This actually began yesterday, but carried over into today.

Heading to work yesterday morning the check engine light comes on (no big deal, light comes on for just about anything), truck is running great so I'm not worried. I head over to my local Autozone after work to take advantage of their free check engine light diagnosis service. Code comes back P0455: EVAP system Large Leak Detected and replacement of the "Canister Vent Valve Solenoid" was the recommended fix. I figured I'll do a little research on the code and see if the solenoid replacement was something I could do on my own. Got back into the truck, turned the key, and all I got was a repeating clicking noise, like the one you get from a dead battery (the clicking was accompanied by lots of expletives, FML, WTF, etc.). I went back into the Autozone and asked them to test my battery (at this point I realized the truck had been starting up kind of "weak" the last few starts). Test the battery and everything checks out, battery is in good working order. The Autozone guy says he thinks it's my starter or as we say in Miami, "Motor de Arranque". My first idea was to beat it with a hammer and try it again, but it was starting to rain so I activated my free roadside assistance and had it towed to the dealership where I bought it. By the time I got the the service department was closed so I left it overnight.

Brings me to today... Service department confirms that the starter needs to be replaced and wants to charge me $460 to do it. I do some research and decide I can probably do it myself (keep in mind I am not at all a mechanic, but I'm willing to learn).

So... My questions are:

Are these services something I could in fact do myself with my very limited mechanic skills, or should I bite the bullet and fork out the dough?

If I am to do it myself, is it important to use original Ford parts or is aftermarket ok?

I take any advice and tips you all have to offer.

Oh... I have a 2008 F150 5.4L V8.

 

$460 seems alittle steep but have you ever seen where your starter is? its way wedged up into the rear of passenger side of the engine compartment on the 5.4 although it seems like a lot its better to have a tech do it and have to deal with getting up and in there to replace it than you trying it for the first time. Hope this helps!

 

Aftermarket starters are a crapshoot, make sure they have a good warranty.

Your evap code may simply be a bad gas cap.

 

How much did they want for the starter if my first question?

List is $379 and Tasca wants $261.

I would stick with OEM.

Like glc said, aftermarket is questionable.

 

I just confirmed the price. They want $435, $150 for parts and the rest is labor and tax.

 

You aren't getting an OEM starter for 150 bucks. You are getting some kind of reman from a parts house.

 

Just removed and replaced the starter in my 07 due to replacing the exhaust manifold. These starters are a PITA but doable if you own a assortment of extensions and sockets. On yeah and patience..