I have an 09 with ~170K miles on it. Sometimes at idle it will idle rough and smell smokey, almost diesel like. I put new Ford plugs in at just under 100k miles and new VCT solinoids last fall. Any thoughts on this?
Rough Idle Advice
- Thread starter RustyOval
- Start date
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jkayca
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So many things can cause rough idling. Kind of surprise no light has popped up since the truck stalls. Maybe check to see if the computer has any pending codes stored.
I would suggest the idle air controller as a culprit, but I'm not sure the 09's were using them. For us old schoolers, a bad idle always meant "IAC" first.
No idle air controller (IAC) valve on the 2005+ 5.4 3V Tritons, it’s a fly by wire electric throttle body...no need for one. Check for codes anyway, could be a coil or very well a sticking injector if it’s smokey.
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OP
OP
RustyOval
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Thanks everyone. I am stopping by my mechanics in the morning. He told me on the phone that sometimes a code will show up even if no check engine light or other errors are shown. My mechanic is leaning towards cam phasers. Ill have more info in the morning. This mechanic is very good on these motors as he has one himself in his truck that he recently pulled out to repair. Ill keep you posted....
I experimented tonight on my way to work. If I keep on the gas a little to have the RPMs stay in the 1,500 range there is no issue. Yes, I need to brake with my left in order to do this at stops.
I experimented tonight on my way to work. If I keep on the gas a little to have the RPMs stay in the 1,500 range there is no issue. Yes, I need to brake with my left in order to do this at stops.
It’s very possible your issue is not related to the camphasers but he may find something with his scan tools. Hopefully easier than that. Camphasers are never the issue, it’s oil flow that causes it. If that’s the case it’ll need a whole tear down and new timing chains, tensioners, guides, oil pump, pan drop and clean out.
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Also did you use Ford OEM VCT solenoids? Your symptoms are classic VCT solenoid failure if you are stalling at stop lights with engine in drive.
OP
OP
RustyOval
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Yes, the VCT solenoids were from my local ford dealer. They are not very expensive... got the seals at the same time.
jkayca
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I watched a video of a guy who's F150 was experiencing similar problems to the OP. For quick temporary fix he pulled the electrical connector to the VCT solenoids. Truck was able to run but obviously threw a code because the system disconnect.
