I have a 2004 F150 FX4 with 75k miles. 2 weeks ago I was turning sharply while going 4-5 mph and it stalled. Didn't think much of it, as it continued to run fine after restart.

About a week ago, I noticed tighter than normal steering at low speeds.

This seemed to go away in 3 days.

Now I have a sluggish engine that seems like it is slow on takeoff and restricted, and when I let off the gas while traveling at any speed, it slows down faster than normal. (Basically instead of continuing to coast, it slows down as if it was a stick shift and someone was downshifting to brake.) I have not had any lights come on and it was clear for codes (checked at autozone).

Dealership wants to charge me 80 to scan, but I want to see if possibly it would be a clogged fuel filter (starts on first crank every time though), dirty throttle body, something in power steering, or possible idle control valve.

Lastly, it has been idling a little lower than normal. It sits (when warm) in gear at a stop light at 500rpms.

Any thoughts before I get raped at the dealership?

 

anyone?

 

try changing your fuel filter.................its called maintenance

 

some injector cleaner couldn't hurt either

 

I've changed fuel filter, ran stp injector cleaner, and have kept up with all scheduled maintenance. Could it be throttle body?

 

I pulled in a parking spot today and the rpms went down to 300 during the turn.

 

Take off your serpentine belt see if any of the pulleys are hard to turn.

 

Ok ill check that. What would that mean?

 

A bad pump or idler pulley can actually stop your engine. The parasitic drag on the front of your engine could be your loss of power. Worth checking as you initially noticed it while turning (loading up the pump) its normal to have an idle drop when you go full lock left or right with the steering wheel.

 

Yea I thought these trucks had a power steering pressure switch that boosts rpms while turning....? I will check out the pump. I think my power steering pump is covered under my warranty

 

Check for things that aren't so obvious like clogged cats and dragging brakes.

 

Clean the throttle body and maf......

 

ill be cleaning the throttle body and maf friday. I have a couple wrestling meets and i won't have time till then. How do I know if brakes are sticking? clogged cat would throw a code. I have sensors before and after the cat I believe.

 

No, a clogged cat will not necessarily throw a code. It has to be tested at a muffler shop with an infrared gun and/or by pulling a front O2 and measuring backpressure.

To check the front brakes, jack it up and turn the wheels by hand. To test the rears, block the front wheels, jack up both rear wheels, put it in neutral, and turn the wheels. Sticking parking brakes are quite common.

 

If I had a sticking paring brake would my p brake light be on