Test Driving the 1998 Ford F-150 with the Replacement Engine

The 1998 Ford F-150 pickup truck is running once again. It still needs plenty of work, but the hardest part is probably over now that the replacement engine has been installed.

First thought: the 4.6L Modular V8 is a good engine, but it's underpowered for this truck. Second thought: Something has to be done about all of that wind noise (we will get a replacement mirror and install it at some point) as the radio doesn't play loudly enough to truly drown it out. ;-) The weatherstripping appears to be in good shape.

Of the things that remain to be done, we still need to figure out why the transfer case is stuck, look at the brakes, get some tires and look for a water leak that might have pooched the Generic Electronic Module. As it turns out, the driver's side window motor is good, but power for the 'down' direction is routed through the GEM, which senses the increase in current when 'auto down' is requested at the switch and the motor reaches the end of its travel. I may just bypass it. The transfer case situation will need to be investigated more thoroughly, although it's very hard to apply sufficient violence, *ahem*, persuasion when the truck is on the ground.

Here, as promised, is the build sheet for the truck:

http://greyghost.mooo.com/98f150/98F1...

Note the AEAAB, DEBAF (although this one could be found anywhere cold weather is common), EM0D0, and HDHAL codes in that list. Also note the presence of Daytime Running Lights.

Information about most of those is thin on the ground. The same is true for J. Bernier Auto Incorporated. Whatever J. Bernier Auto Incorporated did, they seem to be out of business now.

Wiring for the DRL feature is seemingly present on all late 90s/early 2000s Ford F-series trucks regardless of where they were first sold. In locations where DRLs are required, a few simple parts are added to enable the circuit.

http://www.fordf150.net/howto/drl.php