Ok, here's the situation. I have a 2004 4x4 with the 5.4 engine. Me and my wife just got done looking at home we're fixing to buy, as we was fixin to leave my "check engine" light came on. Now, I have had a problem during the summer months with my truck wanting to die on me after start up. Runs well when im driving, its just once in awhile after start up it does this. Whats strange, is that it don't do this at all during the cooler months!!?? Anyways, this was the first time that the check engine light had came on after the engine dies. I took it to one of the local stealerships to see what they could come up with. Bad enough that I had to pay $91.00 for a pinpoint diagnostics then the service manager lets me know that my timing chaines are bad, along with my CMP sensor and little bit of every thing. I bout had a fit when he said I was looking at a $2400 dollar job. Now I know that its probably a PITA to fix but $2400 dollars? I told the dude, that there was no way I could get them to fix it.
Now here is my problem, the stealership that I took it to is well know around these parts for ripping people off. The only reason I took it there was it was the nearest one around at the time. My plan was to take it to another Ford dealership close to my home and let them look at it, sinse I've let them service it before with out any problem. The total parts is $1010 , this includes the chain, 2 tensioners,5 gaskets, a T-arm and the sensor. The rest is labor, fluids, etc. Would it be worth taking it to another Ford dealership? Or should I go to a cheap mechanic and let him do the work? I'm ready to pull my hair out over this problem. What perfect timing this is when I'm in the process of buying a home I really feel like they are trying to rip me off. Maybe it does cost this much, I dunno,
Hopefully someone can give me some advice on this matter. Another question...He said it threw code PO345(camshaft position sensor, circuit malfunction). How can he determine that all that crap has to be replaced without even tearing the front of the engine down to see??

 

Take it to a independent shop and play stupid. Dont mention anything about what Ford said and have them check it and tell you what is wrong, compare the 2. I have a feeling the Ford dealership is really full of it.

 

I thought about playing stupid with the Ford shop that i usually take it too, and see if they say the same thing.

 

I take it you are not qualified to do this on your own??

If not, and you want to save $$$$$$, then get the Ford service manuals, all the required tooling and do the job step by step as per the manuals instructions......to the 'T'. Take your time and take NO shortcuts. Make sure you have another rig to drive because this will take a while.

Your only other options seem to be to pay big $$$$$$ at the dealer or take a chance at an independent shop.

 

That would work also, I just mentioned an independent shop because from my experience they are more trustworthy.

 

No I'm not qualified. I've done talked to several guys one being a mechanic who said that its a VERY labor intensive job. We are talking about the front of the engine. Radiator has to be pulled and if I'm not mistaken you have to have a front engine lift.........I could be wrong though. I can do my own brakes, small stuff like that, service manuall or not, you better be able to do it right.... this is a $30,000 vehicle.

 

Thats what I might end up doing. Like I said, I almost always take it to Ford, for they know these trucks to a T. I'm just worried that a independent shop might not know these trucks well enough. But I'm sure they know alot more then me.

 

Look up a fellow by the name of STEVE at TOUSLEY FORD in Minnesota. He works in the internet parts sales department.

Tell him that Lumadar sent you and enjoy the retardedly low prices on your OEM Ford parts. You will NOT find a better price anywhere else for new Ford parts. Scary good.

But, like others suggested try a different shop and make sure they come up with the same parts lists to make the order.

 

timing chains on a 4-5 year old motor? highly doubt it.

fyi my 02 5.4 was only around $250 for a complete timing chain/guide/tensioner setup.

as for the work to do it. imho its a fair amount of work but at least its easier to access than a timing belt on a transaxle car.

 

Thats why I'm thinking i'm getting screwed. Just by reading a code, how would they know what needs to be replaced? Something dosen't add up.

 

What would cause a timing chain to go bad on that new of a vehicle? I thought chains were supposed to last a lot longer than belts. How many miles you got on it?

 

I have 110,000 miles on it. I do drive alot, and pull a boat once in awhile. But, my 2000 F-150 was drove alot too, kept it for 3 years and never had one problem out of it.

 

Not only are we talking about the timing chains, they are telling me I need new tension, t-arms, also a CMP sensor, which is about $250.

 

your code says that the "circuit "is bad-that's electric.
Open the hood and look on both side of the engine under the valve covers.You will see an electric plug (black) on each side-those are camshaft position circuit connectors.Check if they are tight and wires are OK. I left one disconnected aftr changing spark plugs and got the same code.....

 

110K is more than average for a 2004 but I've seen a lot worse. I don't see any reason for the timing chain to need replacement at that mileage. Makes me wonder what caused it...if that actually is the problem.