F-150 fan clutch issue: second act

mosseater wrote:

PUCampin wrote:
May be a bit late now, but a Bluetooth OBDII scanner can be purchased for $15, and a app that interfaces with it for around $5. It can display any sensor output in real time as well as log data. I used such a set up to determine where and when I was having misfires, even though no codes were being thrown, I could watch the misfire count on each cylinder as I drove, and could see under what conditions it was happening. It has been an invaluable diagnostic tool for a whole $20 investment.

I agree with previous posters, it sounds like the bypass valve is not opening reliably, and/or the cooling loop through the radiator is plugged.

I had issues with my previous 04 Explorer transmission getting too hot, but in that case it turns out there was no radiator loop, just a stacked plate cooler, and towing up a hill or backing into a spot after towing, it could not reject enough heat and the fluid would get too hot. Design flaw on Ford's part, but it was there from the beginning, not something that developed after time.

I once paid a dealer $500 to diagnose a intermittent no start. The weren't really sure what caused it, but their regional electrical expert was sure he fixed it. It happened again, and it was then I realized I did not hear the familiar whir/click of the fuel pump when it would not start. $25 fuel pump relay fixed it.

Good luck to you, I hope you get to the bottom of it, can be very frustrating.

I'll send you the OBDII scanner I purchased on Amazon and see if you can get it to work. I couldn't. There was another $15 down the drain. It would power up, and recognize the computer, but no info would exchange. That's when I looked further into the scanners and found out there's apparently a plethora of fake scanners for sale on the internet. I have a feeling mine is one of them. Followed the directions multiple times, but no soap. I still have the Torque app, though. Maybe I'll get brave and try another one sometime.

I wasn't trying to come across as flippant and I am sorry the scanner did not work for you. Mine works on both my 2007 Expy and 2001 focus, and I have read about plenty of people that they have worked for, and yes I have read about the fake ones too. I do know the Bluetooth won't work with apple, you have to get a wifi version and they seem to be more problematic. I use my son's android tablet with a Bluetooth version, I have not even had to re-pair it, it connects automatically. I know it very frustrating for everyone to armchair mechanic when you are the one with the broken truck and nothing seems to work. I have been there too, and I will think positive thoughts for you, hope your truck gets better soon!