I have a 2001 Lightning SVT with codes P0402 and code P0171. I got codes after engine started making a light ticking noise at park or idle that it has never made before. The engine still runs like new, just the ticking noise is driving me crazy. When your accelerating you dont hear it just at park, idle or when engine levels off at low speeds. Just replaced bad egr valve and cleaned injectors but no difference in noise. If anyone can help i would appreciate it. Thanks.

 

Please help my SVT

 

For your ticking problem, stop driving your truck until you check all 8 spark plugs.

A ticking noise (sometimes described as an exhaust sound leak) can be an indicator that one of your plugs is loose and about to eject. Spark plug ejection is a common problem with the modular engines (4.6, 5.4, and 6.8), through the '02 model year, in many different vehicles from Mustangs and Crown Vics to F150's, 250's, 350's, and Excursions.

Make sure each plug is torqued (cold engine) to 12 - 15ft lbs.

P0171 Sys too Lean (bank1)

Most likely it's a vacuum leak or 02 sensor problem.

If you also had the P0174, i'd recommend you clean your MAF, but since you're only getting one, it's a safe bet you have a cracked vacuum line or an 02 sensor that's gone south.

P0402­ Exhaust Gas Recirculation Flow Excessive Detected can usually be cleared by cleaning your EGR. It probably has excessive carbon buildup.

Stewart

 

Thank you for your reply on my truck. I have went to many forums with no reply to this problem. I have already changed EGR valve and cleaned Maf sensor. I was begining to think it was this cam phaser problem i seen you responding to. I will definetly try checking all 8 plugs but it sounds like the last cylinder on driver side. I have never had to work on this truck or had a modular motor, ive always had older V-8 fords,and to be honest i don't know where plugs are located. I cant see anything but coils, fuel rails, and vaccum hoses.I would appreciate a little help with that also. She is my pride and joy, and any help is greatly appreciated.Thanks for your time Stewart_H.

 

Thanks Stewart_H

 

Thanks Stewart_H for your help!

 

Just in case you aren't familiar with a coil on plug, this is what it looks like.


Of course you can only see the top when the COP is installed, but that's the whole thing, boot and all.

You don't need to remove the fuel rails, you can work around them, but it aint easy. For a first-timer changing all 8 spark plugs, it'll take you around 2 hours or more. A "vet" can do it in about an hour or less.

There's a 7mm bolt that secures the coil. Taking them off aint too bad, but putting them back on can be a pain. I upgraded mine and replaced my bolts with a set of Madenterprise Coil Pack Screw extenders.





Once you unplug the electrical connections and remove the COP's, you can access the spark plugs. You still won't be able to see them, and you'll have to work blind.

You need an assortment of extensions and a swivel or two, along with a 5/8ths plug socket.

Because I used to race my Lightning so much, I was changing plugs a lot more frequently than the regular L owner, so I bought a set of these KD tools to make plug removals easier.



Those are extensions with a 5/8ths socket plug on a permanently attached swiveled end, with a magnetized inner head to hold the plug. Much better than a rubber sleeve. The magnetized head gives a much better feel and helps to get the spark plug started correctly, with less chance for cross threading.

Stewart

 

I did a quick search at NLOC and found this thread. Scroll down to post number 4, it's a bit more detailed and will help you.

Spark plug changing video? - The National Lightning Owners Club Inc

Stewart

 

I got right on the plug inspection when i got home. I pulled front plug on driver side and plug looked really good, i think i will replace them all as i go. I did this to get the feel of whats going on, because i have never had a mod motor before. Next i moved to the rear driver side plug ( the one i suspect) and unfastened the coil and it came out with out the plug boot on it. It wasnt forced or twisted on removal. Do you think this may have been the problem? It got dark so i will start back aroud 3pm tomorrow. Just wondering what you thought. The truck has 72,000 miles on it and never really been mistreated,most of high speed run were done on expressways, and were few and far between. I do believe these are original parts still on truck, any hints or pointers would be greatly appreciated, thanks Stewart_H from me and my truck.

 

Thanks for hanging in ther for me Stewart_H, i sure thank you!

 

If the plug came out that easy, I'm very surprised it hadn't launched out of the head before you pulled it. And yes, that probably was the only cause of your ticking noise.

You're welcome. Also, thanks for the reps.

Stewart