On the way to work this morning I stepped on the gas to pass a slow moving vehicle. No acceleration, engine felt like it was shaking and the CEL was flashing. I let off the gas and coasted for a few seconds and the CEL light went off and everything was back to normal. Anybody had these symptoms?

My truck is a 2007 F150 Supercrew w/5.4L V8. 53000 miles. The only maintenance I've had done besides regular oil changes is a fuel filter and air filter. I also have a Magnaflow exhaust system. Any ideas would be helpful. I thought I'd clean the mass air flow sensor first but do not know how to do this. I know how to remove it but how do you clean?

 

I think there is a way to pull the code. It should be stored in the PCM. Pep Boys or Autozone might be able to pull the code, even if the CEL light is not on, not 100% sure about that.

Cleaning the MAF is simple, just spray it with some elecrical contact cleaner. Don't touch the wires! Very costly mistake if you hose them up! The MAF should be located in the intake tube between the filter and throttle body.

 

misfire? Could be a cop

 

Get the code retrieved from autozone or whatever and bring the exact code here and someone will help you with it.

 

dont go crazy about it. my 05 5.4 has done that a couple times. after each time it occured i tried to duplicate it and was unable to. maybe the crap corn enriched gas we get down here?

 

It sounds like a throttle control problem to me but you have a stored code for sure and it will tell what the problem is for sure.. Get ir pulled and post the exact code here..

 

A flashing CEL is a misfire - almost always a spark plug or COP. I suppose it COULD be a bad injector. It would not hurt to throw a bottle of Techron in the gas.

 

Stopped by PEP Boys on the way home. Since the CEL only flashed this morning there was no code to pull. Tech says the CEL light has to be on hard. He suggested that I drop a can of Lucas Fuel System Cleaner in the tank. So I did. HAsn't done it yet but I did feel a slight sputter once on the way home.

 

So if it is spark plugs,COP's or injectors.....are any of these items under warranty? I have 53000 under an Ford warranty that I extended to 75K.

 

Some areas that offer free diagnosis are using cheap code readers that can't pick up a stored DTC in the KAM.

If you saw it flashing, there is a stored DTC. Find someone who can retrieve it. Not sure if autozone does or not? Otherwise your throwing things at it and have no clue what the issue is. The flashing of the cel is the PCM indicating a fault. That's why it's there. Have the code pulled (most likely a low grade misfire with either a plug or cop like glc said) But it should tell you which cylinder.

 

If it is under warranty... why wouldn't you just take it in if you notice anything like that happening?

Hopefully PEP boys didn't clear the code/codes

 

My thoughts exactly

 

flashing light means misfire. can of cleaner in the tank is not gonna fix it. warranty depends on what warranty you have. there is base care, powertrain, premuim care.

 

Oh I plan on taking it in to Ford but not in this town.

 

Did I say Lucas? I thought I said Techron?