Reason I ask is my truck has been in the shop for a little over a week and they are still not sure what is wrong...this is the first major problem with a vehicle Ive had and was wondering if this is a normal amount of time, and if not how long a usual diagnosis can take at a mechanics. Out a vehicle over a week kinda sucks!

 

All depends on the issues being diagnosed. Generally a OBDII scan will lead the tech in the right direction and it can be relatively easy to diagnose. BUT, if it is a deeper issue, or one the tech(s) may not be trained properly on that can take days or more. The issue we see more and more of these past 10 years or so is the emphasis is more on part swapping than actual training to understand the function of each system.....so when an issue falls outside of a simple trouble code generated like say a failing O2 sensor or cam/crank sensor, then it becomes much more difficult.

If your at a good service center your probably in good hands. Let us know the problem/symptom that led you to bring it in and maybe we can help steer you in the right direction.

 

Well At idle the engine is rough and shakes the cabin, going up to 35mpg and above is not possible. Also anytime the engine gets up to or over 2k Rpms the engine starts shaking worse!

Engine has 100k on it and has a saleen super charger, there is no smoke and am getting it towed to my mechanic asap. But what do you think?? Here are the engine codes I got off it. I was thinking either sparks or cat, but the shop has smoke tested it for leaks, and I think they said next they are checking the cats.


The engine does have a saleen supercharger on it so that is adding to the time to diagnos I'm guessing. Any thoughts??

 

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You have severe misfire issues.....could be a # of things. You state no smoke, & I assume no knocking or engine noise? If thats the case it could be as simple as coils/plugs, or deeper such as a cam or crank sensor. AT 100k miles it could be a timing chain issue as well. What year engine and what engine?

 

Simple (though humorous) rule for diagnostics and repair:

If it's mechanical, 20 minutes for diagnosis and hours to days for replacement/repair; if it's electrical/electronic hours to days for diagnosis and 10 minutes for repair.

Point being, unless it's a relatively simple, routine issue, there isn't really a "standard time" for diagnosing a complex problem.

 

It's a 2006 5.4L

 

I'm going to assume timing chain issue with the cam phasers, chain, tensioner, guides.....

 

Mechanic still has no idea :-/

 

A good Ford tech should be able to diagnose pretty quickly.....you asked about cam phasers and timing chains?