I have a 2013 Ford f150 FX4 with 183000 km on it (about 114000 miles). When accelerating from a stop sometimes a big wrench will show on dash and the lights on
dash will blink and truck goes into what is called limp mode. My research says could be lead frame issue or throttle body. When I pull over and restart the truck it goes
back to normal driving. Can you please give me your opinion on this.
Fords have a maintenance reminder light but you need to scan your truck for codes. Limp mode means you have a more serious issue than 'time for an oil change'.. If you don't have access to a scan tool drop by a local parts store and have them scan it for you. Most will usually do this free of charge. Write down any/all codes found and check back with usWhen accelerating from a stop sometimes a big wrench will show on dash and the lights on/
dash will blink and truck goes into what is called limp mode
@hixster my $75.00 code reader probably not good enough. But it shows no codes. I think I will have to scan it next time it shows the wrench.
@gregorys Many decent scan tools can fail to read certain aspects of any given vehicle. Look into @justin-shepherd 's recommendation.. it works fine on his one year model 'newer' truck.
Thanks for replies.
My research says could be lead frame issue or throttle body. When I pull over and restart the truck it goes
back to normal driving.
my $75.00 code reader probably not good enough.
You need a higher level scanner for this.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07JFRFJG6?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
You need a separate computer to access or tablet with Bluetooth capability for the scanner to work. I've used this particular scan tool, and it can get into the Transmission Control Module to retrieve codes. $350 Innova 5160RS scanners can't retrieve TCM codes, I checked before I bought my '14 F-150 earlier this year.
Has the transmission been shifting funky? When lead frames start to go bad, the 4-2 shift, 3-2 shift, etc. can be problematic. Sometimes, the truck doesn't know what gear it should be in when you start coasting. When you start accelerating at a quick enough pace for the transmission to downshift, it can slam into 2nd gear.
I think I will have to scan it next time it shows the wrench.
Whatever codes were tripped will still be there when you get an appropriate scan tool. You don't need to wait until your truck goes into limp mode again.
