Hey guys, just bought a new 08 f250 - couldnt resist the 9500 in rebates and I love the truck, got a tuscany package and its sweet. Had an 08 F450 and missed it since I sold it and the 5th wheel.

My question is, Anyone experiencing a BAD dead spot when accelerating from a dead stop ? Almost afraid to get out in traffic ! This truck is a job 3 08 not sure what flash but it is much worse than my f450 was.

 

Yes!
My 08 F350 4x4 A/T SRW Crew Cab SWB 20" wheels 22k miles. I will hit the pedal to the floor and there will be about a four second delay! Also a lot of black smoke. My truck is all stock, no tuners etc. The dealer tells me there is nothing wrong with it. They are full of crap, my wifes 08 F250 4x4 A/T SRW Crew Cab SWB 18" wheels 23K miles will fly off the line very little delay; if my truck would run like that!
They have same gear ratio and no traction control, all services are to date oil change etc. I replaced the air filter in both trucks and went for a spin. Her truck flies off the line, my truck makes a slow pace at first with a lot of black smoke.
Steve

 

sounds like it could be a number of things, sensors in the exhaust system, injectors, maybe somethings else is causing that much lag.

I take it no codes or the dealer would listen better. Did you tell him it fails EPA standards?

Try another dealer. Note there will be just a slight delay due to the emissions and protection of the tranny, but never black smoke.

 

A friend has one that is the same way. Some times when you step on it there is only a slight lag. The next time it might be 4 seconds before it hits and takes off like it should. Ya gotta be really careful in traffic or someone could be in the bed before it goes.

He has had it to at least 2 dealers and called customer support so many times they won't talk to him any more. The only thing that has helped some what is that one dealer wiped the computer clean and reformatted it. He said that helped for a while but gradually faded until it's not much better than before now.

 

I have the same problem. I figured it was just turbo lag and got used to it. If I need to jump on in traffic I just spool it up a bit and then when I'm ready I let of the brake and go.

 

no smoke at all from mine, but definately a 4 second delay, guess a trip to the dealer is in order, will let you know what they say !

 

Keep us posted. There should be no hesitation at all.

 

Please do keep us posted. I guess when I get out of alaska I will have to take my truck a dealer that knows how to work on their product.

 

You know, over the last year there has been a lot of discussion about how one truck behaves in a much different manner than the next. I can put my foot down all the way from a dead stop and count 1-1,000 2-1,000, and when I get to 3 the truck jumps forward.

My point is this, the 6.4 is really a computer with an engine attached to it (at least it seems that way). Anytime I ever use another computer besides mine I am always surprised at how different it reacts to my usual patterns. Think there is anything to this?

I hope your lengthy lag is explained. My 2 second delay is tolerable to me but 4 sounds like too much!

 

I agree with this. They are all different. Another factor that will make things different is how they are driven from day one. Just something to consider.

 

try a banks cold air intake and it will improve. At least mine did.

 

i agree with senix. mine did the same thing so i contacted my dealer. i, however, bout my truck used with 10,000 miles from an older couple who pulled their camper til diesel got to 5 bucks a gallon. i was informed that if the truck was baby'd as it was first driven that is how the computer was first "trained" to act. that with the usual 1 to 2 second delay to protect the tranny makes it a bit slower. i ordered a s&b intake, mbrp exhaust, and edge programmer. my friend had the same problem, he has an intake, exhaust and chip now his blows my truck out the water and has no lag at all. i'm hoping it takes care of mine also! good luck.

 

The lag or delay is programmed in to reduce smoke or soot from hard initial boost. Diesels normally produce the greatest amount of smoke during this period. I'm sure this was also done to protect the tranny as well though.

 

toddr,

Any info from the dealer? I am very curious to see what they said to a 4 second acceleration delay. I definately have initial lag but no where near 4 seconds.

My 08 is not near as fast from a dead stop as my 6.0 but it is definately not 4 seconds and not dangerous if you give yourself a little extra pull out into traffic room.

 

mine also has a 3-4sec delay, and has had for 2 years and 48000 miles now. when merging with traffic it feels like you are going to get ran over and killed for sure. Dealer and ford both say nothing wrong.

I have since tuned it up a bit, put on an exhaust, intake, and intercooler still have one. but it has been getting better. been thinking about putting elite diesels tow power turbos.