2002 F150 with strange issues
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From: Little Elm, TX
2002 F150 with strange issues
I have a 2002 F150XL SuperCab 4.2l 4x2 shortbed, with automatic transmission, about 125,000 on the clock. Recently, she has developed a strange set of issues.
Issue 1: The "THEFT" light will flash intermittently while the engine is running. When it flashes, the engine almost seems to stumble a little.
Issue 2: While driving, either accelerating or holding steady speed, the truck will buck, almost like the transmission is slipping. If I turn off the overdrive, it seems to lessen the bucking, but not a whole lot.
I do have a CEL on, but haven't had a chance to get her scanned yet. That's on tap for the weekend.
Any suggestions on where to begin, besides a scan?
I'm afraid to drive it, as I don't want to trash the transmission, if that's what's having problems. I did pull the trans dipstick, and the fluid is very dirty, so I know I need to change the filter, and refill her. Unfortunately, all the local shops are scared to fool with her due to mileage, and I don't have a place to work on her due to homeowner's association rules, and a 30* sloped driveway.
Issue 1: The "THEFT" light will flash intermittently while the engine is running. When it flashes, the engine almost seems to stumble a little.
Issue 2: While driving, either accelerating or holding steady speed, the truck will buck, almost like the transmission is slipping. If I turn off the overdrive, it seems to lessen the bucking, but not a whole lot.
I do have a CEL on, but haven't had a chance to get her scanned yet. That's on tap for the weekend.
Any suggestions on where to begin, besides a scan?
I'm afraid to drive it, as I don't want to trash the transmission, if that's what's having problems. I did pull the trans dipstick, and the fluid is very dirty, so I know I need to change the filter, and refill her. Unfortunately, all the local shops are scared to fool with her due to mileage, and I don't have a place to work on her due to homeowner's association rules, and a 30* sloped driveway.
Postmaster
Joined: Aug 2003
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From: South Texas
local shops don't want to change the tranny fluid due to they might find something else to fix and charge for? That's a new one. Has the routine maintenance been done? Check with your local autozone, they usually will scan your CEL and give you codes and possible fixes for free. Take it from there.
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From: Little Elm, TX
Righto! Off to Autozone. I'll report back once I get more info.
The BS excuse the Stealership gave me was that LACK OF debris in the trans fluid could cause the seals to leak. WTFrak? That's a new one for me...Oh, and changing the filters and flush/fill will not stop slippages. The stealership said, and I quote, "If it's slipping, it sounds like you have some serious issues there. Better bring her in so we can check it out." Uh-huh...
I must've missed that chapter in shade-tree mechanic school...
The BS excuse the Stealership gave me was that LACK OF debris in the trans fluid could cause the seals to leak. WTFrak? That's a new one for me...Oh, and changing the filters and flush/fill will not stop slippages. The stealership said, and I quote, "If it's slipping, it sounds like you have some serious issues there. Better bring her in so we can check it out." Uh-huh...
I must've missed that chapter in shade-tree mechanic school...
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From: Little Elm, TX
Well, got the computer scanned this morning. Codes returned are: P0171, P0174, P1311 and P1511. So, looks like I'll be cleaning the MAF, and changing the plugs and wires. I'll update again after I've done that...
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Lead Driver
Joined: Sep 2006
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From all that you are giving, you have mutiple issues.
1. the bucking sounds like a bad coil that may not set a code.
2. the OD lamp flash could be a ground in the steering column shifter area cable feeding the lamp/switch or an issue with the transmission.
3. any other codes you read must be addressed one at a time.
Leave the bucking for last as it is the least serious but will take some effort to find the offending coil unless a stress test is done to find the one with
****low output*****.
Good luck.
1. the bucking sounds like a bad coil that may not set a code.
2. the OD lamp flash could be a ground in the steering column shifter area cable feeding the lamp/switch or an issue with the transmission.
3. any other codes you read must be addressed one at a time.
Leave the bucking for last as it is the least serious but will take some effort to find the offending coil unless a stress test is done to find the one with
****low output*****.
Good luck.
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Carpenter Local 745
Joined: Apr 2006
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From: on da beach
po0171 and po0174, maybe due to a vacuum leak.
check your hoses for cracks or damage.
1311 and 1511(are these codes correct?) if so, are Ford specific, I tried researching these numbers but I can't find these two at this time. So I will do a couple of other searches later.
As far as the tranny goes, the filter is supposed to be changed every 30,000 miles.
Use a Motorcraft tranny filter (even if they are expensive) and about 5-6 quarts of MerconV tranny oil.
I did my tranny at 100k, and it does help with driveability.
CHANGE YOUR TRANNY FILTER!
check your hoses for cracks or damage.
1311 and 1511(are these codes correct?) if so, are Ford specific, I tried researching these numbers but I can't find these two at this time. So I will do a couple of other searches later.
As far as the tranny goes, the filter is supposed to be changed every 30,000 miles.
Use a Motorcraft tranny filter (even if they are expensive) and about 5-6 quarts of MerconV tranny oil.
I did my tranny at 100k, and it does help with driveability.
CHANGE YOUR TRANNY FILTER!
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From: Little Elm, TX
I might not have the right numbers for the second two codes. I'll have to go pull out the slips from AutoZone. They pertain to the O2 sensors, but, according to the book could be due to a dirty MAF.
In order, the mangler at AutoZone advised me to: clean the MAF, change the wires and plugs, and run a bottle of fuel-system cleaner through the engine. Then, if it's still acting up, change the coilpack and O2 sensors. Looks like I have a little work to do tomorrow...
I'm just relieved I didn't get a code for a transmission repair!
In order, the mangler at AutoZone advised me to: clean the MAF, change the wires and plugs, and run a bottle of fuel-system cleaner through the engine. Then, if it's still acting up, change the coilpack and O2 sensors. Looks like I have a little work to do tomorrow...
I'm just relieved I didn't get a code for a transmission repair!
Carpenter Local 745
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 5,794
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From: on da beach
IF you do change the O2 sensors, disconnect the neg cable on the battery.
The truck may need to relearn parameters - so take it for a drive after the sensor replacement.
Your truck sounds like it needs some servicing! Take it one step at a time, and I hope it all works out for you.
Other items to consider
replace coolant
Serp belt
New Motorcraft air filter
Motorcraft engine oil filter
and Motorcraft engine oil.
The truck may need to relearn parameters - so take it for a drive after the sensor replacement.
Your truck sounds like it needs some servicing! Take it one step at a time, and I hope it all works out for you.
Other items to consider
replace coolant
Serp belt
New Motorcraft air filter
Motorcraft engine oil filter
and Motorcraft engine oil.
Lead Driver
Joined: Sep 2006
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The thieft lamp flash is problem that may let you set with a no start.
Intermittant lack of communications between the PATS and the computer.
If there is a problem, that's what it is designed to do is stop the motor from either tampering or a fault..
Intermittant lack of communications between the PATS and the computer.
If there is a problem, that's what it is designed to do is stop the motor from either tampering or a fault..
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From: Little Elm, TX
Oh, lovely. And towing The Beast home is gonna be expensive!
I changed the wires and cleaned the MAF, and it still stumbles. Guess the coilpack is up next, along with the o2 sensors.
Like a good shade-tree mechanic, I do disconnect the negative terminal. It only took getting the crap shocked out of me one time to learn that lesson!
Is driving The Beast with a stumble going to hurt anything? I sure hope not, because I need to get to work...
I changed the wires and cleaned the MAF, and it still stumbles. Guess the coilpack is up next, along with the o2 sensors.
Like a good shade-tree mechanic, I do disconnect the negative terminal. It only took getting the crap shocked out of me one time to learn that lesson!
Is driving The Beast with a stumble going to hurt anything? I sure hope not, because I need to get to work...
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Senior User
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From: Little Elm, TX
Oh, and can anybody tell me why getting to the plugs on a 4.2L is such a PITA? It literally took me 2 hours to change the wires alone! Danged if I can figure out how to get my hands, a ratchet, and a sparkplug socket down there.