Does anyone with a 4.2 have problems with a rough idle? It is incosistent and seems to happen when the truck is driven more than 20 or so miles. It feels like its going to stall and when I take off from a stop it stutters.

Here is a letter I sent to Ford in hopes of a response. Has anyone else experienced this type of problem?

I am writing this e-mail because I am having engine problems with my F-150. My truck idles very roughly after it has been driven for about 20 miles and continues to do so until I reach my destination. It is very inconsistent though- sometimes it will idle rough when I am stopped and then other times it idles fine. At times it feels as if it is going to stall and then when I take off from a stop, it feels very sluggish for a few seconds until it picks up speed.

I have had it into Mills Ford in Anaheim, California on three separate occasions to try and remedy the problem while under factory warranty. The first visit they said nothing was wrong. The second visit they had me pay for a fuel filter and labor but the problem did not go away. The third time they kept it overnight and replaced the IAC valve (I had to pay for a rental car) and still no improvement. I now have 55k on the truck and it seems to be getting worse and appears to be happening more frequently. I continually promote your truck as I belong to an F-150 club, but I am getting extremely discouraged with Ford because they failed to fix it while it was under warranty.

As a valued customer of Ford I would greatly appreciate some assistance in getting this fixed once and for all. I do not feel I should have to put out any out of pocket expenses, as it should have been fixed while under warranty!

Thank you for your consideration in this matter. Your decision will influence whether or not I continue be an F-150 enthusiast and promote your product.

Sincerely,

Mike Lashley


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97 F150,2wd,light moacha supercab,tinted windows, piaa's,4.2/auto. Have 2" A arms (thanks to Loser1) all I need are the 4" hangers & brackets. Put in a Pioneer head unit w/steering wheel remote.




[This message has been edited by big.mike (edited 04-29-2000).]

 

I have the same exact problem. I have taken the truck to my delearship a few times and each time was told everything is fine. Dont know what to do now it gets annoying sometimes.

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TRUCK
2000 F150 Sport XLT 4.2L V6 Bright Red Flareside S/C. CD Player.

MODS
Code Alarm Surestart LX, Window Tint, K&N Filter. Flowmaster 50 series dual exhaust with 3.5" chrome tips, Superchip,Muth Signal Mirrors, clear corner lenses, ultra white halogen headlights, Lumi Logo In the front, Black Westin Nerf Bars, Red Wire Loom throughout the engine, Pioneer DEH-P7000R cd player, Radio shack CB Radio.

 

Well hopefully I'll get some kind of response from Ford. When I do, I'll post it.

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97 F150,2wd,light moacha supercab,tinted windows, piaa's,4.2/auto. Have 2" A arms (thanks to Loser1) all I need are the 4" hangers & brackets. Put in a Pioneer head unit w/steering wheel remote.

 

2000Sport - does your truck behave this way with and without the Superchip?

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White '98 XL,Reg Cab, 4x2, Long Bed, V6, Auto, Lund Interceptor Deflector, Extang Saber Tonneau, SuperWhite Bulbs, Airaid FIPK with K&N Filter.

 

This problem has been around since day one. Chipped and unchipped.

 

2000sport,

Have you voiced your problem with Ford? If not maybe you should because it is inly getting worse for me. I think its affecting my fuel mileage as well, I'm getting between 13-14mpg on an average. It's an all stock 4.2 supercab 2wd, I should be getting like 15-17 or so. Hmm. I guess I'll find out in the next day or so.

Later...Bigmike


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97 F150,2wd,light moacha supercab,tinted windows, piaa's,4.2/auto. Have 2" A arms (thanks to Loser1) all I need are the 4" hangers & brackets. Put in a Pioneer head unit w/steering wheel remote.

 

once my truck shuttered and tried to die when I pressed on the accelerator when stopped at a stop sign after a 40 mile trip. sometimes it struggles when being started - truck vibrates/shutters while the rpms go up and down - it will die if i don't press the gas pedal. and while sitting at idle in drive and park after driving for awhile you can feel slight surges in vibration go through the truck - rough idle????.
could the truck use new spark plugs???

('97 4.2L auto)

 

I have not voiced my problem with ford except for just my dealer but I should and will. I have alot of mods now and dont know what any dealers will say about this but i am planning on trying a different dealer.

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TRUCK
2000 F150 Sport XLT 4.2L V6 Bright Red Flareside S/C. CD Player.

MODS
Code Alarm Surestart LX, Window Tint, K&N Filter. Flowmaster 50 series dual exhaust with 3.5" chrome tips, Superchip,Muth Signal Mirrors, clear corner lenses, ultra white halogen headlights, Lumi Logo In the front, Black Westin Nerf Bars, Red Wire Loom throughout the engine, Pioneer DEH-P7000R cd player, Radio shack CB Radio.

 

Hey, what spark plugs are you running? In '97 they did a spark plug change to solve rough idle probs...Mine did it, factory autorized plug change (have sticker underhood to prove it) and it runs perfect. 30K later, no probs...gas mileage did suffer 1-2 mpg...oh well it runs SOOOO much better. I'll drop back to this site at a later date to see how its goin....Good luck.

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1997 F-150 Reg. Cab/Short Box, 4.2L, Auto 3.31 Rear, Black/Silver

 

mine is a 2000 not a 97 i dont think thats the problem

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TRUCK
2000 F150 Sport XLT 4.2L V6 Bright Red Flareside S/C. CD Player.

MODS
Code Alarm Surestart LX, Window Tint, K&N Filter. Flowmaster 50 series dual exhaust with 3.5" chrome tips, Superchip,Muth Signal Mirrors, clear corner lenses, ultra white halogen headlights, Lumi Logo In the front, Black Westin Nerf Bars, Red Wire Loom throughout the engine, Pioneer DEH-P7000R cd player, Radio shack CB Radio.

http://communities.msn.com/2000sport

 

kat,
i have a 97 and this is a first time i have heard about the spark plug change.

 

Well, I changed the plugs (factory Motorcraft Platinum) as well as new wires with no difference. Ford did however e-mail me back saying that they spoke to the service manager at Mills Ford (in Anaheim) and that I should set up a time to take my truck back in. I have an appointment this Friday so I guess I'll see then.

It seems as though this is an uncommon problem, I just want it to run right. I'll keep all posted.

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97 F150,2wd,light moacha supercab,tinted windows, piaa's,4.2/auto. Have 2" A arms (thanks to Loser1) all I need are the 4" hangers & brackets. Put in a Pioneer head unit w/steering wheel remote.

 

have your fuel pressure regulator replaced that what was wrong with mine

 

I am having the same problem with my 97 F150.
I am going to change the plugs, and fuel filter and have a fuel injecter service done to it, and see if that helps.

 

For 1997 4.2L engines produced in mid to late 1996, there is a problem with intake manifold leaking water. The water gets in the cylinder and causes a rough idle. Usually this problem occurs at startup because the leak is so small that the amount of water that does enter the cylinder evaporates by the time the engine is warm. I suppose if the leak is severe enough then the problem could continue while the engine is hot.