Thanks for the update. It's too early to declare LEMON, but make sure you fully document all the problems (dates, times, trips to dealer, time in shop, etc.) in case issues keep showing up.

 

7300 miles 2009 Screw XLT 5.4L

Service Engine Soon light came on saturday evening while on a date with my wife. I was running low on gas, 30 miles to Empty. I am guessing this is the problem. Filled up with gas so I am waiting for the 3 cold cycles to happen, hopefully Monday will help. If not then see what dealer says. I did unplug my battery and the initial startup cleared the light but then another restart showed the light. Could be exaust or the watery/bad fuel is still in my system?

Oil life is 60%, as I changed it at 4800ish miles. So that isn't the problem. Didn't see any fluid leaks. My guess is low fuel or some sensor. All gagues/displays are normal. Ran diagnostics on odometer were OK. Maybe I could do the SYNC?

The only other thing I can think of is that we parked on an incline and I put the parking brake on, when I engaged out of park the transmission did 'clunk' pretty hard into D. I would assume this would show a different light than 'service engine soon' if tranny was acting funny.

 

My tranny will make that clunk when parked on an incline. I think there's an old thread on it somewhere.

I think it's just a safety feature to keep the truck from rolling back or slipping out of gear and rolling. Just a guess.

 

I love my Ford and while I've always prided myself on buying whatever suited my fancy without being brand loyal I doubt I'll ever own anything other than a Ford again. Between the bankruptcy's and govt bailouts Ford passed on I just love ford...

THAT SAID...

My '03 Dodge Dakota would show the OBD codes in the dash display just by cycling the key 3 times. Sure would be nice if Ford would do that, at least in the sync for crying out loud..

 

That is nice if Dodge does that. It would always be nice to know what we are dealing with. I just find it funny that the 'service engine soon' light is used for something as trivial as open gas cap, exhaust performance, poor fuel quality. Have another light to indicate a minor problem. For instance, sadly my wife has a toyota, their 'service engine' light comes on at registered times for an oil change. I was driving home (10 hrs) and it came on, kinda freaked me out, then I realized what it was telling me at 10K miles.

I am guessing that my problem, SEE ABOVE POST, was poor fuel quality and or low fuel that caused alarm. At least it is not blinking or in limp home mode. I don't recall my engine giving me less than 100% when my light came on. Nothing is outt aplace

The dealer will liklely charge me $$ to diagnose the problem.

 

Sorry to hear that! Hopefully it gets straighten out on your next trip. I will tell you that I read all the forums and this is the first time i came across this.

 

thanks. you are correct, no other forums or topics on here discussing the 'service engine' light for 2009 f150. who woulda thought so soon!!!

 

Guess I never said that they replaced the camshft positon sensor and all is well. Still lovin the truck!!!

 

light went off this morning. it was on my 3rd cold cycle start. so it was probably fuel related. if it comes on again i will check with ford dealer.

 

haha...wasn't fuel related. My VCT (variable camshaft timing) solenoid is malfunctioning. error code P0020. Quick fix at dealership and under warranty. they just have to order the part.

The person who started this discussion had the same malfunction. just an electrical problem. no symptoms.