01 Sport Trac Flashing Check Engine Light

[Tim VanLandingham]

I have an 01 Sport Trac that we just bought at a good price. The Check Engine light was on and it had what I would term a "vacuum" skip. The previous owner said it was due to the PCV valve, which I replaced. Yes, it was bad. But, it still has that miss and the Check Engine Light is now flashing?
Any suggestions here? I will be going to O'Reilly's to have it plugged up to determine any codes.

 

[koda2000]

I've never heard of a flashing check engine light... ?

As far as the skip, spark plug, plug wire, fuel injector? While the spark plugs are out it's a good time to do a compression test. It's the best way to evaluate the health of an engine. If you've got a piston or valve problem you're looking at major repairs, which may not be worth making.

 

[swshawaii]

Check Engine (Page 9)
http://www.fordservicecontent.com/Ford_Content/catalog/owner_guides/01p27og6e.pdf

Light is blinking:

Engine misfire is occurring which could damage your catalytic converter. You should drive in a moderate fashion (avoid heavy acceleration and deceleration) and have your vehicle serviced at the first available opportunity.

 

[koda2000]

Check Engine (Page 9)
http://www.fordservicecontent.com/Ford_Content/catalog/owner_guides/01p27og6e.pdf

New one on me Steve.

 

[swshawaii]

Surprised. Just shows there's always something new to learn. IMO, no better source of reliable information on EF than YOU.

Thanks Phil!

 

[koda2000]

Surprised. Just shows there's always something new to learn. IMO, no better source of reliable information on EF than YOU.

Thanks Phil!

I'm flattered, but I'm sure there's a lot of people on this forum that know as much/more than me. I admit, I've accumulated a fair amount of Gen II experience over the last 6+ years with 7 Explorers/Mountaineers and an ST. Down to 3 now and counting. I hate the idea of having to move on to something newer and having to start learning all over again.

 

[Tim VanLandingham]

Well! The previous owner thought the skip was due to the PCV valve, which was actually bad, but replacing it did not stop skip. O'Reilly's hooked up their tester and said that there were two codes: one for Bank 1 running lean, and the second for cylinder 1 misfire. When I got home, I had a prayer session over the truck (yes, I did) and found fairly quickly that cylinder #1's injector was unplugged. Fancy that! The previous owners must've done that accidentally while replacing wires/plugs just before we bought it.

 

[hondaslave1342]

New one on me Steve.

Me too...just got done reading it...still trying to figure out correct differential fluid for d4 3.73 limited slip..people on forum use a different weight...should i get synthetic and what weight..also. Atf for our power steering pump..that foreign to me..any advise appreciated..

 

[hondaslave1342]

Well! The previous owner thought the skip was due to the PCV valve, which was actually bad, but replacing it did not stop skip. O'Reilly's hooked up their tester and said that there were two codes: one for Bank 1 running lean, and the second for cylinder 1 misfire. When I got home, I had a prayer session over the truck (yes, I did) and found fairly quickly that cylinder #1's injector was unplugged. Fancy that! The previous owners must've done that accidentally while replacing wires/plugs just before we bought it.

Nice fix

 

[swshawaii]

still trying to figure out correct differential fluid for d4 3.73 limited slip

See pages 245-247
http://www.fordservicecontent.com/Ford_Content/catalog/owner_guides/05p27og3e.pdf

Important to add friction modifier regardless if the 75W-140 synthetic gear lube includes it premixed.

Add 4 oz (118 ml) of Additive Friction Modifier XL-3 or equivalent for complete refill of Traction-Lok axles.

 

[hondaslave1342]

See pages 245-247
http://www.fordservicecontent.com/Ford_Content/catalog/owner_guides/05p27og3e.pdf

Important to add friction modifier regardless if the 75W-140 synthetic gear lube includes it premixed.

is traction lock same a limited slip..

 

[koda2000]

is traction lock same a limited slip..

Yes, just Ford's name for posi-traction

 

[hondaslave1342]

Yes, just Ford's name for posi-traction

So do i add that friction modifier with a limited slip?

 

[koda2000]

Yes. Get it from Ford (Motorcraft) . It used to be about $12.

 

[hondaslave1342]

Yes. Get it from Ford (Motorcraft) . It used to be about $12.

Thanks..what about using a different brand diff fluid? Like mobil. Or should both be motorrcraft

 

[koda2000]

Thanks..what about using a different brand diff fluid? Like mobil. Or should both be motorrcraft

You can use any high quality synthetic gear oil, but be sure to include the Motorcraft friction modifier.

 

[hondaslave1342]

You can use any high quality synthetic gear oil, but be sure to include the Motorcraft friction modifie

your the champ...thanks..