Odd idle question
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Mountain Pass
Joined: Jul 2021
Posts: 114
Likes: 16
From: Pensacola, FL
Odd idle question
I noticed that once in awhile I get this dip in rpms while sitting at a light ( it drops for a second then back up to normal). It doesn't do this all the time but when it is, I notice it at every stop when sitting. I don't have a engine light that would indicate anything is going on. The computer say's I am getting about 19 miles to the gallon so I would take it this as the plugs and wires are still doing their job. Now I will say there is no record of the last tune up was done. Basically once I start doing maintenance, I will be getting a folder to keep up with times, date and receipts. I sold my 96 to a friend at work so I will be down to two trucks to maintain. Anyway, maybe some ideas of what may be going on would give me some head way to maybe getting this weird drop to go away. Thanks
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Joined: May 2005
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From: San Antonio, TX
I started having a similar issue lately, an odd, random miss at idle. There were no codes. The spark plugs only have 16k miles, so I don't think that was an issue. I recently had to replace the battery after I had a few slow cranks, then the gauges went crazy at start up and I knew that the end was near. Anyway, after I replaced the battery, the idle has been smooth. So, apparently the coils don't stand for much voltage fluctuation, or one or more of my coils is getting tired.
Lead Driver
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 5,889
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From: Mts. S. of San Francisco
I started having a similar issue lately, an odd, random miss at idle. There were no codes. The spark plugs only have 16k miles, so I don't think that was an issue. I recently had to replace the battery after I had a few slow cranks, then the gauges went crazy at start up and I knew that the end was near. Anyway, after I replaced the battery, the idle has been smooth. So, apparently the coils don't stand for much voltage fluctuation, or one or more of my coils is getting tired.
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Mountain Pass
Joined: Jul 2021
Posts: 114
Likes: 16
From: Pensacola, FL
Sorry, haven't been online much lately. I did some you tube searching changing plugs to get a idea of what to expect when doing them. The guy recommended I believe was a 60,000 mile plug change by Ford so since this truck doesn't really have a maintenance record. Who knows when the last time they were done so I am working on changing that by starting my own records. I figure my light miss just may be telling me it's time to change them. It wouldn't hurt anyway as well I will know when to do my next change. The current millage is around 82,000. I it recommended sticking with Ford Motor spark plugs or is there a better brand? Thanks
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Lead Driver
Joined: Jul 2004
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From: Foothills, CA
OP: It wouldn't hurt for you to get something set up to check for codes and/or monitor your truck. If you have an Android phone you could buy Torque Pro ($5 last I checked) and an inexpensive OBDII blue tooth device - Torque will show you soft codes (something that isn't bad enough to set the CEL). There's also Forscan and the full version runs on Windows (again an OBDII to USB but wired adapter needed), the Lite version runs on Android or iPhone with the appropriate adapter for your device...
Good luck!
Good luck!
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Mountain Pass
Joined: Jul 2021
Posts: 114
Likes: 16
From: Pensacola, FL
I don't have any codes here but trying to establishing a maintenance routine/ records. It's not saying the truck wasn't taken care but that a lot of it's history just isn't out there. I myself am guilty of doing the same and not saving a log history of the up keep. Also I have a ob2 scanner but did look at the app you speak of. Thanks for the help and advice
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