I have a 97 f-150 I like to call ORCA, I have recently smashed the 77k mile mark. I had the check engine light come this week and the only thing I noticed with my truck was that at idle (500-600 rpm) I there is a slight hesitation. Engine is a 4.6l and the the truck is a crew cab 5 speed manual. I am looking for some information. Cahnged the plags and wires at 60k and they look clean.

Thanks in advance for the help

 

Welcome to the club! The check engine light can come on for any number of reasons. Many times it may be for exhaust recirculating problems or other conditions that may or may not affect the performance of your truck. It is something you should check out. However, the only way to know what is wrong is hook up a scanner and get the code that will identify the source of the error. Your options are to take it to a dealer or shop and have them read it, or you can purchase a scanner for about $150. The shops around here wanted $60 - $70 to read the codes so I opted to buy one for about the price of two reads. I wouldn't recommend buying the scanner unless you are mechanically inclined and willing to invest some time into doing some diagnostics. The scanner will identify the source of the error code, but the real source of your problem may be somewhere else that causes the error code to occur. Once you do have the code, you'll need to have a Chilton or other manual, or you can post here to find the problem area. Good luck!!

 

Dave,
One of the most common causes of the check engine light is a dirty Mass Air Flow sensor {MAF sensor} located inside your breather element box. I would try cleaning it using a cotton swab and rubbing alcohol.

Hope this helps and good luck.

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2000 F-150 XLT Supercab 4x2. Bright red clearcoat w/gold two tone.5.4L, 3.55LS, class III towing, keyless entry, overhead console and captains chairs.
Ford bug shield and vent shades, Ford(duraliner)bedliner, Extang Black Max soft tonneau, Westin platinum SS nerf bars. Hellwig rear sway bar, Flowmaster 40 series duals out the corners catback, Airaid and Superchip.

 

You do need to know what the code is and then follow a pinpoint test. There are a lot of things that it could be, as far as a MAF giving you problems u will usually notice a ping when climbing hills or a flat feel when accelerating, the other side of a bad MAF sensor is rich fuel mixture which will give you black smoke out of the exhaust...MAF sensors have the BARO sensor built into them and that is usually the cause of failure...it thinks you are at 4000 feet when u are at sea level and leans out the mixture. Another thing that has gone wrong a lot on your vehicle is the heater box vent drips water ontop of the right side HEGO sensor [oxygen sensor] and sets a light. You really need to know what the code is and go from there...good luck

 

Dave, I also had that same problem, yes it could be a number of things. My problem was the filler neck was cracked at the plastic piece that the gas cap screws into allowing air to escape. The emission shop I took it to said that filling up while the engine running will also cause a fault code. I am replacing the filler neck and will see if that corrects the problem.
Rodney

 

I had a similar problem.My engine light was on and my truck would idle down when i came to a stop. took it to the Dealer and they said it was my aftermarket parts, yeh right. I removed the the filter system and found the trottle body was dirty. cleaned it and the filter, reinstalled the battery cable and the light and the problem is gone.

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99 F-150 XL 4x4. Reg Cab Flareside 4.6 5spd, 3.55LS. gibson 3" cat-back, K&N Gen ll.Westin step bars.Ventshade window deflectors and bug deflector. rhino liner and a cool white shifter ball.

 

My check engine light would come on for a cycle of 3 cold starts. Checked the owners manual on it and it stated that if after 3 cold starts the light went off, no further service is required. It kept coming on so I took it to the dealer. In the end, $80 for the analysis, $80 each for the oxygen sensors (2) + labor. Ouch! These are likely the culprits but it could just be a loose filler cap. Good luck.