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1987 - 1996 F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks 1987 - 1996 Ford F-150, F-250, F-350 and larger pickups - including the 1997 heavy-duty F250/F350+ trucks

Need some serious help

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Old Feb 18, 2009 | 03:15 PM
  #1  
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Need some serious help

Im not exactly sure as to what all I need to explain and how to explain but I will do my best.

Ok I have a 1990 F150. When I drive it jerks and the RPMs will shoot up. When I come to a stop and sometimes when in park the truck will just turn off. When I turn it back on it just shuts off and I have to turn it on, give it gas and hurry to put in drive. I've had this problem before with the front tank and then it stopped and about a month or two ago it started again so I switch to the back tank just to see. This whole time it has run fine until today.

An idea I have is that maybe it's clogged fuel injectors? Because Im in high school and have limited money, sometimes Ill run the truck pretty low on gas. I've heard that can cause clogged FI's in older vehicles.

If I need to provide any other information please just let me know.
Thanks for all you guys' help.
 
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Old Feb 18, 2009 | 03:20 PM
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welcome to fte.

what engine, what trans., when last tuneup, codes read, etc?

need more info before an educated guess can be made.
 
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Old Feb 18, 2009 | 03:26 PM
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its a 302 5.0L and the last tuneup was about 8 months ago. And its a automatic. Im not going to lie, Im not the most educated guy when it comes to engines so Im not sure as to what "codes read" are.
 
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Old Feb 18, 2009 | 04:07 PM
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the vehicle has a computer which sets 'codes' which can then help diagnose a problem.

fuel filter has been changed, when?

what brand and type of plugs?

mileage?

who did tuneup?
 
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Old Feb 18, 2009 | 04:27 PM
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If follow the link which is from the tech section of this forum, it will show you how to check your dtc's (diagnostic trouble code). alot of good info there..
http://www.fordfuelinjection.com/?p=13
Once you have this info...you may know what the problem is.
At the very least it is a start and the more info you provide when you post about your predicament, the more help you will receive in the responses.
A clean fuel filter is a good start as well. Given the info....a fuel related problem is likely, but the road branches from here.....
 

Last edited by ottawaguy; Feb 18, 2009 at 04:28 PM. Reason: forgot to add link
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Old Feb 22, 2009 | 08:10 PM
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Ok so we got another tune up, new plugs, new wires, cap and rotor. They're Autolite spark plugs. We also replaced the fuel filter. When I first posted the problem the truck would stay on and idle. Now the truck will turn on and turn right back off, unless I give it gas.
I will look at the link about getting the codes for you guys.
 
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Old Feb 23, 2009 | 06:10 AM
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That could be the IAC if it won't idle unless you hold your foot on the gas. I think it could also be the TPS.

The IAC is located with the throttle body.
 
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Old Feb 23, 2009 | 07:05 AM
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The IAC....good one Texasguy!
I can't believe I didn't think of that....It's one of the first things I did when I got my truck, though I cleaned it just as part of the regular checkup since it appeared that the truck had not seen a mechanic in years. I could almost turn the steering wheel 180 degrees without turning the wheels.
Anyway....I would check & clean the IAC(I used carb cleaner) as Texasguy said.
They are known to stick when they get dirty.
Even if that works....you still might check codes for fun, since it is a new truck(to you). The computer will store less important codes.

Hope that works....all the best!
 
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Old Feb 23, 2009 | 07:20 AM
  #9  
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I think this is posted on the forums somewhere....
but if you follow this link and use "greatfalls" as the user ID and "publiclibrary" as the password, you'll find lots.
EBSCOhost - world?s foremost premium research database service
Though I'm not sure if it's as helpful as this site....
 
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Old Feb 23, 2009 | 10:15 PM
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I wouldn't run any vehicle low on gas. Just think of 1/8 of a tank as empty and don't let it go below that. Another reason is that the fuel in the tank keeps the fuel pump cool.

You could try cleaning the IAC with throttle body cleaner. That may or may not fix a bad IAC though. I have found that that usually helps it, but then a short while later the problem comes back.

By the way IAC stands for Idle Air Control Valve.

Ottawaguy, Its been a while since someone mentioned that site EBSCOhost. I almost forgot about it.
 
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Old Feb 23, 2009 | 11:13 PM
  #11  
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From: Gatineau, Quebec
Originally Posted by TexasGuy001
Ottawaguy, Its been a while since someone mentioned that site EBSCOhost. I almost forgot about it.
No worries...I'm sure I found that here.
There is the link there to the aarc(the actual name eludes me at the moment) which of course is an auto reference.
I do believe it is a step up from the Chilton manuals, where the pictures are never for your vehicle or engine.(Murphy's law).
It is a good reference...but is no match to the practical knowledge and experience you find here.
FTE is a great site..and the only one I use.
Thanks to all that make it that way!
 
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