Alright guys, I have been searching high and low for about a year now to find me a new truck since I sold my 97 F150. I finally found a nice 2005 F150 5.4 4x4. Its priced fairly and the condition of the truck reflects the price, its actually really nice just a few cosmetic issues, but I was just wondering what to look for in these model year trucks, i have heard that cam phasers are a big issue along with the same spark plug problem that the 97-03's have. There are 2 other concerns I have, one: is that the brake light is lit up on the dash, i was told it could be a fuse or it could be an ABS sensor or possibly worse, two: the cruise control does not work, im thinking it would be a bad fuse or relay. Anyway, tell me what you think because im probably gonna move on the truck today when i bring it back to the dealership. Any info would be helpful!!! Thanks Guys.
04+ don't have the same spark plug issues as the 97-03. The spark plugs in the 04+ were a 2 piece design so when changing the plugs sometimes try break. They make a tool to remove the broken part so no big deal. About the cam phasers, some have issues others don't. Either way it doesn't affect how the truck will run just some make more noise than others. About the abs an cruise control issues, it sounds like either a fuse or a module, because abs an cruis coorelate. Could cost a lot of money an possibly hint at other electrical problems with the truck
Take it to an independent shop and have them do a buyers check. It's usually $100 and will give you a list of everything that's wrong. The 04-05 5.4s had the most problems. The 2piece spark plugs suck, cam phasers are hit or miss, and they run lean with an intake if you don't have custom tunes. There are a lot of fixes out now for all these issues, just have to be prepared to pay for them. sent from my igloo
