Not really “hot rod”, but hope you’ll find this worth the read.

Some months ago, my 2002 (5.4 V8) Expedition began to run a bit rough at idle. The service engine light came on so I plugged in the diagnostic tool and found a “P0174” code. The code indicates a lean condition and in searching the web, I found several articles indicating that there may be some issues with contamination on the Mass Air Flow (MAF) sensor wires. This vehicle has an aftermarket air filter and MAF so it’s pretty easy to pop the filter and look down the throat of the MAF. Sure enough, there was some junk on the sensor wires so I sprayed a bit of contact cleaner and the problem disappeared – for a while.

The idle became worse and I did the unthinkable – took it to the local Ford dealer. Now don’t get me wrong, I like these boys and have them change my oil because for 29 bucks they give me 6 quarts, a new filter, top off the fluids, dispose of the old oil, rotate the tires and I don’t have to get dirty (somehow different on the work car..). At any rate, at their recommendation, I had them throw a new set of sparkplugs in (175,000 miles) and off we go. Problem gets worse and the P0174 comes on every 50 miles so it’s back to the dealer. After running their comprehensive diagnostics ($108), they tell me that my fuel pump is 5psi low and that’s the problem. To change it requires draining the tank and their book says this is an $800 plus repair. Ouch – just before Christmas! I’ll wait a bit.

As I think on this, it occurs to me that there may be another issue here. The car runs fine once it’s off idle and shows no signs of fuel starvation at WOT. So I go again to the MAF and this time remove the MAF and find that the gasket between the MAF and the intake flange is compromised - the vacuum leak was playing havoc with the fuel management computer. And the fix? Yup – you guessed it - some good silicone and fifteen minutes later we’re back on the road with the code cleared and purring like a kitten with a belly full or cream. That’s been 400 miles ago and we’re just fine – no codes and smooth idle.

And the dealers sometime wonder “why don’t our customers ‘trust’ us?” Oh, I dunno - $800 plus fuel pump versus a .69 gasket? You tell me…

Joanie is happy as we have a bit more to spend on the grand kids and as most of us know, “when the queen is happy, everyone is happy.”

Merry Christmas All,
Glenn