Just so you know...
05-21-2016, 09:44 PM
#1
been there done that
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Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: Pittsburgh, PA
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Just so you know...
You might not need a new engine, yet, if you have 0340, 0345.
I have a 2006 Lariat with the 5.4 with 192k when I got it. The day I drove it home from buying it (used, and a very long story for another post), it died as I shifted into reverse to back in the driveway. It would restart but idled poorly and would die when given gas. Check engine light: 0340, 0345.
Three different mechanics at three different shops diagnosed it as needing a new engine.
I continued driving it for a number of months while saving up $ for the replacement engine. Then about a month ago, I accidentally stumbled on the real cause of the CEL.
It turned out to be a damaged wire going to the Cam position sensor connector. The braided wire had broken inside the insulation but the insulation remained intact until it recently separated. A twenty dollar part and a few drops of solder later and the CEL is out, and has remained out.
Sometimes the blind squirrel does find the acorn.
I have a 2006 Lariat with the 5.4 with 192k when I got it. The day I drove it home from buying it (used, and a very long story for another post), it died as I shifted into reverse to back in the driveway. It would restart but idled poorly and would die when given gas. Check engine light: 0340, 0345.
Three different mechanics at three different shops diagnosed it as needing a new engine.
I continued driving it for a number of months while saving up $ for the replacement engine. Then about a month ago, I accidentally stumbled on the real cause of the CEL.
It turned out to be a damaged wire going to the Cam position sensor connector. The braided wire had broken inside the insulation but the insulation remained intact until it recently separated. A twenty dollar part and a few drops of solder later and the CEL is out, and has remained out.
Sometimes the blind squirrel does find the acorn.
05-22-2016, 08:12 AM
#2
Mark
iTrader: (1)
a good mechanic with a multimeter would of found that... instead they were looking for your wallet...
05-22-2016, 08:17 AM
#3
^Most mechanics are very good at finding those
05-23-2016, 12:20 PM
#7
Trending Topics
05-23-2016, 01:19 PM
#8
Senior Member
That is why it is important to find a shop with good and knowledgable mechanics. When you find a really good one to trust you bring everything and there and even change shops when he does. The really good ones sometimes change shops as they are in demand.
Here is the big difference. Most mechanics take the easy route when doing diagnostics. Go for the easy fix first and then dig deeper if you have to.
Good mechanics understand that doing any work before a complete diagnostic is done is a waste of everyones time and your money. More time spend up front actually diagnosing for certain saves time in the long run.
Yes often the easy fix is the issue but not always and that is were the lesser mechanics fall flat. They have already wasted time and parts on what they thought it was as opposed to what it actually was.
Here is the big difference. Most mechanics take the easy route when doing diagnostics. Go for the easy fix first and then dig deeper if you have to.
Good mechanics understand that doing any work before a complete diagnostic is done is a waste of everyones time and your money. More time spend up front actually diagnosing for certain saves time in the long run.
Yes often the easy fix is the issue but not always and that is were the lesser mechanics fall flat. They have already wasted time and parts on what they thought it was as opposed to what it actually was.
