Check engine light comes on, runs rough
 

Just started to have this problem. Driving along normal engine starts running rough, shuddering and check engine light comes on. I pull over and shut engine off. Let it set for 5 minutes or so and will start and run fine for a week or more. Has done this 4 times in the last month. Thru searching this forum I know there could be many causes. I have no way to pull codes. Any wild guesses as to my problem. 2002 F-250 7.3l crew cab xlt. 212,000 miles. Runs great other than this little problem.

Wild guess: check fuel filter and in-tank screens.

Any auto store will read the codes for you. That’s the best place to start, as it should point you directly to the issue.

I had a 2006 f350 5.4l that thru a cel and ran real rough. Was a dirty throttle body; cleaned it and ran fine

Check your UVCH connections to make sure they are not loose.

Also you could have chafing where the engine wire harness (42-pin connector) rubs on the driver's side valve cover...

https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.for...ac004ab918.jpg

First guess same as Brian42s, UVCH rubbing on VC.

Also many generic code readers cannot read these trucks. Maybe the one at the car parts store will work, maybe not. These trucks are not fully OBDII compliant. Android apps like Torque Pro, FORScan and Car Gauge can read them, used along with a blue tooth OBD adapter. Search around for info on them, and pay attention to how current the info is.

Thanks for the tips gentlemen. Hopefully will have time this weekend to check things out.

Had some time this weekend to look into my problem. Turns out I had a little chafing on the 42 pin connector wires on the valve cover as you suggested. A little tape and a short piece of heater hose sliced to fit and protect the wires. So far so good. Thanks for the tip.

Excellent. Thanks for posting your follow-up.

Glad you found and it was a cheap fix. :-X22