I've got a '97 with a 4.2 and am having a l ittle bit of a driveability problem. Gas mileage and engine performance vary radically, and my "check engine" light comes on sometimes. Every once in awhile it just quits, but starts right back up again. I hate to dump $150 on getting the codes checked and then paying the dealer to play russian roulette changing parts. Somebody out there must have had this problem. What was it?

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The Drunken carpenter

 

Pip, without knowing how many miles are on the truck and some other information, it might be a little difficult to troubleshoot. But you might try some of these things:

Change to, and consistently use, a high quality gasoline.

Use a good fuel injection cleaner. Techron has always worked well in my Lincoln and Volvo. Haven't had to use it yet on the truck.

Change plugs and wires. This 100k between tune-ups is a joke.

Clean MAF sensor wire with windex and Q-tip. BE EXTREMELY CAREFUL!!

You might try cleaning the TB and Idle bypass control valve, but I don't think those will cause driveability issues or throw a check engine light.

Code readers are about $150 in your local auto store. It will pay for itself if it saves you just one trip to the dealership.

Regards and good luck. m.a.t.

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1999 XLT SC, bright red, 4.2l, 5 speed, MAAP stainless nerfs, Prime Designs bug deflector, Astro Euro-Lid II, Mobil 1 Synthetic Oil and Transmission Fluid. Check it out at:
http://www.ownersite.com/OwnersitePublic/WindowSticker.cfm?veh_id=3415