I have a 2004 F150 CrewCab, with the 5.4 3 V Triton V8. My question is What is the reason if any does Ford Program the Throttle resopnse to have that momentary pause? And Yes I know that I can purchase a diagnostic thing to eliminate the Pause as well as tweek many other aspects of the computer. I was just wondering if anyone knew why by defalt there is the pause on excelleration

 

My 2004 FX4 has no pause when accelerating.

 

Well what I'm talking about is when I stomp it to the floor, there is a split second pause. The pause is documented, but i was wondering what purpose it serves.

 

Before I bought my 2004 5.4L F150 I was looking at GM and Chevy (they have the same thing). From what I read, manufactures put that pause there to keep us from laying down some rubber and increasing engine wear. I'll see if I can find the URL about the F150.

Jansen

 

Thank's Jansen for your response. I'm sure they have what they figure is a good reason for it, but I can speak from experience when I say that discovering the pause while pulling out into traffic will surely make you squeeze up some seat!

 

I remember back when I ordered my truck I was reading the brochure and it was speaking of the wheel torque based throttle and how it helped rock crawl and with offroading.

 

What's that's about is how (if you've noticed) when you put it in first or second gear (gear shift), the truck automatically tunes the throttle so when your foot bounces on the peddle (as in riding on very rough terrain), it doesn't automatically translate into an immediate rev of the engine. The idea being, if you bounce on the peddle accidentally, you're not going to make the tires spin or make the truck run out of control or jerk all over the place.

However, in normal conditions with the truck in drive, I still think the response could be improved. I just compare it to a couple other cars we own. The traditional throttle cable really gives that instant "I just stomped it!" response, which I kinda like

 

I haven't noticed that about 1st and 2nd gear, but haven't tried it either. But what you are saying makes good sense, and I agree, I like that Stomp it and go response my self Looks like i will have to spend 400 bucks and get me one of those programmer things.

 

My Fx4 has 5k miles on it. Because of this posting, I did some special tests today, stomping on the pedal at 45, 60, and 70 mph. I did not notice any lag in the throttle response.

 

I should have been more clear with my statement. My bone stock FX4 has no pause when accelerating, so go to your dealer and ask them to fix your problem.

 

Same here no pause in drive on take off in my FX4. Now if im crusing slow and drop into second the power decrease is very noticable. With slight acceleration and slip it back into drive what a change in power to the engine.

 

Here's specifically what I'm talking about. Regarding the 5.4L. With the truck either in park (in your driveway) or on the road going slow (so you can hear it and the RPM's are just above idle when coasting - maybe 20 MPH for example) - mash the pedal and immediately let off. If you let the truck idle, you can literally pump the pedal very fast (all day long if you want) and nothing will happen. Do that on an engine with a traditional throttle cable and the engine will rev up a couple thousand RPMs. I tested this with my truck and then with my car. My cheap car with the throttle cable revs up a couple grand. My truck only jumps up maybe 20 or 30 RPMs, barely noticable. THAT'S what I'm talking about. I would bet good money that everyone will the new 5.4 has this behaviour. It's not that noticable when you're already cruising and you push the pedal FURTHER. It's mainly when you don't have your foot on the pedal at all...and then you stomp it. Give it a try. You'll see what I mean. Make sure it's at idle or if cruising, let off the gas for several seconds until the engine settles down - then pump the pedal very quickly. You'll notice it for sure.

Having said that, I love my truck and I'm ok with this as it is. It's just one of those minor things I would change if I could (without spending money).

 

I have noticed the lag as well. It's even more noticable if you drive a different car (wife's mini van) for a while and then go back to the truck. The mini van's starts to feel like a rocket off the line compaired to the truck.


If this is something that can be adjusted by reprograming with an aftermarket tool, why can't the dealer do it?

 

I'm curious to know...anyone with one of those PCM tuners - does that tuner eliminate the lag I spoke of? For example, completely stock...you pump the pedal quickly and nothing happens. After the tuning/reprogramming - does that go away and does a quick tap on the pedal translate into an immediate response from the engine, revs up?

My only issue with using one of the tuners is the cost of the unit and if I have to use high octane gas.

I'm totally in favor of the electronic throttle...but not as long as it has a built-in delay in response. I guess the thing I'd love to know is if Ford programmed in the delay on purpose - to make drivers safer? I don't know how adding in a split second or two delay translates into safer drivers/driving.

 

Well it can't be any safer.... (you don't need to go into detail with me about what "throttle lag" is... I know exactly what you mean)

I went to do a fast lane change, because of a turning car infront of me...... and there was another car's front end just beside my back bumper.
(this is a "skilled" move I'm sure we have all done)

I punched it and lane changed at the same time ....except as I turned the wheel to go around the turning car, there was no power to the ground

That's when I realized this throttle lag blows!

Now when I jump in the wife's Explorer I am bucking it from light to light and spilling my coffee ..:o

My programmer should be here any day now lariatf150, I'll let you know what it does to the throttle lag.