Is this what is causing the hesitation when I floor my 04' F-150?

 

Yep.

 

Question:

Will tuning computers (when they are available) be able to address the drive by wire issues? Anybody know the specifics on how this system works?

 

Drive by wire is a term used when electronics are used to control the throttle. Instead of a cable connecting the pedal to the throttle body to open the butterfly valve, it is done by a servo mechanism that is controlled by a variable position electronic switch. The more you sqeeze the throttle the more the servo opens the throttle body. Think of it as a radio controlled car, one of those cheap ones that have the wire connecting the controller to the car. You turn, it turns; you accelerate, it accelerates, just the signals are dictated through a wire not a cable. Airplanes have used this type of technology for decades to control flight surfaces, hence fly-by-wire. It is not new, just more new for automobiles.
Hope that helps.

Brian

 

I am sure aftermarket chip makerswill be able to speed up this control. Or maybe it is the servo on the throtle body that will need to be replaced by a faster unit. I am sure their will be a workaround. I think Ford made it to be as smooth and linear as it could so the truck just drove well and refined. I think this was their intention.

Brian

 

I've been wondering about this for quite some time. What's the benefit in this application? One more thing to breakdown, and the techs to fix?

 

Benefit is a smoother and more linear power band. It helps when towing or offroading so that you do not just spin the tires. It allows for a smooth takeoff and some of the more refined manners that the new truck has. Will it break down, possibly anything can happen. But I am sure you will be able to tech it out if the throttle does not work. Besides, they have a couple of decades of research already done by aircraft companies to draw upon. I do not see a failure coming on a regular basis.
Brian

 

Re hesitation

I am a retired tech. worked on Cadillac cars and trucks for
22 years. They had drive by wire for a number of years.
Cadillacs never had a hesitation unless there was something
wrong with them. My 04 lariet is at dealer being preped.
The hesitation will go away when Ford issues the bulletin to
correct the problem.If Your trucks hesitate,visid dealer and complain.That is how Ford knows you are unhappy.


Mike

 

There is no reason that the system can't respond as quickly as the old mechanical system. I can understand the low-range 4x4 benefit, but off the line lag is unnecessary, IMHO.

Maybe Ford should have had a button or switch that toggles the response time of the servo/servos, so you can have two settings.

1. sport/performance
2. towing/offroad/smooth manners

 

Well I just came from a Mustang GT... and Have been driving the new truck for a couple of weeks now... at first the Hesitation was bad.. but after driving the Truck like it is a mustang GT (Lead footing it) for the first 1200 miles, the Hesitation is almost not noticeable, and the truck is getting quicker. I think it is all how the computer learns how you drive.