01-22-2015, 03:15 PM
Last edit by: IB Advertising
Issue: Has your truck stalled while the yellow wrench light is on?
This seems to be quite a frequent problem in our community of F-150 owners. Read the discussion below to find out:
While in some cases this is caused by a dirty air filter, most of the time the consensus seems to be that it is an issue with a faulty throttle body that will need cleaning and/or replacement. Cleaning takes about 20-40 minutes (How-to found here) and taking it to the dealer will set you back anywhere from $200-$400. Since this component is also connected to the same system as the OBD port, you might want to check for wiring issues.
Read below to find out the root cause and solve the issue.
This seems to be quite a frequent problem in our community of F-150 owners. Read the discussion below to find out:
- What is the cause of this issue?
- How can it be solved?
- How do you tell if your car is in “limp mode”?
- How do you get the code read?
- How much does it cost to fix at a dealer?
While in some cases this is caused by a dirty air filter, most of the time the consensus seems to be that it is an issue with a faulty throttle body that will need cleaning and/or replacement. Cleaning takes about 20-40 minutes (How-to found here) and taking it to the dealer will set you back anywhere from $200-$400. Since this component is also connected to the same system as the OBD port, you might want to check for wiring issues.
Read below to find out the root cause and solve the issue.
Wrench warning light
03-23-2011, 12:22 AM
#21
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It won't always store a code. Mine didn't set the check engine light till it got to the point where it was going into 'limp home' mode about once a week. My thread:https://www.f150forum.com/f4/engine-...g-story-83163/
03-23-2011, 07:04 AM
#22
It won't always store a code. Mine didn't set the check engine light till it got to the point where it was going into 'limp home' mode about once a week. My thread:https://www.f150forum.com/f4/engine-...g-story-83163/
Evil E,
Thanks for the link to your experience. It describes my problem to a T. I pulled the codes last night and they were indentical to yours.
I'm not real familiar with my local dealership other than the are $98.00 an hour for their labor rate which scares the hell out of me to put it in their hands.
I personally have less than average mechanical skills so doing it myself would be risky also. In any case I'll post the outcome and many thanks to you again for your post.
BTW I have a 05 FX4 5.4 with 50k on it. No engine mods other than a SIDO exhaust.
03-23-2011, 08:30 AM
#23
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Check the other forum labeled "engine just idles" mine did the same thing your saying. It sucks when your on the highway because you lose powersteering. I replaced the throttle body and its been fine since. Got my new throttle body for $186 at the dealership. They shouldnt cherge you more then 1hr labor. Its a 30 minute job.
03-23-2011, 04:26 PM
#24
Check the other forum labeled "engine just idles" mine did the same thing your saying. It sucks when your on the highway because you lose powersteering. I replaced the throttle body and its been fine since. Got my new throttle body for $186 at the dealership. They shouldnt cherge you more then 1hr labor. Its a 30 minute job.
Thanks........thats not nearly as costly as I anticipated.
03-25-2011, 01:31 PM
#25
Check the other forum labeled "engine just idles" mine did the same thing your saying. It sucks when your on the highway because you lose powersteering. I replaced the throttle body and its been fine since. Got my new throttle body for $186 at the dealership. They shouldnt cherge you more then 1hr labor. Its a 30 minute job.
Would one consider possibly cleaning the throttle body as a potential fix for this?
03-26-2011, 07:41 PM
#26
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You could try cleaning it, wont hurt anything. My guess is that the problem is actually with the throttle position sensor. But I went ahead and changed the whole throttle body. The dealer said that they sell 'quite a few' of them so... It really is an easy part to replace:
remove intake tube
remove air cleaner housing
remove four bolts that hold the TB down
install is opposite, light torque on the TB bolts
Just be careful of the electrical connectors, they have a lock built in that has to be slide back before you press the release down, Also, don't drop anything down into the intake.
remove intake tube
remove air cleaner housing
remove four bolts that hold the TB down
install is opposite, light torque on the TB bolts
Just be careful of the electrical connectors, they have a lock built in that has to be slide back before you press the release down, Also, don't drop anything down into the intake.
03-27-2011, 07:54 AM
#27
You could try cleaning it, wont hurt anything. My guess is that the problem is actually with the throttle position sensor. But I went ahead and changed the whole throttle body. The dealer said that they sell 'quite a few' of them so... It really is an easy part to replace:
remove intake tube
remove air cleaner housing
remove four bolts that hold the TB down
install is opposite, light torque on the TB bolts
Just be careful of the electrical connectors, they have a lock built in that has to be slide back before you press the release down, Also, don't drop anything down into the intake.
remove intake tube
remove air cleaner housing
remove four bolts that hold the TB down
install is opposite, light torque on the TB bolts
Just be careful of the electrical connectors, they have a lock built in that has to be slide back before you press the release down, Also, don't drop anything down into the intake.
07-09-2011, 11:26 AM
#28
Update....very late update. I bought a new throttle body from Tasca John, a vendor on here. Good price BTW. Installed it myself which would indicate it is a simple install. Has not missed a beat since. About 90 days ago.
07-09-2011, 12:16 PM
#29
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throttle body
its more than likely your throttle body my truck did the same thing a few times and went into limp mode once or twice around 55000 miles pulled codes throttle body whatever whatever and took it out got my self a can of throttle body cleaner.cleaned it up sprayed some crc on the electrical parts put it back on and works great ever since now have 98000 on her!
07-10-2011, 09:10 AM
#30
Senior Member
This is good info. I'm just wondering how a throttle body would get dirty enough to have a problem. I haven't taken mine off, but isn't it just an aluminum casting with a throttle plate inside of it. I'm sure there's a TPS that attached to it as well, but what exactly are you cleaning? I imagine pulling mine off and having it look like new. For those of you who have done this, what does the inside of the TB look like before you clean it? Is it visibly dirty?