Hi all,

I just bought a 2000 F150 XLT with the 5.4 auto 4X4 combo. On the drive back to Atlanta from North Carolina today it would miss slightly under a light load on the highway. It almost felt like my Exploder when the plug wires were breaking down. But it only did it like if I would go 90mph and coast down to 70mph then lightly apply steady throttle it would miss just for a second and pick up again, very intermitently. When the wires went south on the Exploder the more throttle I used the worse it bucked and missed, the lighter load the less it would act up. So I don't think it is actually missing it just feels kind of like that, but only under light loads. Shifts are crisp and on time almost always. On the highway if I make it down shift the prob goes away, it is only under very light throttle.



And then there is reverse. When I put the truck in reverse it engages just fine, even under light throttle it backs up just fine but apply a little heavy throttle in reverse and it shutters really hard. Feels like really violent wheel hop or like the situation on the highway but not just an intermitent miss more like a violent shutter. Is this making any sense? I have bought the usual tune up stuff but haven't yet performed the repairs. I plan on doing plugs, tranny service, filters and such. It really does feel like the tranny but it could be the engine stumbling I guess? What's the story on the coil packs? With no wires to go bad I am out of ideas. Think I am chasing two different problems? Any help would be greatly appreciated!

Moderators, sorry if this winds up being in the wrong spot. I'm not sure if I have a motor problem or a tranny problem?!?!?!!?



Thanks,

Chad

 

It appears there are two different problems.
The way you discribe the coast down miss, I'm thinking EGR operation is not quite proper.
On the trans., the converter often does this and could be the fluid that is now in it or even the EEC programing.
I know other Ford cars have had these same problems.
Have a look for codes on the engine first to see what may be implicated.
Have the trans flushed and required fluid installed and see how it reacts, then go from there.
Buying a used truck has it's down side unless the seller is backing it up.
Good luck.

 

Thanks bluegrass,
Used is the only way to fly for me. I bought it really cheap knowing it needed a little bit of work, so all is well. I'm planning the tranny fluid service soon so maybe that will cure it. As far as checking the codes, I do not have any warning lights on the dash lighting up. Will it still store codes even if it doesn't light the check engine light?

Thanks,
Chad

 

Code can still be stores but is past history if there is no Check engine light.
Some faults that are not in long enough may not show a light but still create drivability problems on a momentary basis.