I have a 2002 F-150 S-crew, 5.4 SLT. When warming up, the idle surges 250 rpm up and down. Also, the low end power was really lacking, (my 91 GMC Safari van pulls my tent trailer stronger), and my fuel economy was terrible ~14 MPG on the highway not towing. I don't drive it hard, (like an old man). I have taken it to the dealership twice. The first time they said they could not find a problem but reprogrammed the computer. The low end power improved as did the fuel economy by about 2.5 miles to the gallon. But when the valet brought the truck out it was still surging. I immediately called the on duty service manager to look at it and he said it was not right and to bring it back.
I brought it back and they replaced the computer and said all was well. When the same valet brought it out again it was still surging. I have contacted Ford Corporate and logged a case with them. I contacted the dealer that did the work and was told to take it back to the dealer I purchased it from, (which is 30 miles from where I live, while the local dealer is 3 miles).I wonder if I have a lemon?
Has anyone else had this problem? I am frustrated with this whole thing. Any ideas or experiences with this kind of problem and/or Lemon law returns?
I have 4500 miles on it.


Your advice is appreciated.

mtbmike

 

Is it only when It's cold? Does it do it after it's at full operating temp?

Since these motors are working off a pre programed chip, sensors out the a$$ and fuel injected, not much you can really do. I'm sure there is no CEL, so there is no code to pull.

Sounds like your dealer is at least working with you. At least they didn't say "that's normal". Yeah, it sucks to be happening with a brand new truck. Lemon Law can be used if the same problem re-occurs after it's been fixed a certian number of times (5 times seems to stick in my head for some reason).

The dealer should be checking the other sensors like the O2, MAF, TPC and the like.

Good Luck!! Hope they get it fixed.

 

Even low milage 5.4L's seem to have an issue with the IAC (Idle Air Control valve) sometimes. You can see if it's sticking by tapping on it with something along the lines of a screw driver of small hammer while the engine's running. If the engine smooths-out after tapping it, then it's sticking.

Strange that the techs haven't isolated the cause yet. California does have the most consumer friendly lemon laws in the country, if this isn't resolved.

 

I have had the same problem, not often though. Putting the truck in gear soon after start up usually triggers the problem. I just give it a slight rev and the spasming seems to go away. I haven't had any power loss, nock on wood.


01 4.6ltr
a/t 15,000 mi.

Maybe it has to do with the california emissions package???

Has to do with the computer at warm up. This is normal. I witnessed a brand new--no miles-- lot F-150 doing the exact same thing.