Hello, I have started to notice an issue when I am sitting idle at red lights or when I am backing up my truck. Here is the issue:
when I sitting at a red light, my idle starts to fluctaute (bascially like my truck is going to cut off and then it resumes normal idle) also when I start to take off from the red light my truck bucks a little and then it takes off. Has anyone heard of this? I have a 2004 6.0 that has an engine build date of 11'04. I called my local dealership to talk to the shop foreman (Jim Gore) and he no longer works at Chalmers. Bummer!! So I talked to his replacement and he said that it could be several things and I needed to bring it in. I also asked him about the latest flash, he then asked me what updates I have had. After telling him that I have none done, he said that I needed to get in to get the updates because there is a new one that will fix the turbo lag and other issues. So I made an appointment for Wednesday. I just thought I'd ask the experts so I can have some firepower for when I bring the truck in. Let me know if you have heard of this issue. Thank You.

 

What service has been done to it recently? Here are some preliminary things to check (from the service manual) for concerns:

§ Lack/Loss Of Power
§ Runs Rough
§ Misses
§ Buck/Jerk
§ Hesitation/Stumble
§ Surge
§ Additional Driveability Concerns: Poor Fuel Economy

Note: Perform the following preliminary checks:
§ Confirm brakes are not dragging.
§ Check for oil in coolant.
§ Check engine oil level.
§ Confirm oil change within 12,070 km (7,500 miles).
§ Check air intake system: Air Filter Minder.
§ Check MAP sensor hose for holes, blockage, or disconnection.
§ Check EBP sensor tube for holes, blockage, or disconnection.
§ Check intake manifold system for leaks.
§ Confirm acceptable SAE oil viscosity and API rating of oil.
§ Check for sufficient clean fuel.
§ Check for air in fuel.
§ Check for intake restriction.
§ Compare loaded weight of vehicle with performance expectations.
§ Power monitor active.
§ Transmission concerns.

There is more detailed procedures to follow as well.

 

I had issues somewhat similar to yours and the latest flash corrected it ALL!!!. Better throttle response, less turbo lag, better MPG (almost 2mpg), no more rough idle at start and when stopping or starting from a dead stop. Hope you have the same luck.

Claude

 

Great thanks for the input. Looks like I need to wait unitl after my truck gets reflashed before seeing any changes. Good to know.

 

My '04 had a erratic idle but it was inconsistent. Most of the time it was fine. They reflashed the computer to fix the "rolling idle" as they called it.
Letting them do that has been the biggest mistake I have made with this truck.
Now the engine is a whole lot louder at idle than before and the idle speed is higher too. The quiet idle of before had me spoiled.
And my MPG went down from 18 to 16. That sucks.
I would much rather have put up with my occasional "rolling idle" than to have a louder and less efficient engine.
I am sure hoping and waiting the next flash will get me back closer to the original flash.

 

Get the number form SBV45 of his flash...it works and you will be a bit happier

 

SBV45 what is the latest flash # that I should put on my truck? Let me know so I can make sure that I have FORD put the right one on. Thank You.

 

Mine is an 03 engine, they put on 3U7A-12A650-FTE. 04s might have a different number. The problem is that Ford is putting out the flash but not the service bulletin on what it fixes, etc. If the diesel tech uses the Ford network to check for the latest flash download, it will be there. But if the techs system is updated by DVDs, it might not be there. Sounds like Saxon got the old flash.

 

OK Thanks SBV45. Dr. Pain do you have an 04 engine if so what flash did you get? Let me know. Thank You.

 

Bluebeast01, I have an 04 motor and the only thing I can see on the invoice is a cc #04 flash for the PCM, FICM. I called the dealership and the person that helped me did not have any more information on the flash, but I will try to speak with my diesel tech later to see if he can better educate me.

For the rest of you guys, is there a tag or info I can find in the engine bay or somewhere else that may be able to tell me the flash serial I got??

Claude

 

Thanks Dr_Pain I appreciate the help....

 

I made a mistake in my first tread. My engine build date is 11'03. My truck arrived 12'03 ( it was an 04 truck) Confused anyone? If I remember this was the build date that had all of the revisions from the first 03 engine. Sorry for the confusion...

 

I have a Dec. motor and it was flahed in August with 4U7A-12A650-BFA. At the time it was in for the rear seal replacement and shuddering when first put into gear. It seemed like as soon as it was flashed, the EBP sensor went out causing the EGR to activate all the time causing quiet then loud idle and surging. Replaced the EBP and instant acceleration took over. I had a Ford portable recorder on it for 10 days before it did it again. Just got the call it's the injector fuel pressure sensor telling the computer the engine is starving for fuel which ='s more fuel pressure. Parts on order.

 

I have the exact same "surging" issues (04/04 build date). I took it in, and had it reflashed about 1 month ago. That did NOT fix the problem. Took it to another dealership, they re-flashed with the same flash...it was ok for about a week. Now, it is back to the same exact thing...it is getting bad enough it's almost not safe. About backed the boat through the wall in the shop, and almost jumped into an intersection because I wasn't pushing on the brake hard enough.

Had it to dealership #1 three times, no resolution.

Dealership #2 just once, but they were "sure" that the re-flash would solve all my problems.

This is getting ridiculous!!!!!

kh

Oh, and my mpg dropped about 1mpg after the first flash, never came back.

8000mi now, 6500 when problems started


ALSO: The engine does NOT surge/jump in park or neutral, ONLY when in gear (F/R).

ALSO: Came down a steep logging road on Saturday...love the Tow/haul mode, keeping it shifted down so I didn't burn the brakes. After about 2 minutes of this....the blue smoke started to boil from the exhaust. This continued all the way to the bottom, at which time I stuck it in neutral and revved, smokin' up most of the Willamette National Forest for about 30 seconds.

 

I too have the wierd up and down idle at red lights with my 04 6.0 but it is very intermittent. I notice that when I plug in my truck over night...the next day I get a check engine light and erratic idle. After a few off and on's, the light goes off and the idle returns to normal. What gives? Also..is a steady 16.5 mpg not good?

I don't have time to take it in...right now.