I have a new to me 2005 F150 SuperCab Lariat 4x4 with 155,000 miles on it. About a week ago I replaced the from passenger hub assembly and half shaft (torn boot). When doing that, I noticed that the IWE actuator was not working right (would not compress evenly). When taking that off, there was a bunch of rust that came out of the vacuum line ports. It started moving freely after cleaning all of that out that I could (I will be replacing it soon). I assembled everything back together and all seemed OK mechanically.

I also scanned the truck and saw the code for a bad IWE solenoid so that is being replaced tonight. I also have not checked the drivers side yet.

So...now that I have done all of that, the truck started occasionally bucking/shuddering when I slow down from highway speed to about 30mph and lightly accelerate again. It does not do it every time though. There is no grinding/whining noises either. Could this be caused by the IWE system somehow? Maybe slowing losing vacuum and having one engage and the other disengaged?

I appreciate any input.

 

Have the plugs been replaced?

If not, it needs to be done anyway... and if it hasn't been done, it's most likely the cause of the stuttering.

I chased that stutter with a bunch of other options (against the good advice of many wise folks here) because I didn't have the stones to go after the plugs. Get the extraction tool and just do it; the job is not nearly as terrifying as it's made out to be.

 

I have not changed the plugs and I do not know how many miles are on them. It is on my list of things to do. Wouldn't this cause a loss in power or something though? I did not really notice a loss in power but more like going of a series of bumps. It is also odd that it happened after I worked on the front passenger corner.

With that said, I have seen stranger things. Hopefully, I can change the plugs in the coming couple of weeks.

 

I suppose it depends on whether you consider the stuttering "or something"

Bad plug(s)/COPs will cause exactly the stuttering you describe, and not necessarily any noticable loss of power. It won't necessarily throw codes (it can go MONTHS -- lots of them -- without a P code).

You asked, so I'm telling you... bump the plugs to the top of your To Do list and the stuttering will go away.



"Hi! I'm cool F-150 guy and my truck doesn't stutter anymore"

"And I'm stuttering F-150 Guy. I didn't change my plugs and coils"

 

I will do that. I like "cool f-150 guy" much better. Based on what I have seen on the rest of the truck, I am sure they are the original plugs. Heck, the fuel filter was even installed backwards on it.

Thanks for the replies.

 

Hmmm...brilliant idea! We should put the fuel pump on backwards so it puts gas back in the tank! We'd make a fortune!

 

Sounds like a plan to me.

I ordered the plugs and such today for this weekend. As luck would have it, on the way to work it started acting up again and threw a P0305. I may be in for a coil pack as well but I will wait until after the plugs to do that.

Thanks again for the help.

 

Don't start the job without the Lisle extraction tool.

NAPA has a version as well that is identical to the Lisle if you don't want to wait for mail order.

 

Good to know. I will make sure to have it on hand.

 

Well,
After changing out the plugs (none broke) it is much better. The old plugs had at least 2/3 of the electrode burned up and were pretty nasty.

Thanks again for the help.

 

Nice! 155k miles and none broken? That's fantastic!

It's a great feeling when she's running right again.

(and you should be able to return the Lisle tool if you didn't use it at all)

 

I actually decided to go rogue and not get the tool. I did however buy a 3/8 impact to remove the plugs with which I am convinced is what kept them from breaking.

The difference in idle is pretty phenomenal. I also replaced the IWE solenoid and the actuators started functioning. Between the 2 fixes, I went from 13 mpg to 15. Not bad for $100 in parts and an afternoon.

 

Not sure about the impact method... seems to have about the same efficacy rate as any other method. I've settled on luck -- either good or bad -- as the only differentiating feature. I'm especially shocked that you didn't get the tool and STILL didn't break any -- the universe SHOULD have punished you for not having the Lisle on hand... I'll have to discuss this with Stephen Hawking.

You'll have guys who swear by all methods, but as long as YOUR truck has fresh plugs then it's a happy ending!

Now that the plugs are done, you might consider cleaning the throttle body and MAF -- both jobs are easy and worthwhile.

(make sure you remove the throttle body from the truck -- don't be a hero and clean it in place or it could cost you a finger).

 

I've got a 2005 F150,218,000 miles . bought it brand new and its had a problem this entire time no one can figure out (didn't notice it with the test drive, prob just to excited lol ) . i can not drive in overdrive at city speeds (25-50mph) without the truck starting to chug. example--- I'm driving steady at 35mph,out of no where it will start to jerk forward and backward. take my foot off gas and hit the button to take it out of overdrive. no problems if I'm not in overdrive. Any ideas would be well appreciated. thanks

side note-- i have replaced plugs a few times over the years and it still does it.