After my 2001 Lighting's leaky injector was replaced at around 1300 miles, I noticed the L didn't quite idle as smoothly as it did before the service was performed. I thought it may have been a fouled plug, but the service invoice indicates that a fouled spark plug was in fact replaced. Unfortunately it was one of the deep ones and is hard to reach - I haven't verified myself that it was replaced at all.

Anyway, I'm at 4000 miles and that vibration is gettin worse. I am going to take it in to the dealer but wanted to see what you guys thought so I could suggest some possible culprits to my tech. Here are my basic symptoms:

- Oscillating vibration that is especially noticeable in "D" gear (but also perceptible in "P").

- I can feel it in floorboards, pedals, and especially while gripping the steering wheel.

- Does not seem to be temperature dependent, and does not go away after engine has been warmed up or driven for a while.

- Cannot notice any vibration at higher engine speeds.

- At idle, the buzzing sensation feels like this: ---===####===---===####===---===####===---===####===---
(it doesn't vibrate at constant rate, but pulses or varies in strength in a cycle - RPMs do not appear to flutter)

Any ideas folks?

 

You know partner, .... I have no clue as to the problem with your truck. This I do know, you have had some problems with your 01 and I have had none with my 99, except the I/C. I always wonder when I will trade my truck for a newer L but I keep coming back to the stated fact mentioned above. I think I will keep my old 99 and be happy. Sorry Ben, but your post just made me think a bit. My truck is an old 99 but it is has been a good truck.

BTW, BrianK and Bettina came by today and we lowered my truck, ate pizza and played GT3. You should come out sometime.
Take care, good luck with the truck, and have a merry christmas.
R/S Dennis

 

Sounds like plugs, coil packs or some sensor. let them fix it under warrenty!!!

 

Vacuum line knocked off or left disconnected--or your PCV pulled out of the rt. cam cover??

Dan

 

I will make sure the Tech looks at all of the above mentioned items when I bring it in. It's too dark now for me to check the vacuum lines but I'll try and check the PCV tomorrow.

LIGHTNINROD, is it the cyclic nature of the vibration that makes you think it's a vacuum/PCV problem?

If it is a plug problem, what kind of plug deficiency am I looking for? Bad color? Deformed electrode? Because it doesn't feel like it's misfiring per se.

Shorty, yeah it seems like I am having some issues with my L. But it all stemmed from the injector failing. It ran great until that moment, and now it seems like it just wasn't put back together correctly. As far as I know, the 99 and 01 injectors are the same right?

GT3!!! I would love to join you guys for that! We should also do the go-karting here by Dulles too sometime.

What kit did you use to lower your L? Is it a 2" or 4" drop?

 

Hey...BMW...you might want to have the tech check something else.....this is gonna sound funny....but the Power steering resevoir lines. There was a tsb on them for causing vibrations that were felt inside the cab. It pulsates with the pump pressure and is somehow transfered into the truck. Just a thought. Hope it helps.

Mark

 

Hi Orphaner.... thanks for the tip. Never thought of that either, but sounds plausible. Lord knows the Ford power steering sure hisses and groans a lot more than the PS ever did in my BMW.