2001 F-150 - Acceleration Problem

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Jun 12, 2008 | 05:40 PM

skuenkel

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2001 F-150 - Acceleration Problem

anyone have ideas on why 4.6 would feel like it is running on 7 cylinders when accelerating? started several weeks ago. So, I changed out the gas filter, the PCV, air filter. replaced plugs 2 yrs ago - I did use Bosch (someone recently told me they had problems with Bosch plugs on their F-150 and when putting in Motorcraft again all went well). thought maybe it was one of the Coils on plugs and was told I could do continuity test but I can't figure out how to do that from electrical harness of Coil to end of spring in boot. I have a tester but can only get a signal from prong to prong in harness, nothing else, on all coils...then, after reading thru the ignition system section of my repair manual....I gave it up and figured I would take it to the dealer... engine light is on, probably should have that read, but it is always on for the EGR issue (another story, no issue)...
when idling, seems to run smooth, as soon as I apply gas it starts missing really rough. does not stall, starts ok, seems to be on acceleration only.
thanks, Steve

Jun 12, 2008 | 06:32 PM

triton_2002

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From: South Texas

Get the CEL (EGR) issue fixed and then go from there. If you don't clear that code, it will just make it harder to troubleshoot the acceration issue. Did the problem start with the sparkplug change? I would definately put Motorcraft plugs back on.

Jun 13, 2008 | 11:23 AM

skuenkel

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Response

thanks for the reply. the issue existed before the spark plug change. the codes on the EGR were 2: 1) one for excessive air flow and 2) one for restricted air flow (go figure) and everything last year when I was internet searching came up that it was a known problem, live with it, and Ford wanted $750 to fix it. I can live with it.

but that has been there for several years. the acceleration issue just began a month or so ago. I have noticed that the missing/hesitation is worse during the first 10 mins of driving. there are sometimes I can be accelerating and it misses so bad it seems like it turns off, I let off the gas, and it goes on fine. very wierd...

I will change the plugs back to Motorcraft this weekend and see how that affects it.. thanks

Jun 17, 2008 | 06:38 AM

OLDEAGLE

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I HAD A PROBLEM VERY SIMILAR TO THIS ON MY 5.4 AND FOUND ONE OF MY C.O.P. HAD CORROSION ON THE SPRING WHERE IT CONNECTED TO THE PLUG.

I REPLACED THE C.O.P. AND EVERY THING IS FINE.

Jun 18, 2008 | 03:26 PM

skuenkel

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Update to Acceleration problem

thanks for the tip. I ran into a friend that mentioned when he replaced his Bosch plugs for the Motorcraft that his similar issue stopped. So, Sat I replaced all the plugs (even though they were only 2 yrs old (Bosch)) with new Motorcraft plugs and sure enough the problem resolved. I cleared the codes while I was replacing the plugs and it was running very nice after completion. after several hours of driving the engine light came back on, which I expected because of the EGR issue mentioned in second post. Now, it runs good but once in a while it does a hesitation or miss....nothing like before but not perfect.... maybe a sensor? have to investigate...

Plus, during the plug change I stripped (excuse, not just stripped but broke off) one of the 7mm bolts that holds the COP on cylinder next to closest cylinder to Steering....urrrr...the injection line where the sensor sits (just above that bolt makes it hard to reach and now I get the privilege of trying to extract the broken off bolt in the block.... such is life for the DIY'ers..