I have a 2000 F150 4X4 Off Road with the 5.4 motor. At highway speeds when I let off the gas, it almost seems to down shift. It will coast for a second or 2, then it backs down like it has dropped down a gear. Had it to the dealer, they hooked up a laptop computer and put 40 miles on checking it out. The transmission is ok but they admit something is not right. Suggested that I put some more miles on and see if things change. Gas mileage is terrible. Could it be the torque converter? Any ideas?

 

The additional drag you feel after a second or two of coasting is the injectors shutting off.

Injectors shut off during coast to improve fuel economy and reduce emissions. It's normal.

How bad is the gas mileage you are getting? City or highway? How heavy is your right foot?

Mark

 

Howdy Mark,

I'm getting 12-13 MPG, and have a light foot. Also have a slight delay in shifting from 1st to 2nd.

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2000 F-150 Lariat, Flareside, Black, SC, FOxFO, 5.4L, 3.55, Garmin Street Pilot Color GPS

 

Hi Mark,
Mine seems to get 12-14 around town including short trips to work and back. Now if I drive on a two or three hour trip, I am looking close to 19 mpg. Seems the longer the trip, the better the gas mileag is. That is normal on just about everything though.
2000 Red/gold, Supercrew, XLT, 4x4 Off-Road
5.4 auto

 

I'm getting 12-14 with mine (5,900 mi) -- and I'd shout it from the rooftops if I ever get 19 on the highway.

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XLT SC SB 5.4 4x4 3.73 LS

 

I just got my 2001 SuperCrew a couple of weeks ago. It definitely doesn't have this problem, but I do know exactly what you're talking about. In late '99 before I could order, I began test driving F-150s, since in the past I have had Chevys only. I almost decided not to go with Ford because I test drove a 1999 SuperCab 4X4 with the 5.4 that did exactly what yours is doing. If you backed off the gas going down the highway, it felt like it downshifted on you. Not cool. I came back around after I drove my buddy's 2000 Supercab 4X4. His didn't do this whatsoever. I'd bet dollars for donuts you have some sort of tranny defect that has afflicted other f-150. Keep pushing the issue with your dealer.

 

I have also felt this in my Y2K w/5.4. Doesn't happen all the time, but every once in a while I feel a slight "surge" when I let off the gas. Only lasts a second then kicks in the normal drag.

 

Mine coasts forever -- I thought perhaps the engine wasn't fully at idle, so I put it in neutral -- with no difference.

I can feel the air compressor causing some drag however -- but only if it's on (duhhh).

I do not feel the injectors shutting off -- but I could be talked into it when I'm in direct (not OD) -- but won't bet much on it yet.

I think the disc brakes have a lot to do with the lack of drag.

Something sounds fishy. Pursue it a bit more.

P.S.: What's the Off Road package? I have the skid plates under the front, xfer case, and gas tank -- but don't think I have the Off-Road package -- isn't that multiple shocks on each axle???.

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Y2K™

Toreador Red, Keyless XLT SC SB 5.4L E4x4 4wDisc/ABS, 3.73LS, Skid, HD 7700# Towing, LT-245's on Chrome, Tube-Steps, Captain's, 6CD, Tonneau, named: "Nick"

 

The ORP is 17 inch wheels, skid plates, heavy duty shocks (I think, this may be part of the tow package), the 4X4 bumper with fog lights(this is true for 97-98 at least) and the 4X4 OffRoad sticker (worth 5 hp itself).



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The Truck: 1997 Black F-150 Flareside. Regular Cab ORP and Towing Package
The Mods: K&N Filter, Eurolid Hard Tonneau, Profile Windstream Side Deflectors and Lund X-Terminator Bug Deflector.
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tmutt,

This is the converter unlocking when you see the rpm go up after letting off the throttle and reapply. Mine does the same thing. Don't know why Ford designed it to do this as it has to be additional wear on the converter lockup bands.

Maybe the Superchip solves this problem? If it does I would consider investing in a Superchip. Anybody with a Superchip noticed this go away after the install?

 

I've put a couple of thousand more miles on and nothing has changed. When I using the cruise control it's worse. I will coast and then when it comes under throttle again and bangs back in like it has bad u-joints. Dealer is starting to think it's bag torque convertor. Mileage has increased to 14.5 mpg.