James_TX

So, the Fiat-150 has been fixed.

The guy I talked to on the phone sounded very bitter I had brought the thing in there. Said 4 master technicians had spent 'countless hours' on diagnostics and the guy that was handling my account went on vacation and they didn't call me to authorize more charges, so most of that falls on them.

Anyway, $600 intake manifold gasket, $300 diagnostic time (I authorized those two charges) and $600 for a new and programmed PCM.

Freaking computer.

He said that was the first time they had seen it go bad on a Ford.

James_TX

Well, the darned thing backfired and shook as I drove it off the lot. I called up the shop, they sighed and said to bring it back in.

Frankly, I'm done with this thing. It's throwing up the 181 7ES 497 crap again and shaking all over the place.

4th American car to go to hell at 100k. I'll go in Monday and threaten to charge back the entire repair cost and have them meet me in the middle somewhere.

Cash for Clunkers here we come.

James_TX

They've had it another week and are now blaming two cracked spark plugs. Say they've gotten it act weird once, though. Their fault on that one, the problem didn't move with the plugs when they were diagnosing it earlier.

3 more days...

tombo426

Did you ever get it fixed? Seems i'm going down the same road as you.

James_TX

Plugs and computer fixed it. Good luck.

Kphyle

Hi, so I don't know if you're still looking for an answer, but in my book, they have something very similar.

Knocking engine sounds during acceleration or uphill:
1. Incorrect grade of fuel.
2. Fault in fuel or electrical systems
3. Ignition timing incorrect.
4. Carburetor in need of adjustment (on carbureted models)
5. Improper spark plugs. Check the plug type against the VECI label located in engine compartment. Also check plugs and wires for damage.
6. Worn or damaged distributor components (if equipped)
7. faulty emissions system
8. Vacuum leak.

hopefully something helps. ??

transmaster

It turns out you have a fairly common problem with the 4.2L engine. It would seem the most common cause of the problem is in the injection system. Fuel pressure, bad injectors, problems in the fuel rail, etc. Did your "master" mechanics check the injectors for a proper spray pattern, are they dripping. Fuel pressure at the test point on the injector rail, etc. One of the most common causes of popping through the exhaust is a to much fuel getting into a cylinder causing unburnt fuel in the exhaust for that cylinder which will cause detonations in the Cat'. Have you checked out the service bulletins for your truck?

Ford had a good thing going the good old 4.9L (300 CID) I6. Oh I understand the reason for the change, A V6 would be more compact, because of the 90 degree "V" the engine can be machined on the same eguipment that does the V8's, more power, less weight, etc. But I know this you will be hard pressed to get 350,000 miles on a 4.2L like you can get on a well cared for 4.9L.

kulcody

yup i have the 4.2 and it seems that the only time it knocks or studders is when i gas it hard or the engine gets wet? after it rains or i go through a big puddel i when i hvae trouble doing 40mph. and on a dry day it does it when gassing it hard.
ive replaced the plugs, wires, fuel filter and put injector cleaner in it. And runs just the same...crappy. and suggestions??

rt43764

I have a 2003 supercrew with a 5.4 liter. It has the same problems. I've had it to 2 different mechanics with no luck. Neither one charged me cause they didnt have a clue. mine is showing rich codes on both banks with a misfire on 3 code.

Zheist30

I have a 05 f150 with a 4.6 it misfires bad back fires wont hardly pull its self changed plugs replaced two rubber boots that go from coil to plug misfire on #3 #4 #7 #8 need help told it maybe the pcm