stcolorado

This is why you never, never, buy a vehicle without having a good, trustworthy mechanic take a solid look at it. Not to kinda kick you when you are down or anything like that... When I got my 05 I took it to a guy I've trusted for years and he pulled and pried at it for a few hours. Took a few plugs out, whacked the suspension around to identify the failed ball joints, and took it on the highway for 20 miles then back to the city. He charged me for it of course but the result was a stamp of approval I felt comfortable with and haven't regretted.

It's a shame they want to charge you for this because chances are they sold you this vehicle knowing full well that these problems existed to boot. It sounds a bit like the PO didn't follow the service manual to the letter, which these trucks really depend on... It may not be too late to get it in check but it may be an expensive task to undertake if there are already this many evident problems.

Chris M.

Far as codes go nothing until tonight actually. Finally got a check engine light! All the dealer wants is a 100 dollars to check the truck out. But now that its on they might do it for free. Plugs and what not I have highly considered as the low end rough idle is kinda off and on. What has me worried is the thick oily stuff/fuel or whatever it is in the intake. Like behind the throttle body. Its messy. Im calling them in the morning to tell them what's up...again. If anything I can be a pain in someone's rear. I have done some research on a lemon law in my state. But I'm not familiar with it. Not jumping on the let's go sue em bus but would like to see them make it right.

Mod (Ret.)

It's common for the throttle body to have black and/or oily residue on its plate after several thousand miles on it. Clean it off, and your idle and perhaps the MPG may increase slightly. Use a throttle body cleaner though, and NOT carb cleaner or gasoline, as the throttle plate has a coating on it that can be damaged if you use a harsh cleaner like carb cleaner.

Chris M.

OK well I have an update! Mileage is back up. No more 8-10 mpg. The truck came with a CAI from K&N, and after reading the stories of the filter being too wet from the filter oil and then getting it on the MAF sending it into a lean code. Thus making the truck rich. Long story short got a stock intake setup and new MAF. Mileage is 13-14 easy.

Mod (Ret.)

Stock rims? Non stock size tires...these can aid in lower mileage. If the rims are non stock, they can add rotaing weight, as will an oversized tire. Ford's estimated MPG rating is all based on a "stock truck", with stock parts as it left the factory. Any mods to drivetrain or engine could alter this rating. The level kit should not be causing any issues though with mileage, unless it has changed the geometry of the drive shafts; sharp angles can wear out joints, plus lower mileage.

You did not mention the mileage on this truck; Could it be in need of a plug/COP change? Don't toss any parts at it just yet though. Is it possible to obtain a car fax on it? If it was maintained by dealership service departments, they will log this and it shows up in a car fax as service records. Not all service centers participate in this though.

Adam013085

You are in the ballpark with 13-14 esp in winter. I have 2wd 4.6 and avg 13.5-15 in winter.

frekeyguy

1. Scan for codes, see if there are any stored codes ? (use a scanner)
2. Any exhaust leaks ? (can you hear it)
3. Is it down on power ? (is it sluggish, do you have to put your foot into it ?)
4. When you coast - does the speed drop really quickly, or does it take a long time to decrease ? (calipers might be sticking)
5. Are any of your wheels hot after a run right off the hwy ? Check rear (parking brakes tend to stick)

Modular man

Sounds like to me u didn't look the truck over that good so it's kinda ur fault

vintageman

Really, way to kick someone when their down, great help there. The main purpose of this site is to try to help others as well as build a little camaraderie.

Modular man

I bet the next time he buys a
truck he will look it over alot better . So I feel like sumone telling him wat he did wrong will help him. I bet he will never make that mistake again. Sumtimes the truth is alittle hard to here.