I have had a severe problem with a rough idle on my 1999 F-150 Supercab 4x4 with the 5.4 V8. In April of 2000 with about 16,000 miles on my truck, the right rear plug coil failed, causing the truck to barely run. I barely got it into the dealer. According to Rancho Santa Margarita Ford this is a known problem with a radiator line leaking a fine mist on that back coil. They fixed the problem but ever since then it has idled rough. It's been back to the dealer three times, all three times they have tested every system and not found anything, just like many of you in the previous posts on the idling problem. My last visit, I was told this is a characteristic of the 5.4 Trident. I then took it to Click Ford in Irvine, and Capistrano Ford in San Juan Capistrano Ca. Both also said this is just a characteristic of the 5.4. But I continued to research this, and found that there is a Ford Service Bulletin dated 4/10/00. I do not know the contents of this bulletin but was told by one ford dealer out of my area that the fix is to replace the Idle Air Control Sensor. A friend of mine who is a GM mechanic suggested that the failure I had with the coil may have changed the settings in the Computer. My truck is currently at the dealer today and have been told to keep it until it is fixed. I will keep you all posted on the result.

 

My '97 never idled 'perfectly'; and had a coil go bad somewhere around 18K miles. The new coil fixed the obvious problem, however, the idle was never what my silky-smooth Y2K is.

Others have had individual coil problems (mine was in a different location than yours -- I believe second back on the passenger side) -- so it does seem that 8 is not necessarily better than 1.

At least we won't be needing plug wires <grin>.

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Y2K™ Jim

Toreador Red, Keyless XLT SC SB 5.4L E4x4 4wDisc/ABS, 3.73LS, Skid, HD 7700# Towing, LT-245's on Chrome, Tube-Steps, Captain's, 6CD, Tonneau, named: "Nick"

 

Have you disconnected the battery (aka reset the computer)?

 

The computer thing was done before I took it to ford, it didn't work. The dealer has had it now for three days.(for something they felt was a "characteristic" of the 5.4). Last update yesturday afternoon had them reprogramming the computer after they replaced a couple of sensors. Will keep you posted.

 

socalndfan- Please do keep us informed. My '98 5.4 had had a rough idle for 3-4 months, 3 trips to dealer, and no "fix: (although I'm not sure they did any investigating). A lot of people have said replacing or cleaning their idle air control valve seemed to make it better. I would try cleaning, but am not usre where it is - can anyone describe to me where it is? Also, I tried disconnecting the battery, but that had no apparent effect...sigghhhh, anyway, please let us know how it turns out. Thanks

Oh yeah - last time in shop - the "Service Advisor" told me this was due to the camshaft installed in the 5.4", when pressed about why the roughness wasn't more predictable or even, he stumbled like the idle...
KK

[This message has been edited by kearney5 (edited 08-23-2000).]

 

They had it for three days, the term they used was that they "reprogrammed the computer head?" Well, it seems to be okay for now, they said it would take about 300 miles for the computer to set it's settings. They didn't do anything to even look at the Idle Air Control Sensor which pissed me off since I told them that I've been told that this is the problem. But I will wait it out and see if this reprogramming works. I am not pleased at all with the Service I am getting from Santa Margarita Ford and if this problem returns, it's going to another dealer. To top things off, they dropped the key lock box and it scratched the hell out of my door. So now they are going to have to fix that. And Oh, by the way, this truck is now for sale. I'm looking at Tahoes........

 

socalndfan,,, i understand your frustration,,,, but if you are concerned about a poor/rough idle condition... please note... GM service bullitin on the new tahoes has shown a design flaw causing a majority of the 2 and 4 wheel models to have a front end vibration which can only be minimumized with service.. if it aint one thing its another..test drive the GM before you throw good money after bad... good luck my friend,,!!

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2001 Super Crew 4x4,Amazon Green Lariat,Tan Leather, 5.4 liter,Keyless Entry,Towing Package,Captain Chairs,6 CD Changer,Running Boards,Duraliner,Limited Slip,3.55 axle,Skids,and Slider