Engine shudders...
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Engine shudders...
I have a 2003 F-150, 80,000 miles, and this morning the engine shuddered a bit after I started it. It continued to shudder as I was driving my kids to school, when I stopped & engine was at idle. This afternoon, I started the truck again and the shudder continued and the "service engine" light came on. I didn't drive it because I'm not sure if it will make it worse or not. Anyone have any idea as to what this problem could be? Also, is it safe to drive....or should I have it towed to the Ford dealer? Any help would be greatly appreciated!!
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Joined: Jun 2004
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From: Pelahatchie, MS
Need to have the codes pulled and that will tell you what's going on. I'd place even money on a COP, but the code will tell you what and where, or at least where to start. If you've got an Autozone close by, they'll pull the codes for free....
And if you can afford it, having an inexpensive code reader in the tool box is a handy thing for all vehicles 96 and newer.....
And if you can afford it, having an inexpensive code reader in the tool box is a handy thing for all vehicles 96 and newer.....
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Just got back from Autozone...code PO301....cylinder misfire in number 1. The guy told me to buy 8 spark plugs and replace them. I guess we'll see if that works. Just got off the phone with my husband who does not think that is the problem though. What is the COP, by the way? Sorry....I'm sort of clueless about all this.
Thanks!
Thanks!
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Joined: Sep 2009
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spark plugs might be the problem, but i doubt it. ive seen alot of miles on stock plugs, well over 100k. Im almost positive its a COP (coil over pack). These fords are notorious for problems with the COP's. Try to replace the COP on cylinder one. If u cant do it yourself, see it you can get it done, cause i am almost certain it will fix your problem
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Joined: Jun 2004
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From: Pelahatchie, MS
I got the same code 2 weeks ago. I had a spare COP in my shed. Took 10 minutes to replace it, used my code reader to clear the code, and haven't had a problem or a light since. Cylinder 1 is the front passenger side cylinder. It's a small screw holding it in place. I can't remember the size. Pull the connector, remove the screw, pull out the COP, and install the new one. You'll be good to go. The plugs should have a few more miles in them, and the job is a little more time intensive to replace them, and it's unlikely that is the problem.....
Posting Guru
Joined: Mar 2009
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From: Montague, NJ
i always thought it was coil on plug...
the cel wont go off until its cleared. if you dont have a code reader to clear it, pull the battery terminal.
the cel wont go off until its cleared. if you dont have a code reader to clear it, pull the battery terminal.
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Joined: Jun 2004
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From: Pelahatchie, MS
A COP (it is Coil on Plug) is $42.00 at Autozone, and the counter guy can turn that check engine light (CEL) off for you with the same gadget he pulled the code with. If he flat refuses, Mix 'n match is right, pull the battery terminal loose and let it set for a while, at least 5 minutes, for the computer (PCM) to clear.
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[quote=93 mix 'n match;8559692]i always thought it was coil on plug...
yea ur right i got a lil ahead of myself...
the bolt holding the COP is 7mm. then just pull the COP straight out. make sure you blow out the hole to get rid of the dirt that might fall in there. ive had problems with that
yea ur right i got a lil ahead of myself...
the bolt holding the COP is 7mm. then just pull the COP straight out. make sure you blow out the hole to get rid of the dirt that might fall in there. ive had problems with that
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From: S/E Michigan
Trucky911
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OK.....thanks to everyone on here, my truck is fixed. I'm glad that I watched our friend put in the coil because had I not, I wouldn't have noticed that he put it on the driver side. Thanks, Redwood, for including that little piece of info in your post. I had to insist that my husband switch it to the other side. (Hence, the nickname...nagasaurus). But after all my pleading, it's finally running great! Thanks again, guys!
And Autozone wouldn't clear the cel for me....the guy was actually quite rude about it. So, took your advice and disconnected the battery
And Autozone wouldn't clear the cel for me....the guy was actually quite rude about it. So, took your advice and disconnected the battery