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Firstly, I maintain my truck meticulously. All routine maintenances are performed and thats why this is so upsetting. 6 months ago my truck started hesitating and having intermittent loss of power. I ended finding out it was a vacuum leak on the PCV hose that was straight up burnt through. I replaced it, cleared the codes and it ran like a champ. Now for about the passed month I've noticed the SAME symptoms. It started out with light hesitation and a misfire here and there but eventually has gotten to a serious hesitation (mostly under 3K RPM's) and a lot of misfires. I couldn't check the code however because even though the truck was running TERRIBLE and I mean like stalling terrible, there was no CEL. Naturally I sprayed carb cleaner everywhere looking for a vacuum leak like before and nothing. No leaks. So then I cleaned sensors and my EGR valve and no change. Next I replaced ALL 4 o2 sensors and no change EXCEPT, I finally got a CEL. Checked the codes and I have:

P2198
P0306

Obviously I've been able to find what they mean individually but I'm not sure if one is causing the other or what. After spending $200 on O2 sensors I really don't want to take it to the mechanic and spend more. I can buy and install parts fine but I don't want to buy every possible part in the world to fix it. Please help me diagnose this gentlemen. My girl and my 5 year old get around in this thing and the last thing they need is for it to stall. Thanks!

RECAP OF WHAT IVE DONE IN THE PAST 3-4 MONTHS (MAINTENANCE INCLUDED):

Cleaned sensors
Cleaned EGR (Verified not stuck)
Replaced all O2 sensors
Replaced fuel filter
Replaced PCV
Replaced Spark Plugs
Obviously oil, filter etc.

Thanks in advance!

 

I suspect the 306 misfire is causing the 2198. Swap the spark plug in cyl #6 with cyl #5. Swap the coil for cyl #6 with cyl #7. Swap the fuel injector in cyl #6 with cyl #8. Clear rhe codes and drive it to see if the CEL comes back on.

If the CEL indicates cyl #6 you probably have a vacuum leak.

If the CEL indicates the misfire has moved to cyl#5, #7,or #8, you'll know which item is causing the failure.

If no more CEL, be happy.

 

Interestingly, I came here tonight to post about a problem with My '03 4.6. Sputtering, stalling, misfiring, pretty close to what you're describing, just started this today, on a road trip of course, wasn't sure I'd make it home. I have a solid SES light however. Probable same issue?

 

I'd start with reading the codes to see what the PCM thinks its seeing.

 

Ignition coil.

 

I just had the same codes. It was the #6 fuel injector that was bad (stuck open) Replaced the plug and injector, all is good.