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2004 Ford F-150 No Start with P0171, P0174, P0356, P2195, P2197 - Fuel or Ignition Issue?

Model: 04 F-150 Fault Code: P0171 Posted: 2010-12-28 19:29

I have a 2004 Ford F-150 'New Edge' 5.4L 3-valve V8, automatic transmission, 4x4 SuperCrew with 112,000 miles. The truck has original spark plugs and was recently serviced with a full fluid change, belt and hose replacement, tire rotation, and fuel filter replaced in the fall. I've already replaced the Fuel Pressure Regulator Module (FPDM) during summer. The vehicle occasionally misfires but never previously triggered a check engine light or fault codes. I assumed this was due to overdue spark plug replacement—fearing the known issue of spark plug breakage, especially on cylinder #3 in older 5.4L F-150s. I'm currently waiting for my Lisle spark plug tool to perform the job. Recently, after attempting to start the truck, it ran briefly when parked but misfired severely for about 1 minute before shutting off—lasting approximately 15 minutes before being parked. The onboard diagnostics show codes: P0171 (System Too Lean Bank 1), P0174 (System Too Lean Bank 2), P0356 (Ignition Coil A Fault - Cylinder 6), P2195 (Fuel Trim 2 Too Rich), and P2197 (Fuel Trim 2 Too Rich). I'm considering a fuel pump failure as a possibility, but I've not yet tested fuel pressure. I used a SuperChips FlashPaq programmer to retrieve the codes—no tuning has been performed since the truck failed to start. The truck is stock except for a K&N air filter in the factory air box. It's a one-owner vehicle with only one oil change history, all from mobile service. Any insight into diagnosing this issue would be greatly appreciated. I'm especially concerned about whether these codes point to fuel delivery or ignition system failure, and if there's a root cause behind the lean conditions and no-start behavior.

Related fault codes
P0171P0174P0356P2195P2197
Comments (6)
Anonymous 2010-12-28 20:16

Before replacing the fuel pump, check fuel pressure using a gauge—low fuel pressure is a common cause of lean codes like P0171 and P0174. While spark plugs are overdue, they are unlikely to be the root cause of these specific lean diagnostics.

Anonymous 2010-12-28 20:37

Thanks—I'll check fuel pressure first. Does the P0356 code relate to the fuel system? I'm not certain how it connects to the other codes.

Anonymous 2010-12-28 21:35

P0356 is an ignition-related code indicating a failure in the spark circuit for cylinder #6 (the second cylinder from the front on the driver's side). This could stem from a faulty coil, damaged boot, or bad spark plug. However, this alone would not cause a no-start condition. You should verify if there’s spark at that cylinder and check the coil health. The truck uses coil-on-plug ignition (COP) in 2004 models.

Anonymous 2010-12-28 22:31

Yes, my truck is equipped with coil-on-plug ignition system.

Anonymous 2010-12-29 08:37

The 'dreaded spark plug breakage' issue—were you referring to the known cylinder #3 spark plug failure in older 5.4L F-150s?

Anonymous 2010-12-29 19:33

P0356 indicates a malfunction in the ignition circuit for cylinder #6, which could be due to a faulty coil, boot, or plug—though this alone wouldn’t cause a no-start. You must verify spark presence at that cylinder and test fuel pressure and volume. The lean codes (P0171, P0174) suggest an underlying issue such as intake leaks, low fuel pressure, dirty MAF sensor, exhaust leak upstream of the O2 sensors, or a leaking PVC hose or bad PCV valve. For no-start diagnosis, you’ll need both a fuel pressure gauge and a set of noid lights to properly identify the root cause.