04 ST w/PO174... no fix? Help...

[BeerDelivery04]

Hello all. I have a 2004 Sport Trac Adrenalin currently with 180,000 miles. December of 2013 I got a check engine light for PO171/PO174. Vehicle has trouble starting in the cold, rough - high/low idle (sometimes almost stalling off), bad gas mileage, lack of power to engage onto highway or to pass someone.

Prior to seeing a shop, I ran the SCT X3 on the OB2 and found code PO17/PO174. Cleaned the air intake filter (CAI), cleaned the MAF. Cleared the codes with the scanner and ran some injection cleaner on next fill up. CEL appeared again but only PO174. Checked the internet, replaced at home the vacuum hose that connects to the PCV valve. The original hose had no problems. Replaced anyway, cleared code. Next day, code reappeared. Took truck to friends shop. They ran the scanner, determined it could be a long list of stuff, but couldn't figure out what. They replaced the PCV Valve and the intake Manifold gaskets.

Code came back a week later. Then took it to FORD. Their code scanner found the code and yet they are unable to determine the problem. So what is best, just throw money and parts to see if it fixes the problem. So new EGR valve, new fuel filter, new o2 sensor. Every time they cleared codes, not let the truck run and turn off the codes by its self. I have also ran HEET in the fuel system to remove any water.

So here I am. Stuck. Any ideas? Have probably unloaded $1200 worth of parts and labor to only find out, unable to fix. Contacted Ford directly and they are unable to meet my needs to fix. They suggested contacting the dealership for which I got service to see if we can work out a deal.

 

[Galactica]

It's usually a bad MAF that would cause a recurring P0171/p0174 code, especially with the drivability issues you're having. At 180K with a CAI, it's possible just cleaning the MAF was not enough to fix it. I would consider buying a new MAF, being very careful to install it super clean, see if it fixes the problem, and if not, return the thing so it looks like you never installed it in the first place. Sneaky, I know, but MAF's are not very cheap, especially if you buy an OEM Motorcraft one. I'm seeing refurbished ones for $140.

 

[BeerDelivery04]

Thanks for quick reply. I just dropped it off at Ford again. Using your way, would be great if they just installed a new MAF, didn't charge me for it, let me run it and see if the problem persists. If not, then fixed, or if so, no charge and change to old MAF.

I told them that it stalled out on me twice this morning on going to work. It did, in the middle of driving and the whole time during traffic lights it started to die. Mashing on the pedal to keep it running isn't helpful or fixing anything. I filled the tank up with fuel.

I asked about a loaner car, because I have no other means of transportation to work. They said they would let me know by tomorrow. Tomorrow isn't a great answer because I need to go to work.

 

[Galactica]

The dealership will likely not do this. It would be something you did yourself in the garage. If you tell Ford to replace the MAF, they'll replace it, but you'll get charged for a brand new one plus labor. Hopefully you can get a loaner, but at least rentals can be pretty cheap. Probably be able to get one in the $20/day range.

 

[swshawaii]

You guys must have very lenient parts departments. Our three Ford dealers have policies stating no returns or exchanges on ALL electrical parts, including sensors. On the rare occasion an exception is made, a minimum 25% restocking charge will be applied. BTW, I have heard that faulty ignition coils, or the brake booster grommet can throw those notorious p0171/174 codes, but it's usually both at the same time. Aren't lean codes fun? What a PITA.

 

[Galactica]

Yeah not sure about ford dealers. I was thinking like O'Reilly's. They carry motorcraft. So does Baxters. They've never given me a problem with electrical stuff.

 

[swshawaii]

Gotcha, although most Motorcraft parts are special orders at our local chain stores. The fine print clearly states no returns on special order parts. Checker used to be my local store of choice. Once they changed to O'Reilly, their prices seemed to go through the roof, and name brand parts selection turned into proprietary house branded junk. Back to NAPA in a pinch, otherwise Amazon with free Hawaii shipping, or RockAuto can't be touched for price, selection, and service. JMO

 

[roamer37]

check for air leaks in the hose from engine to MAF or a bad intake leak.. your getting
un-metered air from some where.

 

[BeerDelivery04]

You guys must have very lenient parts departments. Our three Ford dealers have policies stating no returns or exchanges on ALL electrical parts, including sensors. On the rare occasion an exception is made, a minimum 25% restocking charge will be applied. BTW, I have heard that faulty ignition coils, or the brake booster grommet can throw those notorious p0171/174 codes, but it's usually both at the same time. Aren't lean codes fun? What a PITA.

swshawaii, thanks for the reply. I had posted this same problem on the sport trac site and didn't get far either. For the ignition coils, I don't have the factory ones on. I have the Screamin Demon ones on, but never have had any problems with them. Can you explain the brake booster grommet>? Like where it is and how it would affect>?

Ford just called me today, explained they still don't know what is going on with truck and why it is what it is doing. People from work suggested the fuel pump, I said its getting fuel. Some others said the coil pack as you stated above. Also heard of the DFPE sensor. And of course of the MAF meter or even the Idle Control Valve sensor.

I don't think it is a leaky injector. Usually run injector cleaner every 5k miles. But what do I know. I just really hate that Ford built the truck but can't figure out what is wrong with it.

 

[swshawaii]

Faulty SD coil is a remote possibility, although several users have reported them failing.
Try swapping your old stock coil if you still have it and know it works.
http://www.mysporttrac.com/shared/msgboard9e.asp?BOARDNAME=MSG&VIEW=1227007

Haven't yet heard of brake booster leak issues with the ST, but here's a couple mentions.
http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=313677
http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=118690

Vehicle has trouble starting in the cold, rough - high/low idle (sometimes almost stalling off

Sounds to me that you've covered the bases, although at 180K no mention of the SOHC's commonly failed intake gaskets, especially when cold. See the excellent troubleshooting thread below. Also helps to have a competent dealer servicing your vehicle. Why not a reputable independent shop? Still covered under warranty?

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?p=2364255

EDIT- Oops, sorry I missed this in your OP. Were BOTH lower and upper gaskets replaced?

They replaced the PCV Valve and the intake Manifold gaskets.

 

[BeerDelivery04]

So I got a call from FORD today that they have figured out the problem. They said my SD coil pack had a misfire in 5. They did tests on it and it showed all others were fine and 5 was way under and misfiring. I think it was back in 2007 when I got the Screamin Demon coil pack. Lasted me about 7 years and about 100,000 miles. I am hoping that was the fix because I have already spent a lot. They covered me for the install and tests but said they couldn't cover me for the coil because it is aftermarket. I don't remember where the old coil pack was, so even though, probably best I got a new one anyway, to go with all the other new parts. Truck should run like a champ now.

I believe they changed the upper and the lowers. It was a family friend shop and they only charged me $600 for the intake manifold install with the parts too. Heck they even fixed my Tstat housing leak too for free.

Next big thing I have to do, is get upper ball joints done. When I got money for that, will have the installer do that, plus install my Superlift kit I have sitting in the shed right now.