P0174 code - shop getting nowhere toward clearing
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Junior Member
Joined: Feb 2016
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From: Plano, TX
P0174 code - shop getting nowhere toward clearing
Help! 3 weeks of throwing parts at it and the shop is getting nowhere toward clearing the P0174 code that THEY created. I'm without a truck and going broke!
Here's the story. 2004 F150 4x4 Lariat Crewcab 5.4L 3valve 183,000 miles.
"Shuddering" was becoming worse so I purchased 8 new Ford coils and new style Autolite plugs on line. Only wanted Ford product and did not want to pay counter prices at the Ford house. A big savings on these parts. Preferred repair shop will not deal with any carry in parts so I found a reputable recommended shop that would install my plugs and coils.
While the truck was there, I asked him to check the front end for rattling noise. He called me back saying I needed upper ball joints and control arms as well as tie rod ends. With alignment total of $1044. I agreed to the work.
After completion of work, he drove it to the alignment shop and called me saying the truck now has a P0174 code. I told him I had NEVER seen that code in all the time I have had the truck. Occasionally I get a P0430 cat code which I clear and go another 3 or 4 weeks before it reappears and I clear it again.
Now the expensive "fun" begins. He has had the truck 3 weeks and every call is a "tried this" didn't work but if we replace "that" we'll resolve the problem. To date he has:
Cleaned and tested MAF sensor
Uninstalled and reinstalled all plugs and coils.
Checked for vacumn leaks multiple times.
Put "smoke" test on all lines.
Said we needed intake manifold gaskets.
Subsequently said we needed a whole new intake manifold. $450 with gaskets. Replaced.
Replaced the hose / 90 degree $100 thingy that connects to the brake cylinder.
Took the catalytic converter causing the P0430 out of the line and tested. Still throwing the P0174.
Dropped the fuel tank and said it had debris and was weak with mid-30's pressure and if we replaced the entire fuel pump ($260 part) we would solve the problem. Foolishly I agreed.
Called after new fuel pump installed. Still throwing code.
Now wants to replace all 8 injectors and fuel pump regulator to solve the "fuel contamination" problem.
I'm totally beside myself. My wife has been saying "cut your losses" and get the hell out of there. But I really don't want to leave with a problem I didn't have before I brought the truck in. I've spent about all I can afford to spend trying to clear this issue. In my 70's, retired, fixed income dilemma and was planning on this being my last truck.
What would you do? And have you ever dealt with an issue like this one?
I want to believe he is trying his best, but it is my money paying for those expensive parts he is throwing at the truck. This year is our 50th anniversary and that planned special trip is being eliminated by trying to solve this issue.
HELP! I'm open to repair advice and suggestions on your thoughts on this situation. I've never encountered anything like this before.
Here's the story. 2004 F150 4x4 Lariat Crewcab 5.4L 3valve 183,000 miles.
"Shuddering" was becoming worse so I purchased 8 new Ford coils and new style Autolite plugs on line. Only wanted Ford product and did not want to pay counter prices at the Ford house. A big savings on these parts. Preferred repair shop will not deal with any carry in parts so I found a reputable recommended shop that would install my plugs and coils.
While the truck was there, I asked him to check the front end for rattling noise. He called me back saying I needed upper ball joints and control arms as well as tie rod ends. With alignment total of $1044. I agreed to the work.
After completion of work, he drove it to the alignment shop and called me saying the truck now has a P0174 code. I told him I had NEVER seen that code in all the time I have had the truck. Occasionally I get a P0430 cat code which I clear and go another 3 or 4 weeks before it reappears and I clear it again.
Now the expensive "fun" begins. He has had the truck 3 weeks and every call is a "tried this" didn't work but if we replace "that" we'll resolve the problem. To date he has:
Cleaned and tested MAF sensor
Uninstalled and reinstalled all plugs and coils.
Checked for vacumn leaks multiple times.
Put "smoke" test on all lines.
Said we needed intake manifold gaskets.
Subsequently said we needed a whole new intake manifold. $450 with gaskets. Replaced.
Replaced the hose / 90 degree $100 thingy that connects to the brake cylinder.
Took the catalytic converter causing the P0430 out of the line and tested. Still throwing the P0174.
Dropped the fuel tank and said it had debris and was weak with mid-30's pressure and if we replaced the entire fuel pump ($260 part) we would solve the problem. Foolishly I agreed.
Called after new fuel pump installed. Still throwing code.
Now wants to replace all 8 injectors and fuel pump regulator to solve the "fuel contamination" problem.
I'm totally beside myself. My wife has been saying "cut your losses" and get the hell out of there. But I really don't want to leave with a problem I didn't have before I brought the truck in. I've spent about all I can afford to spend trying to clear this issue. In my 70's, retired, fixed income dilemma and was planning on this being my last truck.
What would you do? And have you ever dealt with an issue like this one?
I want to believe he is trying his best, but it is my money paying for those expensive parts he is throwing at the truck. This year is our 50th anniversary and that planned special trip is being eliminated by trying to solve this issue.
HELP! I'm open to repair advice and suggestions on your thoughts on this situation. I've never encountered anything like this before.