put the PCM into adaptive learning mode to relearn driving conditions.
Should help.
Should help.
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Post Fiend
Joined: Mar 2007
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From: Texas
Then I may have the wrong stuff. I got the CRC QD Electronic cleaner that comes in an aerosol can with the straw taped to the side like WD-40. I got it at Auto-Zone. It was on the shelf below the engine degreaser. I didn't see any felt pen applicators. Was I looking in the wrong spot?
I like your diagram. I went outside and thats the part I was guessing it was. What's the trick to get #1 unplugged from #3? I found the little plastic tab on top that slides back but the wiring harness does not want to come unplugged from the MAF. I don't want to force it and break something.
I like your diagram. I went outside and thats the part I was guessing it was. What's the trick to get #1 unplugged from #3? I found the little plastic tab on top that slides back but the wiring harness does not want to come unplugged from the MAF. I don't want to force it and break something.