Hi guys, recently my truck has been acting up. It is a 2000 5.4L 4x4. About 2 weeks ago, every 4th or 5th start, it would idle a lot lower than usual, and I would have to keep my foot on the gas to keep it running, or else it would die. Now, this pretty much occurs everytime, and seems to be getting worse. This morning on the way to school, it hesitated horribly whenever I took off from a standstill, but never actually died (although it did come really close ). Its really embarrassing to have such a nice truck limp around like that... especially here at NCSU. I do not have any CEL or SES lights on at all. There is also a slight ticking noise at >2500rpms sometimes...I am not sure if that is related or not. It also idles a tad bit rougher than usual, and the gas mileage has decreased as well. Any help you guys could give me is greatly appreciated!

 

When did you last changed your fuel filter? The next thing I would look for is a disconnected vacuum or PCV hose.

 

I personally have never changed the fuel filter (only had the truck for a little over a month). It has 142,000 miles on it, and I know nothing of its past history as far as maintenance or anything goes. I am thinking that I should just bite the bullet and have it tuned up...can't hurt anything right?

 

If the plugs have never been changed, then that could be an issue.... Could also be a clogged up IAC. Changing the fuel filter never hurts either.

With it not throwing any codes is kinda strange.... Anytime mine has started running rough or bad, the CEL has always come on and pointed right to the problem (so far only twice since I've owned the truck..... )

Good luck!

Mitch

 

I once had an issue where the truck was running bad and not throwing a light so I hooked up my laptop and it had codes ( the light was dead ). Try pulling the connection on the intake air temp sensor (not your MAF) it should throw a code the second time you start it and you can see if you light is working.