Truck is ill! Help!

[WHITE_LIGHTNING]

This morning i started my truck to go to work. Started up no problem, like every day of the year, BUT the truck wouldnt stay running! The idle was horrible! The only thing i can compare it to was the idle of a top fuel dragster, thats my description. It stalled of course and I tried to re-start it. I turned the key and the starter was trying to get the engine going, but it wouldnt. It seemed like it might have been backfiring, but i'm not sure at all thats what it was doing. Finally I got it re-started, but with the same horrible idle, I gave it gas for about 5-10 seconds half throttle, and it literally snapped out of it and ran like a dream as always. Drove it around the block to be sure it was okay, and it was fine. On the way to work, everything was fine, nothing out of the ordinary. 8 hours later at work leaving, the rough idle returns, couldnt barely keep it running. Put the throttle 1/2 way down again for 5-10 seconds and it was fine and down the road i went. Sorry for the long story, but what in the world could be wrong?! I checked under the hood and there was nothing visibly wrong, but that doesnt mean a thing. I'm worried because this isnt only my daily driver, its my only vehicle. I'm sure if it were real serious it would act up during driving too, right? Any help is GREATLY appreciated. Luckily I have the next two days off to do something about it.

 

[DAVE94LIGHTNING]

A while back i had a similar problem. Turned out to be ignition related.

First i would pull and check all the plugs and the wires. If they have not been serviced recently get a new set. If the problem is still there I would then get a cap and rotor kit from MSD, and maybe even a Blaster coil while your'e at it...pretty cheap ignition upgrades. These are good items to service anyhow. If the problem persists you might want to check/ replace your oxygen sensors.

If you have access to a diagnostic machine....the codes will help you out a lot.

Good luck.

 

[Nick Wilson]

Vacuum leak ? Ignition module? I had that problem on the SC but it was a cam sensor. I hope your cam sensor is not bad .

 

[yesIdid]

Early stages of a bad fuel filter...

The same things you're describing happened to a fox body I used to own; clogged fuel filter...

 

[WHITE_LIGHTNING]

Well, i hope its not the cam sensor, wow. It just turned over 90,000 miles, so I was going to replace ignition parts here soon (very soon now). As far as the fuel filter, that will need replaced too, does that need a special tool to remove? I think i remember reading that a few times on the old forum. If it does does anyone know who carries that tool or have another way to take it off. Thanka a bunch for the help already. I'm sure with those ideas i'll get the problem nailed.

 

[Ghost]

YOU CAN GET THE TOOL AT AN AUTO ZONE OR SOMEPLACE SIMILAR . IT IS VERY INEXPENSIVE.

 

[WHITE_LIGHTNING]

Thats what i wanted to hear! Thanks for the info.

 

[MO351]

Go to your local auto parts store and pick up a fuel line/AC line removal tool. They are little plastic deals that slip over the fuel line and then slide into the fitting releasing the holding clip. They usually come in a set of about 5 or so. Just find the right size in the pack and have fun. It's a bit of a pain in the butt to get the deal to release. Also make sure you aren't right under the filter when you do it because it'll spray. Before you release it undo your fuel tank caps to release any pressure build up there might be in there. You might also let the truck sit for a while if you were driving it so some of the fuel pressure will subside. Other than that it's very easy to do.

If that doesn't help your problem you might take your truck down to Oreilly's and have them check/test your TFI module, or as it's now called on our later model trucks, the ignition module. You'll have to remove it with a specific tool and take it inside to them so they can test it but the store I went to just let me borrow the tool to take it out/put it back in with.

Edit: HAHA. I guess Ghost and I posted at the same time.

 

[RED314]

Similar Condition

I went through this awhile back, I ended up replacing the Idle Air Control valve (IAC). I tried cleaning it first even though it didn't seem sticky or carbed up, I think it just failed electronically. Sometimes it worked fine, other times I couldn't make the truck idle or start without some throttle pressure.

Just something else to look at

Just in case you don't already know, it's on the back side of the TB

 

[yesIdid]

YOU CAN GET THE TOOL AT AN AUTO ZONE OR SOMEPLACE SIMILAR . IT IS VERY INEXPENSIVE.

I bought the whole set (metal): prolly a good idea. I can't remember if I used the 1/4 or 5/16 for the filter .

Oh yeah, if u ever pull the lower intake you'll need to go buy a two-piece set for the fuel rails.

 

[Abby Normal]

Safety First!

Where Y'at WhiteL, If you change the fuel filter, pull the pass. kick panel off and Shut Off the Inerttia switch(push down) then run the engine till it dies. That will release the line pressure so you don't have sparying fuel all over you.
IMO its not the filter but if you never changed it before you should anyway.
I'd try cleaning the Idle bypass like Red314 said. The EGR could be another cause too.
Don't set yourself on fire or everyone will be calling you Michael Jackson

 

[MO351]

Abby: Man, I've been wondering where that fuel pump shut off was at. I was thinking it was under the dash. Thanks .

 

[WHITE_LIGHTNING]

I just remembered now that about 2 years ago the truck did this same thing one day. Someone on here then told me to clean out the idle control valve, and that solved it then. I just cleaned it out again so I'll see what happens. Red314, do you by some chance remember what you paid for a new one when you replaced it? Some of these parts look like they wouldnt cost much, but it usually isnt the case (especially from ford!). Abby Normal thanks for the fuel filter info too, knowing me I wouldnt have expected gas spraying. I'm gonna go outside now and see what happens now that this idle valve should be clean.

 

[RED314]

Follow up

White_Lightning,

I found a receipt that I believe could be for that part (42 and some change) I couldn't double check the stock # It's late and the parts house is closed. I replaced the TPS around the same time, so that receipt could have been for that item. Sorry I couldn't be of more help.

Let me know if you have any trouble finding the part # and I'll do a little more digging I hope your truck gets to feeling better

Wayne

 

[WHITE_LIGHTNING]

- Its okay, I have to go to autozone tomarrow anyways, so I'll find out there, i never have a part number when i walk in there, and havent had a problem yet so I should be okay. Thanks for checking though.