So, I got my F150 from my dad. He bought it well over a year or so ago. He said he fixed some things, well, I have been noticing that when I am driving on the interstate, it 'chugs'. No issues with acceleration/deceleration. No idle issues. I cannot remember at what speed/rpm's it happens at. But it's getting worse. When I first got the truck from my dad, mind you, i am making payments on this to him, I didn't notice this at all. but as time has gone by, i have noticed it has gotten worse. it does not happen in town speeds. I do not know if the spark plugs have been replaced recently. my dad told me he didnt replace them when he bought it. Anyways, I am deathly afraid to drive it on the interstate now. I know some stuff about cars, but not enough to know what the deal is here.

Some friends are saying to replace the fuel filter, others are saying have the TCC solenoid checked, or check the cop's/spark plugs. I did not know this truck had coils over the spark plugs, that is very weird to me lol. I am used to old 1991-1994 ford explorers with just wires and plugs and coil packs.

Anyways, if there's anyone here that has had this problem, or knows what it could be, please help! I just started a new job here, and am completely broke. I have no money to take this truck in to have a diagnostic run on it.


Another note, my dad said he noticed the same issue when he first bought it, but it went away. He said he attributed it to a wet engine after taking it through the car wash....I have NOT washed the truck.

 

First thing is you have to explain what 'chugging ' is.
That's not a standard relative definition of a drivability issue on a modern computer controlled vehicle.
Tell us when, under what conditions, and how it shows because my crystal ball does not work that well.
All the suggestions you got so far are pure guessing from a lack of any absolute information.
Good luck.

 

It's like a lurching type issue. Feels like the truck lurches forward really quickly. That's the best I can describe it. No acceleration or deceleration issues, no idle issues.

 

A bad COP (coil) is a common problem with chugging, jerking, vibrating... what ever you want to call it. Normally you cant fee much at a constant speed. Get to 40 MPH and stomp on the throttle. If you feel a misfire or chugging, that is probably a COP.. IF that is not the symptom, explain again.

 

If you have a constant vibration at lets say 50 MPH, but not lower speed, and the acceleration is o.k. .... you might have worn out transmission fluid.. When was the last time trans fluid was changed ?

 

So what ended up being the issue? I'm having the same problem with my 01 F150 105k mi. It has happened before and ended up being a coil. Now it's happening again but with out a check engine light. Therefore I can not diagnose the problem. Mechanics I have talked to think it is the fuel pump starting to go out, however, I want to be sure before I tackle that huge job (and cost).