Forum Discussion

Grit_dog's avatar
Grit_dog
Navigator
Apr 25, 2020

Ford Triton engine PSA

This may be helpful to some of you with older fords.
2006 4.6 V8, in a Mustang.
Got a code popped up for a cam position sensor malfunction.
Simple enough changed it out, no more code. Seemed like a somewhat common minor issue from a quick google of it , but not usually at suchlow miles. Car has 45k on it
Code came back, same bank. Son changed out the other one just because, cleared code then it came back and said car randomly ran bad for a few seconds. Like loss of power, bucking, then fine.
Code wouldn’t stay off for more than maybe 30 minutes driving.
Did some more research and found that bad diodes in the alternator also caused this same code. Voltage something blah blah blah sends bad signal to ecm.
Just re built the alternator and code is gone. Hasn’t had a random running issue and it’s stayed off for a few drives.
Hope this fixes it, but it’s a strange issue caused by a seemingly uninvolved part.
Hope this helps if you’re having that issue.
Read a bunch about how up until 2009 the Ford 6G alternators has this issue but started using Denso suppleied alts in 09.
Tow Vehicles
  • Grit_dog's avatar
    Grit_dog
    Navigator
    Apr 27, 2020
    Makes sense Ben, thank you for the warning.
    What do think the propensity is for that to happen?
    Probably jump started more than 100 vehicles, I do make sure when the dead vehicle cranks, the jump vehicle is revved up.
  • FishOnOne's avatar
    FishOnOne
    Nomad
    Apr 26, 2020
    Me Again wrote:
    I do not jump any other vehicles with my 2015 RAM for the reason Ben.


    That's a real shame! But I guess that's how people are on the west coast.
  • Me_Again's avatar
    Me_Again
    Explorer III
    Apr 26, 2020
    I do not jump any other vehicles with my 2015 RAM for the reason Ben.
  • Grit_dog's avatar
    Grit_dog
    Navigator
    Apr 26, 2020
    dodge guy wrote:
    You would be surprised at what odd electrical Gremlins voltage issues can create! Hopefully it stays off. However I'm not sure if the Mustang 4.6 has VVT, but you may have an issue with the timing system. Hopefully I'm wrong!


    Yes it's a VVT or VCT engine.
    And no issues thus far with the cam phasers or such. Better not be, lol!
    These are typically pretty bulletproof engines in my past experience, aside from spark plugs breaking!

    It's something to know about for sure.
    And despite my, run 15W40 oil in everything proclamations, I'm actually more conscientious about the proper oil in this particular engine.
  • BenK's avatar
    BenK
    Explorer
    Apr 26, 2020
    If you've jump started another vehicle dead battery while your engine is running...potential diode problems down the road

    The inrush draw from the dead battery's starter maybe over 1,000 amps, which will punch through diodes not rated for that kind of inrush
  • blofgren's avatar
    blofgren
    Explorer
    Apr 26, 2020
    Interesting, thanks! My parents had a 2005 Mustang GT with the 4.6L that they bought new. They fought a check engine light for the 10 years that they owned it and nobody including the dealer could figure it out. It didn't cause any issues, though and it was still on when they sold it.
  • dodge_guy's avatar
    dodge_guy
    Explorer II
    Apr 26, 2020
    You would be surprised at what odd electrical Gremlins voltage issues can create! Hopefully it stays off. However I'm not sure if the Mustang 4.6 has VVT, but you may have an issue with the timing system. Hopefully I'm wrong!
  • dodge_guy's avatar
    dodge_guy
    Explorer II
    Apr 26, 2020
    You would be surprised at what odd electrical Gremlins voltage issues can create! Hopefully it stays off. However I'm not sure if the Mustang 4.6 has VVT, but you may have an issue with the timing system. Hopefully I'm wrong!

About Travel Trailer Group

44,025 PostsLatest Activity: Feb 18, 2025