Pool Guy

I went about 2 weeks ago to get an inspection and it brought up the codes p0171 and p0174. i was told to get gumout and put in gas tank (rxp type stuff)... Well I ran the truck 50-60 miles and had it checked at autozone with their code scanner and it showed no codes. I then went back and had it re-inspected. It couldn't be due to Evap and Catalyst showing not ready so I thought that it was due to not driving enough miles. So I drove some more and yesterday had autozone check it again... No p0171 or p0174 codes came up, but now p0506 is coming up and saying idler arm valve issue, which I dont have.

I am going crazy trying to get this thing inspected and would love some direction as to where to turn next. (TB cleaning needed? PCV valve and/or tubing leak???)

I have not changed plugs yet and truck has roughly 130,000 miles.... please help because my inspection is 2 months out.... Thanks

BkoJoe

1*** A code P0171 may mean that one or more of the following has happened:

The MAF (Mass Air Flow) Sensor is dirty or faulty. Note: The use of "oiled" air filters may cause the MAF to become dirty if the filter is over-oiled. There is also an issue with some vehicles where the MAF sensors leak the silicone potting material used to protect the circuitry.
There could be a vacuum leak downstream of the MAF sensor.


2*** A code P0174 may mean that one or more of the following has happened:

The MAF (Mass Air Flow) Sensor is dirty or faulty. Note: The use of "oiled" air filters can cause the MAF to become dirty if the filter is over-oiled. There is also an issue with some vehicles where the MAF sensors leak the silicone potting material used to protect the circuitry.
There could be a vacuum leak downstream of the MAF sensor.


3*** A P0506 DTC trouble code may be caused by one or more of the following:

A vacuum leak
An air restriction in the intake air path or exhuast
A faulty positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) valve
Damaged/failed/dirty throttle body
Internal engine problem
Failed PCM


sounds to me like a cleaning and all around tune up is in order... besides at 130k miles your plugs NEED to be replaced... good luck hope this helps

Pool Guy

I will change the plugs asap... Where would I look for a vacuum leak? would cleaning the throttle body and the maf sensor help? Could not having the plugs changed yet cause any of these codes? Thanks for your help

BkoJoe

i dont know if you would have a vacuum leak, i would start by cleaning air filter, replace PCV valve, oil change, change plugs, and clean the MAF and Throttle body, there is a bunch of write ups on the correct way to clean the MAF and Throttle body...


What motor year make and model is the truck?

do you have an oiled air filter element like a K&N?

Pool Guy

2006 5.4l triton

Just had oil change and put in the rounded air filter... NON OILED

Pool Guy

Also surges at lights and wants to die when turning at low speed... Check engine light came on after running the ac... I thought it was gone but after running ac for a little bit it came back on...

BkoJoe

Ok, all of the issues your having sounds like general tuneup is in order and cleaning, what kind of "rounded air filter" did you put on?


ALSO read up on the spark plug issue your truck has... it can be a PITA to replace the plugs on this truck, i have the exact same truck

Pool Guy

yeah i heard the plugs are a Pain to replace... I got a Fram air filter, but it called for the square one but has the canister type air filter.... Do i need to take the TB off to clean properly or can i use a rag and TB cleaner to clean it.... is there any tricks to getting plugs out... Where are the plugs? I looked and cant find them...

BkoJoe

to explain the plug replacement would take me all day, heres some links to the other things you need to do


throttle body cleaning
https://www.f150forum.com/f72/how-cl...ody-maf-75006/

MAF
https://www.f150forum.com/f72/care-f...-sensor-12942/

replacing PCV
https://www.f150forum.com/f72/replac...6-v-8-a-23363/

cleaning maf
https://www.f150forum.com/f72/how-cl...-sensor-79233/

this is a search for "spark plug issue" in the search area gonna have to click and read
https://www.f150forum.com/search.php?searchid=2799372

there are special tools required for spark plug replacement on this motor

Pool Guy

K... My bad... Its a 4.6l..... Does that make a difference?