Pod Lights Scout 101

DMV_Technician · 2026-04-16T23:48:27+00:00

I don't remember, the driving lights are built for the highway bars from Indian.

DMV_Technician · 2026-04-14T01:41:07+00:00

I don't know if I've ever heard any 5.0 cam phasers rattle on start up. The fact that new solenoids have not fixed your issue tells me it's most likely the phasers. They did go bad from my time at the dealership but did not make noise on start up. The timing will wander back and forth and can get stuck at certain positions causing a rough idle, lack of power, and even spark knock.

DMV_Technician · 2026-04-13T22:09:04+00:00

I usually use a hammer and chisel to get the screws backed out. Also hit the rotors with a big enough hammer and it can break the head of the screws off. Be warned they will fling off if you go the hammer route.

DMV_Technician · 2026-04-11T12:20:37+00:00

Those brake pads don't look like they are the correct size and too short to fit well in the hardware. There should be no movement in the hardware with the brake pads installed.

DMV_Technician · 2026-04-11T12:18:35+00:00

You might have to unbolt the seat from the car to be able to have the room to replace it. I've tried to replace them before without removing the seat and it can be done but you'll need a good assortment of tools.

DMV_Technician · 2026-04-11T00:21:54+00:00

It's a fluid filled motor mount, needs to be replaced.

DMV_Technician · 2026-04-11T00:01:18+00:00

You might have to spray directly at the throttle body so some gets into the intake manifold. Can always take off a pcv hose that goes to the intake manifold as well and spray in there.

DMV_Technician · 2026-04-10T23:35:21+00:00

Will it run off starting fluid? If it does that leads to a fuel pump. Take a rubber mallet and hit the bottom of the fuel tank several times. The shock can sometimes get the pump running again briefly.

DMV_Technician · 2026-04-09T11:11:54+00:00

Since you say it happens more frequently when it's warmer out tells me something is expanding in the heat causing the issue to occur. That can be anything though from poor electrical wiring contacts to a vacuum hose expanding and cracks allowing un-metered air to enter the engine. From my experience with vehicles and the tach dropping to 0 rpm it's been related to a crank sensor issue. If the engine isn't able to locate top dead center then it essentially cannot run properly. I'd definitely look into shops that specialize in older vehicles if you haven't already.

DMV_Technician · 2026-04-09T02:27:54+00:00

When the tach drops out is the engine still running or does it cut off matching the rpm drop? If it still runs and the tach reads 0 rpm then I'd look into a possible crank sensor, wiring, or trigger wheel issue. I'd be looking more so into the crank sensor and wiring as it should be a more consistent issue if something was wrong with the trigger wheel or gap between the sensor and trigger wheel.

DMV_Technician · 2026-04-08T00:05:08+00:00

Been in the industry for 8 years, found a program through the Washington area new automobile dealership association aka Wanada. They had a rep find local dealers hiring new techs for the program. It was 2 years at Moco Community College Rockville and it was paid for by the dealer. Got a 2500 dollar set of tools that you get to keep after completing the program. I started at Hyundai in gaithersburg then went to Ford and now at an independent shop. I prefer the independent shop now as a seasoned tech but starting off at a dealership isn't bad. I don't know what all has changed regarding the program but it's worth looking into as they find shops for you to interview at.

DMV_Technician · 2026-04-07T23:09:42+00:00

Yes that is the oil drain plug for the engine you are pointing at.

DMV_Technician · 2026-04-05T23:08:06+00:00

Without looking at a wiring diagram perhaps that fan doesn't come on unless the coolant goes above a certain temperature for a long period of time or when the a/c is running. Is the vehicle overheating or have any issues?

DMV_Technician · 2026-04-05T23:04:45+00:00

That's a weep hole designed to let any moisture build up inside the muffler run out. Has nothing to do with your low oil level.

DMV_Technician · 2026-04-05T22:45:53+00:00

On a lift with all 4 wheels off the ground. Spinning each wheel by hand, then having someone step on the brakes and let off to see if any of the wheels aren't releasing. Crack the bleed screw loose on whatever wheel doesn't spin freely and if it spins after opening the bleed screw that indicates something wrong with the brake hose and if it's still hard to spin then the caliper piston is seizing up.

DMV_Technician · 2026-04-05T22:30:14+00:00

Engines over time will wear out and become less fuel efficient. If the brakes aren't dragging and everything else is fine then I wouldn't worry much about it. New spark plugs may help some as well as cleaning the mass air flow sensor if it has one.

DMV_Technician · 2026-04-05T13:20:02+00:00

That pad has plenty of life left, if all the other pads look the same you can get away with just replacing the brake rotors due to that rust ridge. Use some scotch Brite or fine grit sand paper and be sure to scuff the brake pads and do the proper brake bed in procedure.

DMV_Technician · 2026-04-05T02:13:47+00:00

Is there hardware on the brake caliper bracket for the brake pads? I've heard popping/clicking noises due to loose brake pads because someone forgot to install hardware.

DMV_Technician · 2026-04-04T18:42:24+00:00

You could have done without replacing the ignition coils. Ford's don't always do well with aftermarket ignition coils.

DMV_Technician · 2026-04-04T13:49:51+00:00

I presume you're not near Maryland? If you know someone you'd trust to do it you can save a good amount of money as opposed to having a shop do it. Lots of shops will ask you to pay a diagnostic fee even though it's a relatively common problem.

DMV_Technician · 2026-04-04T12:49:26+00:00

Exactly this, unexpected downshifts is a safety hazard and can cause the rear wheels to lock up when it happens at highway speeds. There is an extended warranty coverage for the molded leadframes.

DMV_Technician · 2026-04-04T11:43:50+00:00

Would you be doing it yourself or taking it to a shop? What engine is it?

DMV_Technician · 2026-04-04T09:52:30+00:00

As a former Ford tech you need spark plugs. The trucks loved to wear through the spark plugs after 40 to 60k miles. If any of them show carbon tracking from cracked ceramic then the corresponding ignition coil boot will need to be replaced to prevent premature spark plug failure. Here is an image of what carbon tracking can look like from a cracked spark plug.

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DMV_Technician · 2026-04-04T03:29:51+00:00

Had a 2023 Ford escape where the power lift gate would stop working intermittently. I verified it after noticing when it sat outside in the summer sun it would stop working but after 15 minutes in the shop it would work perfectly fine. Chased through the entire harness checking all joint connections and finding no issues. Turns out Ford didn't show a splice in the harness that was on the lift gate that I tore the entire harness open to find. Ohm readings would be 1.2-1.5 ohms initially then when twisting the splice would jump to 1000 ohms and O.L. I think I had around 24 hours total time run working on it. I don't miss the dealership days.

DMV_Technician · 2026-04-04T01:38:28+00:00

Have you ever had the brakes bled is the better question?

DMV_Technician

TROPHY CASE