I've been having this problem for about two months. I have two issues with the engine.

1) Every once in a while, the engine will die suddenly. It will start right up afterwards.

I tried cleaning the IAC and even sprayed WD-40 in there. So far, it has not died yet. I have to drive it a while to make this happen so I will report on this issue.


2) My biggest problem yet. The engine kicks when the accelerator is pressed slightly and especially when going up hill. You can feel a slight kick or hestatation when cruising. On several occasions, the RPM will rev up even when I am not pressing hard on the accelarater it will suddenly go to zero then everything is back to normal. When it does this, it kicks hard. It makes me cringe when it does this.

I've changed the fuel filter, air filter, changed motor oil, trans oil, installed new motorcraft plugs, poured STP in the gas tank, checked and sprayed WD-40 in the IAC.

The test drive right after the plugs were replaced still has the kick. All the old plugs looked normal except for #3 and #4. They were rusty around the hex body.

I have 60K miles on the truck with no warranty. I know that if I wash the engine, the problem is magnified.

I took it over to a friend of mine who has a auto shop and a advanced computer and the computer did not report anything during his test. He even drove the truck with the computer plugged in and it was kicking but did not report any problems. He suggested the spark plugs but I've changed this to no avail.

Anyone have any other ideas I should try? I am thinking of replacing all the coils. I found the exact brand new coils I need on EBAY for 19 bucks each.

Thanks,

Gizman2

 

may be the issue is the coil packs that was noted in the previous post and the spark plug change just some what covered the problem.

my thinking....if the coil pack is going bad then the engine would not be firing at the correct time on that cylinder .....which could cause the bumping(surging)?

if you took the coil pack off would autozone be able to test it?

 

Try cleaning the MAF with carb cleaner. Just spray down the sensor wires, do not wipe them, they are very delicate. When it is dirty, it will cause a lean condition. It could also have a clogged EGR port on the intake that can cause the pinging at part throttle.

 

What does MAF stand for?

As for the Coil packs, I don't think Autozone can test them. The problem never showed up on the computer when my automechanic friend tested it.

 

Mass Air Flow sensor--- right after the air filter on the intake tube

 

Ok great! I will give that a try tonight. Thanks for the help guys!

 

I sprayed the MAF right after my last post and it seemed to improve. I sprayed the MAF the second time and I haven't felt anything in the city. Three days ago, I was on the highway and it started to happen again but very slightly. Sounds like I should replace the MAF or check the EGR as suggested.

 

Check the heater hoses above #3 and #4 cylinders, it could have a small drip that is trying to short out the coils.

 

I will check the heater hose. Thanks!