Help troubleshooting a 5.4/automatic in an E350
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Freshman User
Joined: Jan 2012
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From: Bountiful, UT
Help troubleshooting a 5.4/automatic in an E350
I am driving this van daily, and I notice that since I bought it, the symptoms are getting worse. We have taken several weekend trips where we camp out of the van in southern Utah, etc, but now I am wary of leaving town.
I have been using it for work, I am an AV Tech, but I am considering going back to the company truck, which was unfortunately very small, very anemic, and very uncomfortable even for a small guy like me.
Probably, I could just take it somewhere and have it diagnosed, but I am a DIY kind of guy, so I want to try and take care of it myself if I can.
Here is a description of how it works, background, etc.
I suspected transmission, but the fluid is always clean and full.
Someone has suggested ignition coil (s?) but no CEL light, so I thought probably not.
Thoughts?
I have been using it for work, I am an AV Tech, but I am considering going back to the company truck, which was unfortunately very small, very anemic, and very uncomfortable even for a small guy like me.
Probably, I could just take it somewhere and have it diagnosed, but I am a DIY kind of guy, so I want to try and take care of it myself if I can.
Here is a description of how it works, background, etc.
- Purchased van as salvage in February, front end damage. Hood, fender, bumper, grille, door, windshield, suspension, etc. I have replaced most of it, to my satisfaction at least. It's no looker, but it serves the purpose. It was only $950 after all.
- Starts good, first time every time.
- Stuttering when accelerating, or stopped while in drive, such as a light or stop sign. If I shift into neutral, it stops. No "Check Engine" light ever lights, except when starting van, when all the lights briefly light up. Auto Zone won't scan it for this reason.
- If AC is on, it is more pronounced.
- Squeeking is sometimes heard on hard acceleration, but not always, and very light.
- Oil level remains good.
- 110k miles
I suspected transmission, but the fluid is always clean and full.
Someone has suggested ignition coil (s?) but no CEL light, so I thought probably not.
Thoughts?
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Freshman User
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 39
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From: Bountiful, UT
Some more clues.
It shudders while driving, especially on the freeway, while accelerating, or trying to maintain speed. I will often depress the O/D off button to get it to stop. The motor will rev up a bit and it will all but stop usually.
Now that A/C season is here, I turn it on now and again, and when I do, it does the shuddering more often, it's clearly laboring a lot more than it should.
It shudders while driving, especially on the freeway, while accelerating, or trying to maintain speed. I will often depress the O/D off button to get it to stop. The motor will rev up a bit and it will all but stop usually.
Now that A/C season is here, I turn it on now and again, and when I do, it does the shuddering more often, it's clearly laboring a lot more than it should.
Fleet Owner
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 21,255
Likes: 1,657
From: Reynoldsburg, Ohio
Just a WAG here............
Most likely the plugs and/or COP's are weak, one or two acting up could very well give your symptoms---wouldn't hurt to change the plugs and boots ASAP. Follow the often recommended procedures of using only Motorcraft plugs (SP479) and maybe NAPA boots, NAPA # 702418 (Belden, USA Made, $5.00 each).
Check the IAC operation and make sure the throttle body and MAF sensor are clean too.
The small squeak could be a worn serpentine belt tensioner allowing slippage, A/C compressor kicking in and running can tax it enough to give this symptom.
Sounds like you got a good deal---despite it not being a looking getting somewhere reliably and in comfort in a "cheap" vehicle more than makes up for appearance!
Most likely the plugs and/or COP's are weak, one or two acting up could very well give your symptoms---wouldn't hurt to change the plugs and boots ASAP. Follow the often recommended procedures of using only Motorcraft plugs (SP479) and maybe NAPA boots, NAPA # 702418 (Belden, USA Made, $5.00 each).
Check the IAC operation and make sure the throttle body and MAF sensor are clean too.
The small squeak could be a worn serpentine belt tensioner allowing slippage, A/C compressor kicking in and running can tax it enough to give this symptom.
Sounds like you got a good deal---despite it not being a looking getting somewhere reliably and in comfort in a "cheap" vehicle more than makes up for appearance!
New User
Joined: Jan 2012
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I had shutter when trying to accelerate under load in low RPMs, especially when in OD. It was a COP (#5. I believe without a code since I had to replace them 1 at a time until it stopped). Had about 250K at the time. It was the same COP that a mechanic had replaced shortly after I bought it with 88K?
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