Engine Check Light! UPDATED CHECK MY COMMENT

Not all readers are created equal. I assume you have no CEL light on right now? Try a different reader that will show stored codes, not just current codes.

Misfire can be a lot.. MAF sensor, plugs, plug wires, 02 sensor, etc..

 

Oh ok, thank you! They were last cleared with the big Daddy snap on scanner and this time i used the handheld actron scanner to read the non existant codes. I wondered if that had something to do with it, but dismissed the idea because that little one has always worked good before. Thank you for the help.

 

Since your truck is a first Gen, you may need to do a tune up. Do you know the last time it had its spark plugs and wires replaced? Misfiring intermittently can be a symptom of that.

 

The code should be stored just not active. that scanner probably only has the capability of pulling active codes

 

Has your truck been through water/rain?
It could be that you are getting a short somewhere... possibly in the injectors or the sparks.

The boots of the sparks may allow water to drip in.

Easiest solution is to get an OBDII reader and see which cylinders are misfiring.

 

That would be the most logical explanation, I agree, but my radio stations and clock are all unaffected. It appears that all my symptoms are electronically controlled, but its eating gas like a mofo and is the worst (stutters & all) 1st thing in the morning (or when has been sitting for any length of time), so Im thinking fuel injectors (or fuel something?). But since my last post the bastard CEL has gone off (flashing, then gone) several more times, all when Im "stressing" the engine, trying to get speed on a slight incline~ & when i say speed Im talking 35-40 mph here....POS! So, i used the handheld again and there were codes this time - the same 3 & 5 cylinder misfire as always. I have already changed the coil pack for those 2, got new spark plugs, MAF sensor, fuel filter, did compression test, tried to do a fuel compression test or whatever its called, but 1st gen doesn't have the valve thing on the fuel rail (or something like that) for the tool thing I borrowed from the Zone, but my friend has implied he may know a work around on that one, Lord willing...

I really dont want to take it to a shop again just to get worked, hourly, for NO DAMN improvement, so I'm learning more on here every chance i get. Really grateful for you Seasoned "car Men". Realllly. You guys are friggen Brilliant! Seriously.

 

Ok, thank you