2004 F-150 5.4 Running Rough
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2004 F-150 5.4 Running Rough
Hello. I hope someone can please help me! I'm not a mechanic, but can do some minor things, so please have patience.
I have a 2004 F-150 5.4L SCREW with just under 69,000 miles on it I've had since new. I live in Northern California, so the weather it's experienced hasn't been that bad. About 2 weeks ago it suddenly started running very rough. The idle was very erratic, it sputtered and misfired, revved and slowed and came to a stop whenever I pull up to a stop sign or light. I got about 2 miles from home and turned around.
I had the truck towed to an independent shop where I've had things done on my other cars. The mechanic checked it with his code reader and said the codes he got indicated the cam and crank sensors were bad, so he replaced them. No change. Something he read said the alternator might be at fault, so he put a new one on and, no change. He then put the original one back on. He then discovered that if he disconnected the cam sensor the truck ran almost perfectly, so he left it unplugged, but the check engine light is on. Still runs slightly erratic, though. He said he believed the PCM needed to be reprogrammed or flashed and only Ford could do that so I had to go there. I paid $297.86 and went to Ford.
Ford said they didn't care what anyone else said, they had to diagnose the problem themselves. I said, "Go ahead and do a standard oil change while you've got it, since it's due."
Ford later called and said, "The mechanic says the computer doesn't seem to be communicating with the cam sensors, so he wants to 'start with' replacing the computer." I said, "Start with! How much is that." "$2,200.00 with what's already been done." I couldn't afford that, so I picked up the truck and paid $306.66 for my oil change and diagnosis! The paperwork says, "Confirmed both cam sensors replaced. Ran tests and pulled code P0340. Connected sensor and got same code and engine runs very rough. Performed pin point test DR and checked sensor and wiring from cam sensor 1 and PCM and all look OK. Per pin point test DR11 suggest replacing PCM and rechecking."
I then ordered a re-conditioned PCM from Flagship One matching my truck for $284.99 and installed it on Sunday and plugged in the sensor. Absolutely no change. It made no difference. I've now paid $889.51 and I'm no better off.
I've researched this site and there seems to be a dozen different things that can go wrong with similar symptoms, so I'm completely baffled with what to do next. Does anyone have any ideas?? Thank you!
I have a 2004 F-150 5.4L SCREW with just under 69,000 miles on it I've had since new. I live in Northern California, so the weather it's experienced hasn't been that bad. About 2 weeks ago it suddenly started running very rough. The idle was very erratic, it sputtered and misfired, revved and slowed and came to a stop whenever I pull up to a stop sign or light. I got about 2 miles from home and turned around.
I had the truck towed to an independent shop where I've had things done on my other cars. The mechanic checked it with his code reader and said the codes he got indicated the cam and crank sensors were bad, so he replaced them. No change. Something he read said the alternator might be at fault, so he put a new one on and, no change. He then put the original one back on. He then discovered that if he disconnected the cam sensor the truck ran almost perfectly, so he left it unplugged, but the check engine light is on. Still runs slightly erratic, though. He said he believed the PCM needed to be reprogrammed or flashed and only Ford could do that so I had to go there. I paid $297.86 and went to Ford.
Ford said they didn't care what anyone else said, they had to diagnose the problem themselves. I said, "Go ahead and do a standard oil change while you've got it, since it's due."
Ford later called and said, "The mechanic says the computer doesn't seem to be communicating with the cam sensors, so he wants to 'start with' replacing the computer." I said, "Start with! How much is that." "$2,200.00 with what's already been done." I couldn't afford that, so I picked up the truck and paid $306.66 for my oil change and diagnosis! The paperwork says, "Confirmed both cam sensors replaced. Ran tests and pulled code P0340. Connected sensor and got same code and engine runs very rough. Performed pin point test DR and checked sensor and wiring from cam sensor 1 and PCM and all look OK. Per pin point test DR11 suggest replacing PCM and rechecking."
I then ordered a re-conditioned PCM from Flagship One matching my truck for $284.99 and installed it on Sunday and plugged in the sensor. Absolutely no change. It made no difference. I've now paid $889.51 and I'm no better off.
I've researched this site and there seems to be a dozen different things that can go wrong with similar symptoms, so I'm completely baffled with what to do next. Does anyone have any ideas?? Thank you!
SSDD
Joined: Feb 2016
Posts: 17,606
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My thoughts....
Dirty/clogged fuel filter
Dirty air filter, MAF or throttle body.
Possible corrosion on the FPDM
Maybe spark plug/COP related...
What about noises while it's running, when you start it, etc.? Hearing any weird ones?
Dirty/clogged fuel filter
Dirty air filter, MAF or throttle body.
Possible corrosion on the FPDM
Maybe spark plug/COP related...
What about noises while it's running, when you start it, etc.? Hearing any weird ones?
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2015
Posts: 1,794
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From: MS Gulf Coast
Just reading flagahip one in a post makes me cringe when reading others experience with them...
As mentioned above, I'm with these suggestions. You're coming up on a lot of these service intervals.
As mentioned above, I'm with these suggestions. You're coming up on a lot of these service intervals.
Thread Starter
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Joined: Apr 2017
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Could it be the fuel or air filter if it runs almost OK with the cam sensor unplugged and like crap with it plugged in? I looked at the air filter and it looks pretty clean. Should it look bad if it needs replacing?
My original mechanic said he believes the injectors, spark plugs/COP's are OK. Maybe it's a MAF or Throttle Body issue? I've read about others with that problem and the symptoms are similar.
What's an FPDM? Just looked it up. Fuel Pump Driver Module. Maybe that's what it is.
I haven't noticed any unusual noises at all. When it runs without the cam sensor plugged in, it sounds pretty normal, except it kind of sounds like it's misfiring a little.
My original mechanic said he believes the injectors, spark plugs/COP's are OK. Maybe it's a MAF or Throttle Body issue? I've read about others with that problem and the symptoms are similar.
What's an FPDM? Just looked it up. Fuel Pump Driver Module. Maybe that's what it is.
I haven't noticed any unusual noises at all. When it runs without the cam sensor plugged in, it sounds pretty normal, except it kind of sounds like it's misfiring a little.
Thread Starter
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Oh, and I don't think I had any issues with Flagship One, assuming the unit they sent me isn't really defective which would mean my original one is bad too! But, how would I know without buying a new one for $1,700, too? They were quick and responsive. The packaging was kind of crappy, just plastic mailers, and the new keys don't work very well (really tight when turning off) though.
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Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 133
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From: Mich
Vacabirder, I feel for you I have a 2010 FX4 with 89k miles and my son has a 2007 FXTwith 165K miles on his.
Just a Thought Did you or your mechanic check for a vacuum leak?
I have seen many vehicles run like crap miss sputter and stall from a vacuum leak. Then again you said when you unplug the cam sensors it runs ok. I'm stumped!
I will do some research and subscribe to this thread.We need to get your truck running like it should with only 69k miles on it.
PS. I really don't it is the FPDM cuz if that is bad your truck won't start at all.
I also believe that the cam sensors is part of your problem....
HDHP
Just a Thought Did you or your mechanic check for a vacuum leak?
I have seen many vehicles run like crap miss sputter and stall from a vacuum leak. Then again you said when you unplug the cam sensors it runs ok. I'm stumped!
I will do some research and subscribe to this thread.We need to get your truck running like it should with only 69k miles on it.
PS. I really don't it is the FPDM cuz if that is bad your truck won't start at all.
I also believe that the cam sensors is part of your problem....
HDHP
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Joined: Dec 2010
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From: Mich
I guess it could happen. But the 4 that I have replaced on other people's trucks. Thier truck would not start after they drove it and turned the truck off.Those things get so decayed that I can see them sending a weak signal to the computer to turn on the fuel pump.