I have a 97 f-150 and when I went to drive it the other day it started to shimmy and shake while in park or stopped at a light or stop sign. About 5 minutes later the check engine light came on. I was wondering if this might be a sensor and if so which one. I will take it to to autozone to have them hook it up to there machine at a later date(just had knee surgery today) but wanted to get your thought. There is only about 157,000 miles on it and I bought it 6 months ago so not sure what might have been done to it. Any feedback will be grateful.

 

I think your first move to have Autozone get the codes is a good move. Try to have them give you the code numbers.

 

i would say it should narrow it down after auto zone runs the codes for you ! it could be as simple as a bad vacuum hose !

 

If autozone gives me the codes is there a place on the forum where I can look at them?

 

From your description it sounds more like a misfire. Post the exact code number and we can give the code description. If it is a P03xx number it is a cylinder misfire code.

 

once auto zone runs the codes for you they will tell you what,s the matter !

 

Since I just had knee surgery it will be between the weekend and Monday til I can get it to autozone. If it is a misfire is that a major problem or something easy that can be done and is it a big cost?

 

If it is a misfire, a tune up would probably cure it. It is definately a DIY job. Get the codes first and post them back. Post the exact number, not what the parts guy tells you. They are there to help, but they usually are not technicians.

 

if it,s just a miss then a good tune-up might solve the problem ! stuff like spark plug, plug wires, distributor cap and rotor, clean out the throttle body, run some complete fuel system cleaner through the gas tank, change the fuel filter and check for any vacuum leaks ! start it up when the engine is cold and spray starting fluid around all vacuum hoses and the intake gasket !