Hey there. I'm an South Africa ex-patriot living in Katy, TX and got my first truck yesterday, an 2002 F-150 XL with 105K on the clock from the only previous owner who has all the service papers etc. Reason for an older used vehicle is I'm going back to school - again!

I would really like to learn to work on my own truck. I used to fix all my own stuff when I had a Mini 1000 back in South Africa 30 years ago, but life was simpler then, and so were car engines.

A few questions:

1. Would you recommend I take the truck in to get it totally checked out and have everything fixed and brought up to par before I start to get "into" it? Check engine light came on this morning (urgh!) and have no idea what it could be.
2. When in park and I turned to steering wheel, there seems to be a sort of a squeak, goes in either direction. Is this normal?
3. What is a good reputable place to buy parts from, both online and stores down the road. I need to get floor mats.
4. Should I stick to Motorcraft or are there other better brands?

Thanks,

John

 

Welcome to F150forum.com .. Lots of good guys and info here... Be sure to post some pictures

Answers

1. IF you are wanting to learn to work on it.. do it your self... Take it to autozone or some kind of parts start like that and have them check the codes for you... post the code in the section for your truck and they will help you start diagnosing it

2. Prolly your ball joints... that model truck does that when the ball joints start showing some age.. alot of people drive them like that for ever haha... but it could be anumber of other things.

3. Autozone..Oreillys..Advanced..Napa... many others.. online i use ebay..lmc..stylin trucks.. rockauto is a really great site also.. they have alot of parts

4. i would stick to motocraft if you are changing parts... i usually use motocraft on starter and altenators if i dont have them rebuilt locally...or ball joints or tie rod ends... but its just your own opinion

Enojoy that truck!!