Told my mobile mechanic about the flashing CEL and he said don’t worry about it if it’s not on. I’ll have to find a transmission shop as well for the fluid change, as he doesn’t have an exchange machine. He said to get the filter changed as well because they are made of paper. I don’t think he’s an expert in f150s though, just a general car mechanic. I checked the level and it’s very low. Think I’ll pick up some fluid to add for now until I can get the fluid exchanged at a shop.

 

Quick oil change places may have an exchange machine. Just make sure they use the right fluid, it needs Mercon V, don't let them try to tell you that universal fluid will work properly. Fluid is checked when it's warmed up after driving for a while, in Park with the engine running. If it's between the Full and Add marks, leave it alone.

Again, a flashing CEL indicates a miss, pull the codes. Spend the 20 bucks for a code reader.

 

Thanks for the link, ill pick that up. A shop close by charges me $65 to read the codes, didn't know those readers were so cheap. They do good work but they're not cheap. I ran the truck about 15 miles, kept it running, on level ground, and checked and it barely read any at all on the end of the dipstick. Think ill go ahead and get the fluid exchanged. Does it matter if its motorcraft? Or just that it says mercon V?

 

Any brand of Mercon V should do nicely. I just drop the trans pan and change the filter every 20k miles. Takes 4 plus qts to refill. Filter probably doesn't need changing every time. And the pan gasket is a permanent type that does not have to be replaced.

 

Ahh ok, I may go ahead and ask the filter to be changed since im not sure on the history of the truck. My dad picked it up when he was sick and didnt drive too much. I dont have any proof of the transmission fluid/filter being changed.

 

Got the code reader. the truck is now sort of pulsing as long as the engine is on. This starting happening yesterday on an hour long drive. CEI is on. Here are codes. p0303 - cylinder 3 misfire, both pending and confirmed. Also, a pending p0302 - cylinder 2 misfire...

Are these cylinder 2 and 3 spark plugs most likely? I had them changed out less than 2 years ago.

 

Spark plugs or coils. More likely spark plugs if you didn't use Motorcraft plugs. Use Motorcraft, Denso, or Delphi coils.

 

I'm pretty sure the plugs are motorcraft. There was also a coil replaced, I don't think that was motorcraft. Is this something i should attempt myself, or should i get my mechanic to take a look?

 

Just read the other p0303 code thread, ill have my mechanic take a look.

 

Mechanic changed out cylinder 3 ignition coil and truck is running well. I guess time will tell if I have to change out the second cylinder coil, but I know how to do it now.

He also recommended I get fuel injector cleaner with water remover, heet brand. Is this a good additive for these trucks?

 

The best additive is Techron. Heet is a water remover but it doesn't clean like Techron. I'd use Iso-Heet first, then Techron.

 

Ok thanks. My mechanic said that the iso-heet may make the engine jump a little bit like its misfiring but as long as the CEL isnt on its fine. So do i add the iso heet for a tank of gas then the techron for the next tank?

I'll have to test the gas mileage after this work is done. Just have to get the transmission fluid and filter changed and ill be good for a while.

 

That's what I'd do. Read the bottle, it will tell you how many gallons it will treat, you may need more than one each. When done, I'd change the fuel filter.

 

Ahh ok. The fuel filter is brand new though.... less than 100 miles.

 

Then it should be OK - but you may want to pull it and blow it out backwards just in case the additives stir up crap from the tank.