How can I check to see what the problem is without going to a dealership. 2001F150 Supercrew 5.4

 

Hi dhop Welcome!

You didnt say... Is truck out of warranty?

Chances are a trb. code has been set.

If you dont have access to a code scanner...sometimes "Autozone" does and will read "only" OBD DTCs...for free. The catch to this if your a DIY'er, you may get trb. code..but getting the correct fix could be another problem? Sometimes its an easy fix/somethimes not?

Good luck....OT

btw...its been posted...a loose gas cap can do that. Are you lucky

 

The truck does not have warranty anymore, it is a repaired salvage, no engine damage. Ihave checked the gas cap and the hoses no luck. I'll try Autozone, maybe they can help. Thanks for the info!

 

If you are going to be doing this quite a bit, then spring the < 44.00 for the code scaner. Actron has them on their web site, but it is only a scaner.

I think I saw it at Sears Hardware for 39.95.

AutoZone and Pepboys also have scaners, but you might find the one does all with the read and clear, and that is getting into the 200.00 range.

Before you buy one, thing if you're getting a chip, as the SuperChip MicroTuner is a performance program and a DTC cod ereader together, so your scanner / clearer would only cost 100.00 ( additional cost of the MicroTuner over the Chip itself ).

Just some advice, a DTC code reader and a service manual are a must if you are going o be working on your truck.
Myself : DTC code scaner / cleaner for all makes and models, and a copy of AutoTap for all makes / models. Don't know how I got there

 

The light on my 4.2 came on again this morning. Truck has 4,500 miles on the odometer. This time, I'm not bringing it to the Ford dealership again for diagnosis. Last time I brought it in, the service idiots dented my truck.

They told me then that the service light came on due to a "vapor leak." Well, they didn't do anything about the supposed "vapor leak" and simply reset the light.

I'm hoping that the light is on again for some dumbass minor reason, since I really don't want to leave my truck with inconsiderate service crews again.

I read somewhere that we can reset the light by simply disconnecting the battery. Is this true?

 

Disconnect the neg side of the battery, and turn on the headlight switch for 15 to 20 min.

Putting it together.

turn off headlight switch.
reconnect neg.
start and let idle for 15 min, then drive it like you mean it for 15 min or so.

Varry on and off higway, and run WOT through into 3rd gear.
This is what I do to start the adaptive learning of the PCM again.

By chance, can you take it by a place and have it scaned for the ocde that is set, so you know what is going on.
It might not be the same thing again.
I have read Pep Boys and AutoZone will scan the code for free, just get the number from them ( ignore it when they tell you it is the O2 sensors per usual ) and start a thread on it, to see what is going on, if you don;t want to use your warr that is.

Just an offer.

 

Thanks SScully!!

I think what I'll do is drive the truck for a while and see if the darn light goes off.

 

I thought a code was always set until cleared ( battery or code scaner cleared ) , even if the cause of the code was repaired.

This is just my understanding so someone with greater knowledge might correct me on it.

Jefflaws might be around and see this, and let you know for sure.

Also it seems that 2 other Ford Techs are on here, Danny something or another and one other that I am missing on right at the moment.

These members would be able to provide the most accurate info, working on trucks all day.
Where I consider myself STM level II certified. Shade Tree Mechanic level III includes duct tape, bailing twine, and blue wrench & vice grips usage

 

A "vapor leak" could simply be that your gas cap is not on tight enough. When you start the vehicle it does a pressure test of the fuel and evap system - a loose fuel cap will set the code very easily.

Tighten your gas cap. If this was indeed the problem the fault will clear itself after a number of drive cycles and the light will go off.

 

Light is still on.

I'm wondering whether its due to a bad tank of gas. Since the tank is almost empty, I'm considering putting in premium gas and running on the high octane stuff for a while. See if the light goes off after a while.

Since my 150 is only a 4.2, am I just wasting money putting in high octane?

Thanks.