Truck wont start or will not stay running!

[rtamjbp]

Ok so our 2004 Ex was running on Saturday, didn't go anywhere Sunday and when we went to start it Monday morning it started but then quickly shut down... wouldn't start after that. it does turn over so battery and starter are good... we actually killed a battery trying to start it so we replaced that!

We have been having issues with it whenever it would rain lately... somehow the ignition coil is getting wet and will spark and cause the engine to shake until it dries and then you can drive the truck normally....

no check engine lights have been on but we plugged the OBDII code reader in anyway and pulled P0172.. in past experience with a freestar we owned we went through process of elimination and wound up needing a coil and given the issue we had we replaced that...seemed to start right up strong but then died out again... P0172 code was cleared after replacing the coil and now pulls P0174

brand new wires and the MAF seems ok as well... no leaks that we can find in the air system.... we are attempting to replace the plugs today but with the snowstorm that could be an issue...

any ideas???

 

[Tyleryac]

How many miles? What kind of motor?

 

[rtamjbp]

162k mi and 4.0 v6

all new plugs now and still having same issue.... bought a new O2 sensor today but having a hard time getting old one out!!!

 

[rtamjbp]

just an update..... although we replaced the ignition coil pack and an o2 sensor along with new spark plugs and wires... there is no way to tell for sure which of these fixed the issue... when installing the new coil pack the numbers 5 and 6 wires were crossed on the coil.... the o2 sensor might not have been needed after all but we will never know... although the old one did look pretty fried!

now onto other issues... extreme vibration from front end... started out as vib feeling and sound mainly on left turns but is now constant, just worse on left turns.... we have been burning through fuel unbelievably and feel a lot of resistance in acceleration

 

[swshawaii]

Pretty common mistake mixing 5 and 6. Would make TOO much sense if the coil firing order was sequential. 1-2-3-5-6-4? :scratch:

Regarding your front end issues, only way to check is lifting the tires off the ground using jack stands and inspecting. GL

 

[rtamjbp]

had the truck jacked up yesterday to check for play in the wheels.... not enough play or noise (other then brake/rotor) to warrant a bearing change... plus the noise while driving does not sound like the bearrings...... leaning toward differential or rack and pinion...

steering is getting a little difficult more in left turns but is constant even when straight which is why we are going back and forth... no leaks from the boots at all and no visible leaks from the dreaded diff either...

 

[Number4]

Hub bearings shouldn't have more than .005" of play. Hard to measure that with the eye. The tires alone will flex more than that while grabbing them.

Spinning the wheels on the car is next to useless (if it's 4x or AWD) as the axle will cause too much resistance. the sounds you've mentioned are the best indicator of failed bearings.