Hey gang,

2005 F350 V10, 63k miles, only mod is a SCT-X3 tuner (Five Star).

In the fall, after I put away the camper trailer, the truck gets a break from towing until spring. I grabbed the tuner a few weeks ago and dropped down from "91 tow" to "88 economy". A day later, I'm backing into the drive and she stalls. Put it in park and she fires right up and back to normal.

This has happened a couple of times before - right after resetting the computer once and once again when I changed the battery out. Only does it once and never again. Not this time around. Did it a few more times and maybe the third time she threw a code - forgot the code number but it was "idle too low". Got out the tuner, cleared the code, raised the idle up from 600rpm to 700rpm. Got a fresh tank of gas and I was good for about a week - until this morning. Backing into a parking spot, she died again - no code. Fired right up - everything normal. Idles fine, runs smooth, normal throttle response.

So here's the plan. The tuner has been flawless for over 2 years - I'm thinking it is not tuner related. My thoughts are MAF and/or Plugs. Got some CRC MAF cleaner, new NAPA boots, Motorcraft plugs and I'm going after it this weekend. Putting on a new serpentine belt while I'm at it.

Anything else I should address? Any other thoughts/suggestions?

EDIT: Forgot to add that air and fuel filters are fresh - have maybe about 5k miles on them.

 

Clean the throttle body while your at it, mine did the same with a dirty throttle bofy

 

in all the years ive had my V10 it has stalled for seemingly no reason at all a hand full of times. (maybe 5 times in total)

always when idling up to a lite or just barely moving (like backing up on idle).

its sooooo rare i never worried about it.

def. could never get it to do it twice in a row.

 

UPDATE: Idling at a stop light on the way home tonight, check engine light came on. Pulled the code when I got home...

P0506 - Idle Air Control - System rpm lower than expected.

Ideas? Am I on the right track cleaning the MAF and throttle body? The 3v motors do not have an IAC valve, correct?

 

Try something for me: Clean the MAF.

I've heard a few people after changing batteries, or resetting the computer, their fly-by-wire V10 won't idle. Cleaning the MAF has helped a few of them.

 

pull that negative battery cable while you are cleaning it and reset that pcm.

 

Thanks guys! I'll try one thing at a time to isolate the problem. First on tap - cleaning MAF with a disc battery. I'll report back....

 

clean out the throttle body with gum cutter and a rag and that will fix the problem.

 

Use a diaper in that throttle body, no lint left behind

 

UPDATE: I cleaned the MAF yesterday morning. I also cleaned the throttle body while I had the intake tube apart. I disconnnected the neg battery cable as suggested above. This seems to have done the trick. I ran the truck around town all day yesterday as well as this morning. Truck idles great. Not sure if it is my imagination or not, but even seems to have improved throttle response.

I think I will add this to my list of spring maintenance items that I like to complete before camping/towing season kicks in. Couldn't hurt to address this once/year, could it?

As always, you guys have saved me a lot of time, hassle and money. I appreciate everyone's help. Next adventure... plugs and boots.

Thanks again!

 

most people report an increased in throttle response when doing a maf/throttlebody cleaning.

so your correct on what u saw/felt

 

My van was doing the same thing. I kept putting it off until yesterday it kept stalling and thought I was going to have to call for a tow (yes it got that bad). It started last year and kept getting a little worse every so often. So slow were I didnt even notice it getting much worse.

I first did some reading and seen folks having the same issue and it was the IAC valve. After spending an hour looking for the part that I seen on the internet, I searched the internet for another hour and found out that they changed them and I didnt have one. I then took the throttle body apart and cleaned it. It was so so gummed up. A thick deposit all the way around and it closed the normal gap. Looking at how it is suppose to function, I'm surprised it would stay running at idle at all. A gap in the closed position is needed. I cleaned and cleaned to get it out (oil sticky residue buildup from the oil vapors. crappy design.

Mine is a van and it took forever just to clean the Throttle Body.

Here is what mine was doing and I didnt think they were related until today (all went away no).

- Stalling when putting in gear or reversing.
- unstable idle when sitting a long time
- low voltage when running heater or ac when at idle
- jerky and uneven acceleration
- P0506 error code

I also have the same tuner. I am starting is wonder if its the tuner since my van only has 42K miles. Also had some spark knock issues that 5 star fixed. I got them again last time out camping and have been back to stock since. Going to have to send them another email. Probably should have just left it stock but I was going to upgrade the gear to a 4.30 LS and wanted to adjust for the gear change. Havent done that mod yet. Probably should have just went to a factory 410 LS and had the dealer change it.

 

mikeb9550,

Sounds like your throttle body needed a good cleaning. Did you clean off the MAF as well? I'm betting that was my biggest issue living here in diesel country and high desert (sandy, dusty) conditions.

Also, as mentioned above, did you try disconnecting the negative battery cable and re-setting the computer?

 

Hey guys i have an 05 f350 v10.how do u reset the computer.is it just disconnecting both cablesand let it sit for about 15minutes.thanks

 

What is a MAF?