Notices
6.0L Power Stroke Diesel 2003 - 2007 F250, F350 pickup and F350+ Cab Chassis, 2003 - 2005 Excursion and 2003 - 2009 van

6.0 surge problems

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Jul 6, 2007 | 08:51 AM
  #1  
MRCONCDID's Avatar
MRCONCDID
Thread Starter
|
Junior User
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 57
Likes: 0
Question 6.0 surge problems

Hello, everyone, I have a 06, 6.0 auto w/ airaid air filter, bullydog triple dog downloader (which is now removed from the truck).
Heres the problem.
while accelerating or even at constant speed there seems to be a surge or pulse to the engine you can feel it and here it in the whine of the turbo, if you watch the tach as it climbs up it will fall alittle then climb then fall so on and so on,in any gear, it's way more noticable going up hill,and even worse pulling a load 7-8000 lbs. while pulling the other day the egr or blowoff valve popped 3 or 4 times and the hole truck jerked, I slowed down,maintained speed and it hasnt done it again.I thought if might be running lean so I changed the fuel filters, the primary was nasty, the secondary looked good.the problems is still there but it is a little better. oh I have 16,000 miles on it. The problem was worse with the downloader,so I removed it as to trouble shoot the problem.Its not the transmission, it smooth and firm.
Thanks for you thoughts, I go the the dealer next monday, I would like to know what Im talking about when I get there.
 
Reply
Old Jul 6, 2007 | 11:38 AM
  #2  
MRCONCDID's Avatar
MRCONCDID
Thread Starter
|
Junior User
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 57
Likes: 0
Does anyone here have a simular problem with there 6.0?
Thanks
 
Reply
Old Jul 6, 2007 | 11:57 AM
  #3  
OZX1's Avatar
OZX1
Posting Guru
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 1,798
Likes: 2
From: SoCal, SD CO. East
Club FTE Silver Member

Exclamation Warning, Warning, Danger Will Robinson...!

The only advise I can offer is to put your truck back to a 100% stock configuration--even the intake--BEFORE you take it in to the dealer... If you have turbo surge issues, they'll burn you for the AM intake (perhaps) but they'll surely black-list you for the tuner. Do you know have to do the KAM reset, & VGT relearn strategy stuff? Read this thread

You can also try this, but get more input first... I'm just an enthusiast, not a tech.
KAM (keep-alive-memory) reset & VGT learn procedure <o> </o>
  • Drive the truck to bring it completely up to operating temp - VGT learn procedure requires that the oil and coolant temps be high enough to allow EGR operation...
  • Disconnect both battery ground cables at the same time... turn the headlights on for about 10 minutes - this will deplete any devices that even have a chance of retaining KAM in the PCM. <o> </o>
  • Turn off the headlight switch and reconnect the batteries. <o> </o>
  • Cycle the key to the run position twice to allow the clear procedure to complete..... Pause in the on position long enough for the wait to start lamp to prove out and pause in the off position for 10 seconds to be sure the PCM has "gone to sleep". <o> </o>
  • Start the truck and leave it idle for at least 5 minutes... you will likely hear the turbo pitch change several times during this period as the PCM learns the necessary duty cycles for accurate VGT control..... <o> </o>
  • Now you can road test it and the process should be done...
 
Reply
Old Jul 6, 2007 | 12:27 PM
  #4  
Dsl_Burner's Avatar
Dsl_Burner
Senior User
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 203
Likes: 0
From: Edmonton,AB
Here's a thread I started a little while ago.

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/6...t-2100rpm.html

The end redult was the dealer and ford said it was normal. The surging did get better but it is still normal.
 
Reply
Old Jul 6, 2007 | 01:53 PM
  #5  
MRCONCDID's Avatar
MRCONCDID
Thread Starter
|
Junior User
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 57
Likes: 0
Exclamation 6.0 Surge

thanks for the reflash advise, but you didnt say wherether this is a normal surge, or a problem ie a broken surge. If its broken what is broke, egr or turbo or may just a reprogram? I dont want to go into the dealer and they tell me its normal if it isnt. Its been doing this for awhile (2 months) started very slightly, then gotten worse.Im just curieouse.
 
Reply
Old Jul 6, 2007 | 02:06 PM
  #6  
OZX1's Avatar
OZX1
Posting Guru
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 1,798
Likes: 2
From: SoCal, SD CO. East
Club FTE Silver Member

Originally Posted by Dsl_Burner
Here's a thread I started a little while ago.

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/6...t-2100rpm.html

The end redult was the dealer and ford said it was normal. The surging did get better but it is still normal.
Originally Posted by MRCONCDID
thanks for the reflash advise, but you didnt say wherether this is a normal surge, or a problem ie a broken surge. If its broken what is broke, egr or turbo or may just a reprogram? I dont want to go into the dealer and they tell me its normal if it isnt. Its been doing this for awhile (2 months) started very slightly, then gotten worse.Im just curieouse.
Ya' All- I hope that a tech or Blackhat or someone else jumps in here, but IMHO, a surge--regardless of cause--is not normal in my book. Call me jaded, but I've experienced too many incidence in my days, over many, many trucks. The diagnostic finding of "normal" to a condition that shutters the owners confidence in a vehicle, and impedes the vehicle's performance is not easy for me to accept... Normal MUST come with details as to why it's normal, not just that it's normal.
 
Reply
Old Jul 6, 2007 | 02:49 PM
  #7  
Dsl_Burner's Avatar
Dsl_Burner
Senior User
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 203
Likes: 0
From: Edmonton,AB
Originally Posted by MRCONCDID
thanks for the reflash advise, but you didnt say wherether this is a normal surge, or a problem ie a broken surge. If its broken what is broke, egr or turbo or may just a reprogram? I dont want to go into the dealer and they tell me its normal if it isnt. Its been doing this for awhile (2 months) started very slightly, then gotten worse.Im just curieouse.
I don't think it's normal but the service manager took another 6 sp truck for a drive and said it did the same thing as mine. I didn't push them on the issue because this dealer has done very well by me in the past considering the mods I've done to the truck. I've just learned to avoid the rpm where it surges.

On a side note the surging was almost gone when I got the truck back and now is slowly getting worse again.
 
Reply
Old Jul 6, 2007 | 03:07 PM
  #8  
BGMSPD's Avatar
BGMSPD
Laughing Gas
15 Year Member
Photogenic
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 810
Likes: 34
From: Sarasota, FL
I recently posted the same problem. I called my friend (service manager at the dealership) explained the problem and he told me to drive it hard for a couple of days. Odds are the vanes are sticking. My truck surged at a steady speed around 30 -35 mph. He said if that didn't clear it up bring it in and they'll take the turbo off and clean it. My truck only has 16000 miles on it and i don't drive it much. He also noted to not let it idle any longer than absoutely necessary. 6.0's hate to idle and it sometimes causes this problem.

Hope this helps...just my personal experience.
 
Reply
FTE Stories

Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts

story-0

Top 10 Fords at 2026 Carlisle Ford Nationals

 Joe Kucinski
story-1

3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership

 Brett Foote
story-2

10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches

 Pouria Savadkouei
story-3

Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained

 Brett Foote
story-4

10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love

 Joe Kucinski
story-5

10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)

 Michael S. Palmer
story-6

Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath

 Verdad Gallardo
story-7

Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer

 Joe Kucinski
story-8

2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)

 Brett Foote
story-9

Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies

 Joe Kucinski
Old Jul 6, 2007 | 03:19 PM
  #9  
OZX1's Avatar
OZX1
Posting Guru
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 1,798
Likes: 2
From: SoCal, SD CO. East
Club FTE Silver Member

Here's some of the 34,990,490 posts on the surging issue
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/s...earchid=462763
 
Reply
Old Jul 6, 2007 | 05:18 PM
  #10  
js139's Avatar
js139
Senior User
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 373
Likes: 1
From: Anchorage, Alaska
About two months ago, my truck began doing almost the same exact thing. Only did it when I was towing and holding the RPMs steady while on an incline. It did it to me two weekends in a row, so I took it into the dealer. The dealer ended up testing the EGR and turbo and ended up replacing both. Since I got the truck back, It hasn't done it a single time. Dealer seemed to be right on with their diagnosis and they didn't give me any flack with ANY of my mods, including the programmer.
 
Reply
Old Jul 6, 2007 | 05:35 PM
  #11  
OZX1's Avatar
OZX1
Posting Guru
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 1,798
Likes: 2
From: SoCal, SD CO. East
Club FTE Silver Member

Originally Posted by js139
...they didn't give me any flack with ANY of my mods, including the programmer.
Looks like I need to move to Washington!
My dealer would have nailed me to the wall in a heart-beat.
 
Reply
Old Jul 9, 2007 | 08:50 AM
  #12  
MRCONCDID's Avatar
MRCONCDID
Thread Starter
|
Junior User
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 57
Likes: 0
Thanks for the replys, I going to the dealer today at lunch to drop off my 06,Im a gas guy, race trucks ,mud trucks, street trucks, this is my first diesel and turbo, hell its the first new car I have ever bought.I just needed to be sure I wasn't crazy, Im not the type to go to the dealer everytime a bulb blows out.I know alot of people like that and thats why Dealers are (sometimes) hard asses. I understand it, as do most of you.
I will let you know what they say was the problem.
Thanks again
Lee
 
Reply
Old Jul 9, 2007 | 10:41 AM
  #13  
jbloyd's Avatar
jbloyd
New User
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
Thumbs down What dealer?

Originally Posted by js139
About two months ago, my truck began doing almost the same exact thing. Only did it when I was towing and holding the RPMs steady while on an incline. It did it to me two weekends in a row, so I took it into the dealer. The dealer ended up testing the EGR and turbo and ended up replacing both. Since I got the truck back, It hasn't done it a single time. Dealer seemed to be right on with their diagnosis and they didn't give me any flack with ANY of my mods, including the programmer.
I live in North Bend, WA. I'm looking for a dream dealer like that. Who is it? Thanks.
 
Reply
Old Jul 9, 2007 | 11:59 AM
  #14  
js139's Avatar
js139
Senior User
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 373
Likes: 1
From: Anchorage, Alaska
Originally Posted by jbloyd
I live in North Bend, WA. I'm looking for a dream dealer like that. Who is it? Thanks.
It would be a drive for you in North Bend, but it is Titus Will Ford in Tacoma. I highly recommend those guys.
 
Reply
Old Jul 9, 2007 | 12:17 PM
  #15  
blackhat620's Avatar
blackhat620
Postmaster
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 4,196
Likes: 10
From: Arizona
Originally Posted by MRCONCDID
Hello, everyone, I have a 06, 6.0 auto w/ airaid air filter, bullydog triple dog downloader (which is now removed from the truck).
Heres the problem.
while accelerating or even at constant speed there seems to be a surge or pulse to the engine you can feel it and here it in the whine of the turbo, if you watch the tach as it climbs up it will fall alittle then climb then fall so on and so on,in any gear, it's way more noticable going up hill,and even worse pulling a load 7-8000 lbs. while pulling the other day the egr or blowoff valve popped 3 or 4 times and the hole truck jerked, I slowed down,maintained speed and it hasnt done it again.I thought if might be running lean so I changed the fuel filters, the primary was nasty, the secondary looked good.the problems is still there but it is a little better. oh I have 16,000 miles on it. The problem was worse with the downloader,so I removed it as to trouble shoot the problem.Its not the transmission, it smooth and firm.
Thanks for you thoughts, I go the the dealer next monday, I would like to know what Im talking about when I get there.
Lee,

Could be a sticking VGT actuator.

Have them check this TSB 05-21-05/Broadcast Msg 4459:
2004-2006 engines that exhibit a light surge on light acceleration up to 50 MPH, typically after a cold start, at steady speeds between 1800-2800, or when climbing a grade (towing or not), may have a sticking Variable Geometry Turbo actuator. If diagnosis leads to replacement of the VGT actuator, the turbo lube oil line--P/N 3C3Z-9T516-BA; should be replace as well.

Hope this helps
 
Reply



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 04:54 PM.

story-0
Top 10 Fords at 2026 Carlisle Ford Nationals

Slideshow: Top 10 Fords at 2026 Ford Nationals

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-09 11:10:08


VIEW MORE
story-1
3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership

Based on years of owning multiple modern Ford products.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-09 10:53:36


VIEW MORE
story-2
10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches

SPONSORED: From muddy boots to rain-soaked cargo, these upgrades address some of the most common frustrations Ford truck owners face every day.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-06-08 18:50:34


VIEW MORE
story-3
Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained

Here's everything you need to know about every Ford engine available for the 2026 model year.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-05 12:58:01


VIEW MORE
story-4
10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love

Slideshow: 10 ugly Ford trucks that we still kinda love.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-03 09:51:16


VIEW MORE
story-5
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)

Slideshow: the best gifts for dads & grads

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-06-03 15:43:58


VIEW MORE
story-6
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath

Slideshow: Called the Fortress, the 850-horsepower pickup combines Raptor underpinnings with military-inspired features, survival equipment, and a starting price of $285,000.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-03 11:38:36


VIEW MORE
story-7
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer

Slideshow: 10 most expensive Ford trucks ever sold on Bring a Trailer.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-27 16:24:34


VIEW MORE
story-8
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)

Here's everything that has changed for the latest model year.

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-27 16:17:28


VIEW MORE
story-9
Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies

Slideshow: Top 10 Ford truck tragedies.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-18 19:34:33


VIEW MORE