Vehicle history: Truck started idling rough (should say "rougher" since I've always had a slight rough idol since purchasing the vehicle used in 2006) and misfiring about a year and a half ago. Then sat for 1 and a half years only being started and driven once in a blue moon. Now I need to get it back on road. In addition to rough idle, vehicle now has crappy acceleration and will shake when at around 45/50. Seems to not want to shift sometimes due to crap acceleration. Also, I get a feint smell of fuel after getting out of the vehicle sometimes but not every time I drive it (not sure if its from exhaust or from under hood yet) so I haven't driven it for fear of messing up cats.
First things I did was replace spark plugs, oil change, oil filter and I checked all the other fluids when I began this whole process.
Codes: Went to AutoZone and got codes P0174 and P2198. Check engine light was on back when this started a year and a half ago. It' still on and now newly flashing when I get going above 45 ish/use the truck for more than 10-15 minutes.
Auto zone suggested pcv valve but then gave me wrong $3 valve. Went another place and got correct one for $25. Replaced that. Also cleaned MAF sensor. Checked both pcv hoses and elbows which seem to be fine, especially checked one behind throttle body. All looks ok. Put water in each one and held to check for leaks. No leaks.
Plan to do: Replace fuel filter and swap o2 sensors from driver to passenger sides to rule out bad o2 sensor on bank 2.
On right path? What else should I do?
vacuum leak I cant find? Fuel injectors dirty? Fuel pump going bad? Bad cats? Coil packs? I hate these codes because it seems like there are so may things or combo of things that could be f upped. Also, is there an icv on 2004 Ford F150 stx 4.6 v8? I'll clean that tomorrow if there is one. I know most ppl say vacuum leaks but I'm honestly afraid to start shooting carb cleaner all over place and I have limited tools.
Someone suggested removing maf sensor for quick text drive. Did that and rough idle seemed to get better but still no acceleration. Also, when I replaced pcv valve and reset system, I swear it drove better that night. Next morning the rough idle and check engine lights came back (both staying on sometimes and blinking others).
Limited funds but would say I'm step or two above amateur when it comes to mechanical skills.
Please help. Need to get this fixed. Sorry if TMI...when I read questions without ppl being descriptive I go crazy. Thanks in advance fellas.
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Your best bet right now is to get a compression test to rule out a burnt valve,if compression is good move to cleaning the injectors,when the check engine light flashes you need to turn the truck off,raw fuel it's going to the catalytic converter.
Strongly suggest having independent auto repair shop run FULL scan test - plus view 'cylinder contribution' on live data screen to determine exactly which cylinder(s) are misfiring .. That will tremendously help reduce the guess work as one can then concentrate on just the problem area instead of the entire engine! .. This requires a real scan tool and a skilled technician/mechanic, parts stores aren't equipped with such!
