Truck Repair: Ford 5.4L engine stutters, throttle position sensor, mass airflow sensor

Question
I checked and cleaned the MAF with some carburetor cleaner as well as put some injector cleaner in the tank but it didn't have any effect on the stuttering.  So, without some other test equipment for the other components I guess it's off to the mechanics' shop I go.  It'll probably hold until after Christmas, though.

Can you recommend a good manual for this truck in particular or its model series?  I can't even find the spark plugs or their wires on this truck!

Thanks again,
Dana
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Followup To
Question -
We've just purchased a '98 F-150 with the 5.4L engine and automatic transmission that stutters whenever you accelerate but evens out when you settle in to the next higher speed.  It has 117,000 miles on the engine and was a fleet  vehicle that got regular maintenance all along.  Could it be time for new plugs, wires and distributor cap?  Or is it possible there's a fuel injection problem afoot?

Thanks.
Answer -
Hello Dana,
If it never had plugs and wires, they could be needed.
I would check the fuel pressure, as well as the filter.
Run some injector cleaner through the tank.

There is the possibility of a bad throttle position sensor, but test it before you just get a new one.
Then there is the mass airflow sensor....see this link.

http://www.fordscorpio.co.uk/cleanmaf.htm

A bad temperature sensor could also do it. Go check out this link, even though it is for Chevy.

http://www.chevytalk.org/threads/showthreaded.php?Cat=0&Number=1366279

Van

Answer
Hello Dana,
Beside each injector, you can probably find another electronic looking item for each cylinder. They have small wires like the injectors.
Those items are coils.
Each cylinder has its own coil, which connects directly to the spark plug.
Don't let that boggle your mind. They are not all that hard to change, and have completely done away with distributors, caps, rotors, and plug wires.

There are some other things that need to be correct also.
On some of my fleet trucks, I have had to replace the idle air control valve, but usually due to dying at a stop sign.

Did you check the temp sensor?

As for books, if you want to read through several, and decide which you like, go to the public library, in the refference section, and they have about every one immaginable.
I personally like Mitchell Manuals, but Motors, and Chiltons are good also.

Then Google search for them.

Van