(12-30-2013 02:54 PM)LSU04_08 Wrote:  

(12-30-2013 01:55 PM)HeartOfDixie Wrote:  

(12-30-2013 01:51 PM)LSU04_08 Wrote:  

(12-30-2013 01:28 PM)HeartOfDixie Wrote:  My 04 with the 5.4 had the dreaded head/plug issues. It almost ruined what was an otherwise flawless truck. Well, other than the tough but terribly spaced 4 speed and absolutely zero power that the truck had.

Yeah, my gas mileage was horrid and the power was worse than that. But like you, I loved mine too... The plug issue ruined me on Fords. Had a Chevy Cheyenne V6 Vortec single cab pickup before that. I put close to 295,000 miles on it and it was only ever put into the shop once, for the tranny, within 2 months of buying it. Never had a single other issue out of it again and I hate myself for trading it.


Edit: 1997 Cheyenne. and a 1993 before that. Loved both of them dearly.

My RRS replaced it.

The 5.4 was smooth but had very little power. I got better mileage with the F-150 and the 5.4 than the S/C 4.2 AJ in the Land Rover.

I don't have a clue what that Tahoe/Yukon Frankenstien SUV got, but my Ford got around 12.5, the red Dodge around 13, and my new white Dodge gets 20, or somewhere around that... I know I drove down to Orange, Tx from Doyline, La on slightly less than half a tank though... And that's cruising up and down hills @ 85 mph with two family members, luggage, and the A/C kicking. 390 HP, 411 ft/lb, and a 6 speed tranny make a big difference...

Driving in Birmingham traffic, acing people out and blasting down on ramps etc, my Range Rover got about 8 mpg. I loved that car but even pickup trucks would laugh at the gas mileage.

The Jaguar AJ V8 in that vehicle was probably my favorite in any car I've ever had. It had a nice supercharger whine and was really strong all the way up to redline. It wasn't that fast since the car itself as heavy as hell but it felt nice and strong.

My last two cars have been Korean. Had a 2000 Hyundai Elantra that made it 12 years before I got rid of it. Never had any issues other than replacing an ignition coil once. Currently I am driving a 2007 Kia Spectra that just went over 180K with (knock on wood) zero mechanical issues.

You guys may laugh about Korean cars, but they are inexpensive, mechanically sound, and get great gas mileage.

(12-30-2013 03:09 PM)subflea Wrote:  My last two cars have been Korean. Had a 2000 Hyundai Elantra that made it 12 years before I got rid of it. Never had any issues other than replacing an ignition coil once. Currently I am driving a 2007 Kia Spectra that just went over 180K with (knock on wood) zero mechanical issues.

You guys may laugh about Korean cars, but they are inexpensive, mechanically sound, and get great gas mileage.

Kia's are made in Georgia now, and produce some really nice cars. My GF was in the market to get rid of her 2010 Altima Coup and her final three choices came down to the 2014 Mazda 6 Grand Touring and the loaded 2014 Kia Optima/Cadenza.

(12-30-2013 03:05 PM)HeartOfDixie Wrote:  

(12-30-2013 02:54 PM)LSU04_08 Wrote:  

(12-30-2013 01:55 PM)HeartOfDixie Wrote:  

(12-30-2013 01:51 PM)LSU04_08 Wrote:  

(12-30-2013 01:28 PM)HeartOfDixie Wrote:  My 04 with the 5.4 had the dreaded head/plug issues. It almost ruined what was an otherwise flawless truck. Well, other than the tough but terribly spaced 4 speed and absolutely zero power that the truck had.

Yeah, my gas mileage was horrid and the power was worse than that. But like you, I loved mine too... The plug issue ruined me on Fords. Had a Chevy Cheyenne V6 Vortec single cab pickup before that. I put close to 295,000 miles on it and it was only ever put into the shop once, for the tranny, within 2 months of buying it. Never had a single other issue out of it again and I hate myself for trading it.


Edit: 1997 Cheyenne. and a 1993 before that. Loved both of them dearly.

My RRS replaced it.

The 5.4 was smooth but had very little power. I got better mileage with the F-150 and the 5.4 than the S/C 4.2 AJ in the Land Rover.

I don't have a clue what that Tahoe/Yukon Frankenstien SUV got, but my Ford got around 12.5, the red Dodge around 13, and my new white Dodge gets 20, or somewhere around that... I know I drove down to Orange, Tx from Doyline, La on slightly less than half a tank though... And that's cruising up and down hills @ 85 mph with two family members, luggage, and the A/C kicking. 390 HP, 411 ft/lb, and a 6 speed tranny make a big difference...

Driving in Birmingham traffic, acing people out and blasting down on ramps etc, my Range Rover got about 8 mpg. I loved that car but even pickup trucks would laugh at the gas mileage.

The Jaguar AJ V8 in that vehicle was probably my favorite in any car I've ever had. It had a nice supercharger whine and was really strong all the way up to redline. It wasn't that fast since the car itself as heavy as hell but it felt nice and strong.

Anything is bad in traffic like that lol... Unless you drive an unsafe little fiber glass and plastic smart car.

1998 Dodge Ram with 165k on it (only used in the summer -- work truck)
2004 Grand Prix with 135k on it
2005 Silverado 4wd with 90k
2010 Jetta TDI (just bought it last month)

Over the summer, we lost our 1998 Saturn with 225k on it (totaled in an accident). And, we traded in a 2002 Saturn with 150k on it for the Jetta.

(12-30-2013 03:36 PM)GeorgeBorkFan Wrote:  1998 Dodge Ram with 165k on it (only used in the summer -- work truck)
2004 Grand Prix with 135k on it
2005 Silverado 4wd with 90k
2010 Jetta TDI (just bought it last month)

Over the summer, we lost our 1998 Saturn with 225k on it (totaled in an accident). And, we traded in a 2002 Saturn with 150k on it for the Jetta.

Do you have enough cars? Lol

(12-29-2013 10:27 PM)smn1256 Wrote:  

(12-29-2013 10:23 PM)oklalittledixie Wrote:  

(12-29-2013 10:20 PM)smn1256 Wrote:  

(12-29-2013 10:17 PM)WPDAWG08 Wrote:  

(12-29-2013 10:14 PM)smn1256 Wrote:  I also have a Tacoma and towed a trailer from California to Texas and hardly knew it was there.

Nice dixie you got an auto or 5spd?4x4?

Yeah if I were heavily towing I would have a cummins tbh. But for lighter loads the taco does well imo

Automatic. The thing came with everything, including the towing package, but the stereo system blows.

I had to install the hitch, but that wasn't too much. The stereo is not the best. The CD player stopped working and one of the channels is blown.

On hot days my compass/thermometer would stop working and start working again when it cooled off. Now the thing is totally out. Has this happened to you?

I haven't had that problem, but the check engine light has come on and off for no reason. I had it checked and they couldn't find anything. I had them reset it and it hasn't come back on.

WP it's the 5 speed

(12-30-2013 03:46 PM)oklalittledixie Wrote:  

(12-29-2013 10:27 PM)smn1256 Wrote:  

(12-29-2013 10:23 PM)oklalittledixie Wrote:  

(12-29-2013 10:20 PM)smn1256 Wrote:  

(12-29-2013 10:17 PM)WPDAWG08 Wrote:  Nice dixie you got an auto or 5spd?4x4?

Yeah if I were heavily towing I would have a cummins tbh. But for lighter loads the taco does well imo

Automatic. The thing came with everything, including the towing package, but the stereo system blows.

I had to install the hitch, but that wasn't too much. The stereo is not the best. The CD player stopped working and one of the channels is blown.

On hot days my compass/thermometer would stop working and start working again when it cooled off. Now the thing is totally out. Has this happened to you?

I haven't had that problem, but the check engine light has come on and off for no reason. I had it checked and they couldn't find anything. I had them reset it and it hasn't come back on.

WP it's the 5 speed

Having an OBDII system is a worthwhile investment in my opinion. Places like Autozone will read a CEL for free but its not always convienent to find one.

(12-30-2013 03:50 PM)HeartOfDixie Wrote:  

(12-30-2013 03:46 PM)oklalittledixie Wrote:  

(12-29-2013 10:27 PM)smn1256 Wrote:  

(12-29-2013 10:23 PM)oklalittledixie Wrote:  

(12-29-2013 10:20 PM)smn1256 Wrote:  Automatic. The thing came with everything, including the towing package, but the stereo system blows.

I had to install the hitch, but that wasn't too much. The stereo is not the best. The CD player stopped working and one of the channels is blown.

On hot days my compass/thermometer would stop working and start working again when it cooled off. Now the thing is totally out. Has this happened to you?

I haven't had that problem, but the check engine light has come on and off for no reason. I had it checked and they couldn't find anything. I had them reset it and it hasn't come back on.

WP it's the 5 speed

Having an OBDII system is a worthwhile investment in my opinion. Places like Autozone will read a CEL for free but its not always convienent to find one.

I took it to my mechanic. Of course it had gone off by the time I drove it to them. However, they could find no hard codes saved on the system. It hasn't come on since they reset it. I do have other maintenance issues that need to be done like the distributor needs to be replaced complete with timing...crack in the radiator and the power steering pump hoses need to be replaced. Hell, I put 115k on that truck.

(12-30-2013 03:58 PM)oklalittledixie Wrote:  

(12-30-2013 03:50 PM)HeartOfDixie Wrote:  

(12-30-2013 03:46 PM)oklalittledixie Wrote:  

(12-29-2013 10:27 PM)smn1256 Wrote:  

(12-29-2013 10:23 PM)oklalittledixie Wrote:  I had to install the hitch, but that wasn't too much. The stereo is not the best. The CD player stopped working and one of the channels is blown.

On hot days my compass/thermometer would stop working and start working again when it cooled off. Now the thing is totally out. Has this happened to you?

I haven't had that problem, but the check engine light has come on and off for no reason. I had it checked and they couldn't find anything. I had them reset it and it hasn't come back on.

WP it's the 5 speed

Having an OBDII system is a worthwhile investment in my opinion. Places like Autozone will read a CEL for free but its not always convienent to find one.

I took it to my mechanic. Of course it had gone off by the time I drove it to them. However, they could find no hard codes saved on the system. It hasn't come on since they reset it. I do have other maintenance issues that need to be done like the distributor needs to be replaced complete with timing...crack in the radiator and the power steering pump hoses need to be replaced. Hell, I put 115k on that truck.

Did it run like normal when the CEL was on?

(12-30-2013 03:59 PM)HeartOfDixie Wrote:  

(12-30-2013 03:58 PM)oklalittledixie Wrote:  

(12-30-2013 03:50 PM)HeartOfDixie Wrote:  

(12-30-2013 03:46 PM)oklalittledixie Wrote:  

(12-29-2013 10:27 PM)smn1256 Wrote:  On hot days my compass/thermometer would stop working and start working again when it cooled off. Now the thing is totally out. Has this happened to you?

I haven't had that problem, but the check engine light has come on and off for no reason. I had it checked and they couldn't find anything. I had them reset it and it hasn't come back on.

WP it's the 5 speed

Having an OBDII system is a worthwhile investment in my opinion. Places like Autozone will read a CEL for free but its not always convienent to find one.

I took it to my mechanic. Of course it had gone off by the time I drove it to them. However, they could find no hard codes saved on the system. It hasn't come on since they reset it. I do have other maintenance issues that need to be done like the distributor needs to be replaced complete with timing...crack in the radiator and the power steering pump hoses need to be replaced. Hell, I put 115k on that truck.

Did it run like normal when the CEL was on?

Yes, no difference in the way it ran.

(12-30-2013 04:01 PM)oklalittledixie Wrote:  

(12-30-2013 03:59 PM)HeartOfDixie Wrote:  

(12-30-2013 03:58 PM)oklalittledixie Wrote:  

(12-30-2013 03:50 PM)HeartOfDixie Wrote:  

(12-30-2013 03:46 PM)oklalittledixie Wrote:  I haven't had that problem, but the check engine light has come on and off for no reason. I had it checked and they couldn't find anything. I had them reset it and it hasn't come back on.

WP it's the 5 speed

Having an OBDII system is a worthwhile investment in my opinion. Places like Autozone will read a CEL for free but its not always convienent to find one.

I took it to my mechanic. Of course it had gone off by the time I drove it to them. However, they could find no hard codes saved on the system. It hasn't come on since they reset it. I do have other maintenance issues that need to be done like the distributor needs to be replaced complete with timing...crack in the radiator and the power steering pump hoses need to be replaced. Hell, I put 115k on that truck.

Did it run like normal when the CEL was on?

Yes, no difference in the way it ran.

Sometimes the O2 sensor will wear. I'd bet its downstream from the engine where the problem is at.

(12-30-2013 04:04 PM)HeartOfDixie Wrote:  

(12-30-2013 04:01 PM)oklalittledixie Wrote:  

(12-30-2013 03:59 PM)HeartOfDixie Wrote:  

(12-30-2013 03:58 PM)oklalittledixie Wrote:  

(12-30-2013 03:50 PM)HeartOfDixie Wrote:  Having an OBDII system is a worthwhile investment in my opinion. Places like Autozone will read a CEL for free but its not always convienent to find one.

I took it to my mechanic. Of course it had gone off by the time I drove it to them. However, they could find no hard codes saved on the system. It hasn't come on since they reset it. I do have other maintenance issues that need to be done like the distributor needs to be replaced complete with timing...crack in the radiator and the power steering pump hoses need to be replaced. Hell, I put 115k on that truck.

Did it run like normal when the CEL was on?

Yes, no difference in the way it ran.

Sometimes the O2 sensor will wear. I'd bet its downstream from the engine where the problem is at.

What are the repercussions for just ignoring it?

(12-30-2013 03:58 PM)oklalittledixie Wrote:  

(12-30-2013 03:50 PM)HeartOfDixie Wrote:  

(12-30-2013 03:46 PM)oklalittledixie Wrote:  

(12-29-2013 10:27 PM)smn1256 Wrote:  

(12-29-2013 10:23 PM)oklalittledixie Wrote:  I had to install the hitch, but that wasn't too much. The stereo is not the best. The CD player stopped working and one of the channels is blown.

On hot days my compass/thermometer would stop working and start working again when it cooled off. Now the thing is totally out. Has this happened to you?

I haven't had that problem, but the check engine light has come on and off for no reason. I had it checked and they couldn't find anything. I had them reset it and it hasn't come back on.

WP it's the 5 speed

Having an OBDII system is a worthwhile investment in my opinion. Places like Autozone will read a CEL for free but its not always convienent to find one.

I took it to my mechanic. Of course it had gone off by the time I drove it to them. However, they could find no hard codes saved on the system. It hasn't come on since they reset it. I do have other maintenance issues that need to be done like the distributor needs to be replaced complete with timing...crack in the radiator and the power steering pump hoses need to be replaced. Hell, I put 115k on that truck.

Good gracious, Dixie! It still seems like you just bought that damn thing lol...

(12-30-2013 04:06 PM)oklalittledixie Wrote:  

(12-30-2013 04:04 PM)HeartOfDixie Wrote:  

(12-30-2013 04:01 PM)oklalittledixie Wrote:  

(12-30-2013 03:59 PM)HeartOfDixie Wrote:  

(12-30-2013 03:58 PM)oklalittledixie Wrote:  I took it to my mechanic. Of course it had gone off by the time I drove it to them. However, they could find no hard codes saved on the system. It hasn't come on since they reset it. I do have other maintenance issues that need to be done like the distributor needs to be replaced complete with timing...crack in the radiator and the power steering pump hoses need to be replaced. Hell, I put 115k on that truck.

Did it run like normal when the CEL was on?

Yes, no difference in the way it ran.

Sometimes the O2 sensor will wear. I'd bet its downstream from the engine where the problem is at.

What are the repercussions for just ignoring it?

Rough idling and increased fuel consumption.

(12-30-2013 04:08 PM)LSU04_08 Wrote:  

(12-30-2013 03:58 PM)oklalittledixie Wrote:  

(12-30-2013 03:50 PM)HeartOfDixie Wrote:  

(12-30-2013 03:46 PM)oklalittledixie Wrote:  

(12-29-2013 10:27 PM)smn1256 Wrote:  On hot days my compass/thermometer would stop working and start working again when it cooled off. Now the thing is totally out. Has this happened to you?

I haven't had that problem, but the check engine light has come on and off for no reason. I had it checked and they couldn't find anything. I had them reset it and it hasn't come back on.

WP it's the 5 speed

Having an OBDII system is a worthwhile investment in my opinion. Places like Autozone will read a CEL for free but its not always convienent to find one.

I took it to my mechanic. Of course it had gone off by the time I drove it to them. However, they could find no hard codes saved on the system. It hasn't come on since they reset it. I do have other maintenance issues that need to be done like the distributor needs to be replaced complete with timing...crack in the radiator and the power steering pump hoses need to be replaced. Hell, I put 115k on that truck.

Good gracious, Dixie! It still seems like you just bought that damn thing lol...

I know man, but it's still good for a drive down to Idabel if you want to meet for a fishing trip

(12-30-2013 04:06 PM)oklalittledixie Wrote:  

(12-30-2013 04:04 PM)HeartOfDixie Wrote:  

(12-30-2013 04:01 PM)oklalittledixie Wrote:  

(12-30-2013 03:59 PM)HeartOfDixie Wrote:  

(12-30-2013 03:58 PM)oklalittledixie Wrote:  I took it to my mechanic. Of course it had gone off by the time I drove it to them. However, they could find no hard codes saved on the system. It hasn't come on since they reset it. I do have other maintenance issues that need to be done like the distributor needs to be replaced complete with timing...crack in the radiator and the power steering pump hoses need to be replaced. Hell, I put 115k on that truck.

Did it run like normal when the CEL was on?

Yes, no difference in the way it ran.

Sometimes the O2 sensor will wear. I'd bet its downstream from the engine where the problem is at.

What are the repercussions for just ignoring it?

Different smelling exhaust and perhaps some rough idling...

(12-30-2013 04:09 PM)oklalittledixie Wrote:  

(12-30-2013 04:08 PM)LSU04_08 Wrote:  

(12-30-2013 03:58 PM)oklalittledixie Wrote:  

(12-30-2013 03:50 PM)HeartOfDixie Wrote:  

(12-30-2013 03:46 PM)oklalittledixie Wrote:  I haven't had that problem, but the check engine light has come on and off for no reason. I had it checked and they couldn't find anything. I had them reset it and it hasn't come back on.

WP it's the 5 speed

Having an OBDII system is a worthwhile investment in my opinion. Places like Autozone will read a CEL for free but its not always convienent to find one.

I took it to my mechanic. Of course it had gone off by the time I drove it to them. However, they could find no hard codes saved on the system. It hasn't come on since they reset it. I do have other maintenance issues that need to be done like the distributor needs to be replaced complete with timing...crack in the radiator and the power steering pump hoses need to be replaced. Hell, I put 115k on that truck.

Good gracious, Dixie! It still seems like you just bought that damn thing lol...

I know man, but it's still good for a drive down to Idabel if you want to meet for a fishing trip

I'm always down for that... We need to grab the gals and plan a weekend in Broken Bow, it's just about the line of symmetry between our home towns.

You can replace an O2 sensors in 10 minutes and for $20 in some cases.

(12-30-2013 04:10 PM)LSU04_08 Wrote:  

(12-30-2013 04:06 PM)oklalittledixie Wrote:  

(12-30-2013 04:04 PM)HeartOfDixie Wrote:  

(12-30-2013 04:01 PM)oklalittledixie Wrote:  

(12-30-2013 03:59 PM)HeartOfDixie Wrote:  Did it run like normal when the CEL was on?

Yes, no difference in the way it ran.

Sometimes the O2 sensor will wear. I'd bet its downstream from the engine where the problem is at.

What are the repercussions for just ignoring it?

Different smelling exhaust and perhaps some rough idling...

I'm thinking it may just be that distributor problem.