Hi all! I have a but of a concern. My truck recently started missing real bad. Sometimes it's at idle, sometimes it's all across the rpm range, and other times it runs smooth at highway speeds, but when I get on it to pass someone, it kinda just shakes and misses. It has a check engine light, I've taken it to three shops and had the scanner hooked up.... Came up blank all three times. I've replaced the cop's, spark plugs... I'm even considering changing the injectors... Idk what it is... it didn't spit like this when I first got it, it would have a random miss, but in the last 3 weeks or so it started going crazy. Please help!

 

Year and engine?

You need to have the codes read. If scanners are not reading through the obd port, check the fuse, believe it is the same fuse as the cigarette lighter

Post back with the codes

What cop's and plugs did you install?

Miles? Maintenance history?
Fuel filter changed?

 

Sorry, it's a 2002 5.4K
I'll check the fuse tomorrow morning and have it read again as soon as possibly
I used E3 plugs with Accel cop's.

It has roughly 150,000 miles, will post back tomorrow with more accurate numbers. Oil change every 4,000 miles, always Mobil 1 full synthetic oil, the fuel filter was replaced approximately 10,000 miles ago.

 

I think I may have over spent buying all that for the truck, but I honestly thought buying the best parts for it would make it run better

 

That is a misconception some people get with aftermarket parts.

Got it, unfortunately accell coils don't have the best reputation with these engines and have been known to be the root of problems in most cases.
If it comes back that you have a misfire, that would be a good place to start.

These engines are particular to motorcraft parts. And in most cases perform as good/better than most aftermarket parts.

Yea bud, from what I am reading... those plugs can be the problem as well. A lot of references coming back with bad reviews on that plug with the modular engine.

Here is some info if you care to read
https://www.f150online.com/forums/ot...-plugs-12.html
https://www.f150online.com/forums/v6...ark-plugs.html
https://www.f150online.com/forums/v6...ugs-no-go.html
https://www.f150online.com/forums/v8...ark-plugs.html

I know it sucks to hear... but your best bet after reading those codes (if there is a misfire) is to get some motorcraft parts back on it.
Good thing is, all the trial and error with good information is right here on this site. Anytime you question a replacement part.. just ask


BTW, your cig/data link connector fuse will be drivers side dash panel, fuse number 3, 20amp

 

E3 plugs are junk and have been known to crater in 3000 miles. They may or may not be your problem, but that is the first thing I would change. Also make sure you have put the boots back on your plugs properly with dielectric grease.

 

Ford did a $150k study of plugs for the 4.6. The best plugs are the Bosch 3101 or Motorcraft. No other plugs are recommended for the 4.6 or 5.4 modular engines! One of the criteria was to provide optimum efficientcy for the 100k milage range. Other plugs may function for part of the milage range but will foul before 100k miles. Some fouled in 1k miles.

 

You can't go wrong using motorcraft ignition parts. After problems some members on here have had with bosch plugs, I would not recommend them.

 

Toyz-thank you so much for the help. Wow, talk about a big waste of money. I'll be pulling that off this up coming month.

Everyone else-Thank you guys for the input. I'll be pulling it all off soon... I just don't have the money for it right now

I do have a question though. I understand that because it has cop ignition, there isn't really much option for this motor, but is there any performance cop or other form of ignition system available for it that isn't complete crap?

 

There really isnt any ignition upgrades you can do with cop's. As far as plugs go, I believe the denso iridums have a great reputation. Otherwise motorcraft platinums, they cost about $2.50 each.

Instead of dropping $80 each on motorcraft cop's, jump on a set of visteon cop's, they are oem specific from what I hear.... relabeled motorcrafts and are only around $150 for a set of 8.

 

Toyz-where can I find those? I'm gonna do a google search on them real quick, but in case I can't find them, if you would happen to know where to find them it would be extremely helpful

 

This thread is a prime example of how great this forum is. Lots of great help here. For the cops bud, check eBay.