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Check engine light?

Tiny
BARTRANGER
  • MEMBER
  • 1998 FORD F-150
  • V8
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 90,000 MILES
Suddenly my check engine came on flashing but sometimes it is constant. There is also a knocking noise and loss of power. What could the problem be?
Thursday, March 20th, 2008 AT 4:02 PM

52 Replies

Tiny
BMRFIXIT
  • MECHANIC
  • 19,053 POSTS
Read this guide to get the codes

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/checking-a-service-engine-soon-or-check-engine-light-on-or-flashing

This video will help you clear the codes

https://youtu.be/ahK_eucFi-k

Please let us know what happens. Please run down this guide and report back.
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Thursday, March 20th, 2008 AT 7:18 PM
Tiny
BARTRANGER
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
I took the truck to Ford service and they hooked it up to the computer and determined there was a problem with the 4th valve. The problem is the cable continues to come off the plug and they said I need new cables. The problem I have is that I am in Italy and they don't carry parts for American vehicles, so I guess I will do some shopping on the internet.
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Friday, March 21st, 2008 AT 6:56 AM
Tiny
BMRFIXIT
  • MECHANIC
  • 19,053 POSTS
Sure its the ignition wires
you can try replacing just the one on # 4 for know
until you find the set
good luck
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Friday, March 21st, 2008 AT 5:57 PM
Tiny
GARYD24
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 1998 FORD F-150
  • V8
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 143,000 MILES
Check engine light is on.I got it checked out and the o2 censer cane up.I changed two censers and the light is still on
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Wednesday, September 9th, 2020 AT 6:30 PM (Merged)
Tiny
DAVE H
  • MECHANIC
  • 13,383 POSTS
We would have to know the actual fault code before we can assist further?
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Wednesday, September 9th, 2020 AT 6:30 PM (Merged)
Tiny
BATFCHICO
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 1998 FORD F-150
  • V8
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 86,500 MILES
Recently, I installed a new battery in my truck, shortly thereafter, (I dont know if it was a coincidence?) My check engine light came on. It stays on and now blinks once in a while. The truck has started to shutter slightly which is only noticeable while stopped. Today the truck temp gauge showed normal and the heat was coming out warm then the temp. Gauge dropped to cold and the air started coming out cold. Any ideas what might be wrong? Ive never had prolems with this truck and I dont believe its anything too seroius. Any suggestions before I spend an arm and leg at the dealership? Any help is greatly appreciated!
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Wednesday, September 9th, 2020 AT 6:31 PM (Merged)
Tiny
SERVICE WRITER
  • MECHANIC
  • 9,123 POSTS
Have the codes pulled from the computer to start diagnosing.

Check your coolant level.

The CEL blinking generally means a misfire and that damage may be happening to the converter.

The two may be related or may not.
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Wednesday, September 9th, 2020 AT 6:31 PM (Merged)
Tiny
RASMATAZ
  • MECHANIC
  • 75,992 POSTS
Test the thermostat and for the check engine light you need to have the OBD2 read out at autozone and comeback with the code/s.
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Wednesday, September 9th, 2020 AT 6:31 PM (Merged)
Tiny
RTHOMASSON
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 1998 FORD F-150
Can the check engine light be an indication tha I have ablown head gasket?
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Wednesday, September 9th, 2020 AT 6:31 PM (Merged)
Tiny
INDYUKE
  • MECHANIC
  • 416 POSTS
The check engine light is there to alert you that there is a problem which needs to be addressed in either the fuel, ignition or emissions systems. It will not detect a blown head gasket directly. The key word is directly.

For example, a check engine code pointing to an out of range or bad sensor as being a problem, could in fact be an indirect reaction to another problem of which that sensor is only the messanger. In these cases it does no good to just replace the sensor just because the PCM says it's bad, but to properly go through a diagnostic flowchart.
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Wednesday, September 9th, 2020 AT 6:31 PM (Merged)
Tiny
I2CANDO
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 1998 FORD F-150
  • 18,800 MILES
Auto zone diagnosed P1537 IMRC valve stuck open. Engine idles a little rough.
I am somewhat mechanical, where is this valve located, what is the best
way to repair it. I really don't have $500 to spend but am trying to keep
truck running as best as possible, help would be appreciated.
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Wednesday, September 9th, 2020 AT 6:31 PM (Merged)
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
  • 52,797 POSTS
I am assuming it is a 4.2 v6. There are 2 solenoids that operate the system and the most common failure is the plastic clips that hold the rods break and the rods fall off. Get them checked and if they are broke, they run about 5.00 each from ford.

If they are not broke, you need to have the solenoids checked to see if they work and hold vacuum.

It is not an easy diag. A code never identifies a bad part, just a failed system. Have it checked correctly and then you can decide your next step.

Roy
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Wednesday, September 9th, 2020 AT 6:31 PM (Merged)
Tiny
MNBAINES
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
  • 1998 FORD F-150
  • V8
  • 4WD
  • MANUAL
  • 142,000 MILES
Last week I was shifting up through the gears. I was accelerating normally. When I changed from second to third as soon as I let out the clutch the engine started to shake almost as if it was cutting out. The truck still accelerated. It shook again from third to fourth and the check engine light came on. Sometimes when it is colder and I start the truck it takes a few seconds for it to turn over and actually start. Yesterday and I was accelerating the engine made two pop/bang noises as it shook. Fuel pump issue?
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Wednesday, September 9th, 2020 AT 6:31 PM (Merged)
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
  • 52,797 POSTS
Good morning.

The first thing I would like to see is the code for the check engine light. That will give us an area of failure to help you. You can have it read at a parts store for free.

It could be secondary breakdown on the ignition such as plugs, coils or wiring.

How old are the tune up parts?

Roy

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/engine-misfires-or-runs-rough

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/engine-backfires-while-running
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Wednesday, September 9th, 2020 AT 6:31 PM (Merged)
Tiny
MNBAINES
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
The code is P0303. Cylinder three misfire.
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Wednesday, September 9th, 2020 AT 6:31 PM (Merged)
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
  • 52,797 POSTS
Okay, you need to do some checks.

Roy

303

P0303
Descriptor
Probable Causes
Evaporative Emission (EVAP) System
Evaporative Emission (EVAP) System Canister Purge Valve
Fuel Injector 3
Fuel Pressure Incorrect
Ignition System
Mechanical Engine Failure
Vehicle Running Out of Fuel
Compression low

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-test-engine-compression

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-fuel-system-pressure-and-regulator

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-test-a-fuel-injector

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Wednesday, September 9th, 2020 AT 6:31 PM (Merged)
Tiny
ROSIE 1
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 1998 FORD F-150
  • 6 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 122,000 MILES
Some 12000 miles back I had a rebuilt motor installed in my truck. Recently the engine light went on. It went on and off for a couple of time, now it stays on. I had the spark plugs, wires and gas filter changed on it a couple weeks ago. But the light is still on. What could this be. I notice some white exhaust in the cold mornings and when I turn on the heater a big puff of brownish smoke come up.

Thanks!
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Wednesday, September 9th, 2020 AT 6:31 PM (Merged)
Tiny
BMRFIXIT
  • MECHANIC
  • 19,053 POSTS
Lets take the guess work out of the formula
you should have the system (pcm ) scanned for codes which that will help to pin point the trouble area
let me know what the codes are so I can help
good luck
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Wednesday, September 9th, 2020 AT 6:31 PM (Merged)
Tiny
CHARLIEMAX
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
  • 1998 FORD F-150
  • V8
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 106,000 MILES
The check engine light continues to come on.I have had the truck in for several repairs, take the truck in get it fixed drive for about a week and the light comes on. Plugs, wires and the oxygen sensor have all been changed along with other repairs to get it passsed on a emissions test. Can't keep paying every week for another repair. Would it be wise to disconnect the light?
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Wednesday, September 9th, 2020 AT 6:31 PM (Merged)
Tiny
RASMATAZ
  • MECHANIC
  • 75,992 POSTS
Hi charliemax, Welcome to 2carpros and TY for the donation

What are the OBD2 code/s that are popping up? You don't want to rig the CEL light-you gonna end up flunking the inspection if the inspector don't see the CEL at key on engine off-
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Wednesday, September 9th, 2020 AT 6:31 PM (Merged)

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