I cannot get accustomed to the throttle respone of my new F150, and I'm wondering if I'm the only one with this issue. I've got a 2004 F-150 SCrew Lariat 5.4 2WD with the "drive by wire" throttle.

My issues depend on light or heavy throttle application. During heavy throttle (>25%) the power output seems strong and predictable although there seems to be a half to one second delay for the throttle to open fully (to the degree requested by my right foot). My biggest issue is at light throttle openings... it is unpredictable how much, or how soon, the power will "come in". The time delay seems to expand to 1-2 seconds, but it is the quantity of power that is most un-predictable. If my right foot requests 5% throttle, sometimes I receive 2% increase in power, and sometimes I receive a 20% increase in power. This seems to vary widely depending mostly on road speed (0 to 15 mph is the most unpredictable), engine RPM (500 -1200 RPM is most unpredictable), how quickly the throttle is opened (easing into 10% throttle is the most unpredictable), the phase of the moon, relative humidity and who knows what else.

This makes driving in bumper to bumper traffic a Herky-Jerky affair. Accelerating smoothly from 6 MPH to exactly 8 MPH, takes every bit of concentration I can muster. The most difficult task is parking in a space with a very slight uphill grade. I dare not park any closer to a wall/vehicle than 12", or I could make an involintary bumper impact test.

The end result is an annoying battle between human and computer over what the proper amount of throttle is. One might credit this poor quality throttle response, to slow CPU processing speed, but when I let off the throttle, the response is always instantanious. My thoughts are that the software engineers have attempted to smooth out a sensitive throttle "tip-in". It sort of makes (incorrect) sense because this is a torquey motor right from idle, but they have messed it up worse by trying to fix it in software. The throttle needs to be made more predictable, so that the DRIVER can be more smooth.

I love everything else about the truck. My passengers love everything about the truck, but they wish I would learn how to drive. I know it sounds like I need to return to drivers ed, but I've got 30+ years driving experience including racetrack credentials.

I guess it goes without saying the local dealer sez: nuthin' wrong. Any body else this picky, or do I really have something wrong with my truck? Anybody know of a throttle cable retrofit kit?

Thanks for comments or suggestions.

-CR

 

Buy the 1714 Superchip Super Tuner from Troyer Performance and your lag will go away. An airintake system wont hurt either!

 

I too have noticed the drive-by-wire poor throttle response. One answer to the problem would be to install the new Superchip "MAX" Tuner 1714. It improves throttle response (adjustable too) and give you different performance programs to choose from (as well as stock). Everyone that has used this has said the difference is night and day and is the way it should have come from the factory.

Troyers sales this piece, abit pricey, but most say well worth it. I plan on obtaining one soon.

~Colby

 

You beat me to it!!!

 

allready said and will be buy many more MAX 1714. You will love the tune.

 

i agree with you crobin. I noticed the same thing when i bought my truck. MOST importantly the low throttle jerky type feel. Taking off slow will kinda shake/jerk it's way through the first 10mph or so.

I'm thinking about the tuner 1714 myself but i don't wanna run into issues with dealer/warranty!? I think first thing i will do is get an intake, probably airaid, but i hoping air force one will come out soon so i can get some reviews on that one as well.

Mike

 

I think the throttle response gets better as the truck breaks in FWIW. Also, most people get used to it after a while. When I get around to buying the tuner, I'm sure it will look like a 16 year old is driving my truck as I re-adjust to normal throttle response!

 

The 1714 took care of the delay for me. I couldn't stand that delay especially when trying to do a pass, it took forever to downshift. Not anymore!
I have also read that an intake has taken care of it for others. So just do both and you will be REALLY happy.

TroyerPerformance.com gives a great discount on the 1714 too! Do a search on this and you will find plenty of info.
Good Luck!

 

Is the discount for all members of this site?

 

Yes, just call them and let them know that you are a F150Online.com member and provide them your user name.
Here are some relevant links:
Troyer Performance home page
SuperChips 1714 MicroTuner information from Troyer Performance

 

Everybody wants performance, but a cheaper way to go is to take it back to Ford and have them reflash the PCM. I had this done on mine and it solved all kinds of quirks. I noticed the difference as soon as i got in and started driving. It's all covered by warranty too!

 

what did you tell them in order to get them to reflash it?! I mean, it's not like you went in there and just said "The performance sucks, i want it quicker!" ?!?

 

I just called up my dealer and told them that I bought my truck in February and I wanted to get the PCM flashed to have the latest software. They asked me if I was experiencing any issues and I told them that the acceleration sucked and few other things. They said the latest flash would take care of it and it did. I'm not sure what it's like compared to the SuperTuner but it's much better then when I initially purchased it. Also, it was under warranty and it was taken care of for free.

 

yeah id have to say go in n see if theres an update. My truck was built in july and it has none of those issues you speak of. There is a hint of hesitation because its electronic but no where near as bad as you describe. Certainly cheaper than a 400dollar tuner and at least that will tide you over if you decide on the tuner.

Dan

 

Umm where are the pics of the GN? I've seen enough F150's for a while.