Okay so I've had my truck since the summer, loved it and its run perfect.

Last Friday I'm on my way out of town and I notice something. Truck while driving usually around 1200 rpms or so, just cruising lightly on the gas develops a vibration/shudder like I'm driving on a bumpy road. When I get more on the gas and the transmission downshifts it goes away. When I stop at a light it barely does it. In neutral it doesn't do it. A day later my emissions light comes on in the dash. Next day on the way home on the freeway I lose power. Blown fuse, fuse #102 (ignition on), switch one in and make it home.

I made sure all the right fuses were in and tried to run a code reader. All I get is an error. (The code reader still works on another car) And now driving it up and down the block the truck feels like it has no power then when you give it enough gas it jumps forward real quick then goes back to little power.

Any ideas where to go now?

Truck is a 2005 Screw 4x4 5.4L

Thanks

 

Few problems here, let us break them out into a list.

1. Drivability problem - Shudder

2. Blown Fuse # 102

3. DTC set

4. DTC code reader does not work

Sound about right ?

For some background info

Q1. How many miles are on the truck, and what service has been done ( include if O2 sensors and if the fuel filter have been replaced ).

Q2. Are there any after market or modifications done to the truck ( include if remote entry / remote start, audio upgrade, electric fans, programmer, fog lamps, etc ).

Q3. Where do you normally purchase gas ( brand name, econo place, and if the tanker was there when you fueled, or there recently if you go past it a lot at any time ).

I have some thoughts, but without input, these are really SWAGS.

problem #1, Fuel filter, clogged injectors, or closed loop driving /DTC error number ( low RPM is closed loop, uses o2 sensors, when you mash it down, TPS is > 80%, open loop activated, O2 sensors pulled out of fuel flow, and uses DMAP for fuel settings )

problem #2, no clue without knowing if modifications have been made

problem #3, no clue without the code, could also help with problem #1

Problem #4, could be a fuse for the cigar lighter is blown, need to check with another device ( i.e. cell phone charger ). This is the cigar lighter, not the dash 12 V power port, these are different fuses. More info on what the error the DTC reader is giving is needed.

Don't know if this is the best forum to have this in, or Engines ?

 

Ok for the questions....

1. 51k miles on the truck. I haven’t done much other than new oil and filter but the owner before me had all regular maintenance done at the dealership. I believe he did replace the fuel filter recently. Doubt the O2 sensors.

2. No aftermarket modifications. It's a lariat with all the options. Remote entry, fog lamps, sunroof, power slider, no upgraded audio.

3. Usually I stick to Shell or Safeway for gas. That was the first thing I did when I noticed something was went and filled up with different gas. Nothing changed.

When I plug in the code reader I only get "Err" nothing else. Tried this many times and always comes up the same after it tries to read. I will have someone check the cigar lighter ASAP, I'm at work right now otherwise I'd be doing it.

Little more info.... So when it died on me initially I took the battery cable off for a bit and reconnected it. Didn’t change a thing. So last night I go to make sure that’s all tightened down. Tighten it up, then go to start it and there is no juice. Tries to turn over but just kills the battery. Charge it and then try again, nothing. Blew fuse #102 again. Replace that, it starts up. Then I just hear a pop and have a little smoke and burnt electrical smell inside and out. Had to move it to the side of the driveway and called it quits for the night.

 

Okay had my dad check the cigar lighter. At first it worked for a second (light came on the cell charger) then nothing. Tried again and no light.

He's thinking there is a major short somewhere. There is definitely something up with the electrical. I don't really see how a fuel filter could mess it up but could a bad O2 sensor cause that much to be up with the electrical system?

 

problem #1-
51K on the factory O2 sensors should be OK, but the DTC would tell the story for sure. A bad O2 sensor can play hell with the close loop operation ( TPS <= 79% ).
If you already got bad gas, one tank is not going to do much for it, if you did not add something to it as an injector cleaner. Again without the DTC, no sense on playing with this right now.

Problem #2 - blown fuse, I will have to go look at that this is used for, to know where to look. blowing tht many time indicates a problem with the electrical system.

Problem #3 - If you disconnected the battery, the DTC is lost until you complete 2 drive cycles.

Problem #4 - This does not tell me much, could be a problem with the cell phone charger causing this. Also, the name of the error on the DTC reader is useless, you need the manual to have it provide some input as to what the err code means. Maybe try a meter in the cigar lighter ( not the power port ) to see if it has voltage ? Be careful, it is easy to slip with the meter problem, and short out the cigar lighter.

Right now you are shot in the foot for the driveability problem, due to clearing the DTCs when you disconnected the battery.

 

Well thanks for looking into it for me. I'll play around with it tonight after work again and see what I can come up with. I'm close to taking to the dealership but would rather do it myself. Just wish it was anything but electrical!

 

You need to take it to the dealer bro. When you heard the "pop" and burnt electric smell that was most likely something shorting in the dash. Believe me, you can either take it in there now and get some electrical work done or take it in after a few weeks of jackin with it and get a new wiring harness put in. Big $$$.....
Sorry to hear about your truck. I hate to say this but I wouldn't delay in getting it in there and diagnosed. Electrical gremlins only get worse.

 

Tried a bit last night, it had killed the battery again, charged it and started it up. Found some smoke coming from the ignition coil on cylinder #1. Looks like it was shorting out in there. On the plastic of the ignition coil the top was popped and cracked with melted plastic. Got a new part today so after work will pop it in. That would explain no power/vibration with cylinder 1 not running, and throwing a check engine light. Plus draining the battery. Crossing fingers that I got it.....