2000 Eddie Bauer 5.4L

[TheFlyingDutchman]

Hi, y'all.

So I've got a few issues with my Expedition but the most concerning right now is that just after I installed a new battery, I started experiencing a shudder, mainly when I'm idling or accelerating. I had the starter, battery, and alternator checked and they are fine.

When idling, it sometimes shudders so bad it feels like the truck's going to quit completely. There's no check engine light coming on. I am going to be calling a mechanic today (I've had to find a new one after 4 different local mechanics screwed up figuring out what was wrong with my '86 F-250) and hoping to get it taken in today or tomorrow.

Any idea what is causing this and why it started up after I got a new battery installed? And any general idea how much it will cost to fix it?

Any and all advice/opinions are welcome.

 

[mmurphy1313]

Coil/plug? Try disconnecting battery then reconnect after ten minutes to relearn pcm, long shot though, could be loose connection

 

[highlandre]

When my coils were going bad I had a similar problem and it wasn't too long after I replaced my battery. That said I was getting an error code telling me which coil was bad.

 

[Russell Lewis]

My wife had same issue on her van. Cleaned idle air/egr new plugs even though ones on there were fairly new, new plug wires ours would be coil boots, cleaned MAF. Cleared up the problem. You can check coils http://easyautodiagnostics.com/misc-index/two-wire-cop-coil-tests-1 also the “ high spark “ accel/Msd are a waist.

If you clean anything disconet the battery then re connect after about 5 min should re calibrate based off clean. If not even though cleaned the Computer will not adjust to it.

 

[TheFlyingDutchman]

How much is it generally to replace coils?

 

[Russell Lewis]

DG508 Motorcraft $40 Rock auto
Try a pick a part pull off a 4.6/5.4/6.8 get way cheaper

Amazon has a pkg deal 80 for 8
Off brand

Accel and msd not worth the price.

 

[TheFlyingDutchman]

So after it sits over night, the shuddering doesn't occur except only a tiny bit when I drive to work (around 4am when it's still pretty cold outside). Also, the engine doesn't shudder when I coast but it really hits when braking and when it idles and then when it accelerates. Still no check engine light.

 

[Russell Lewis]

Running hot ? Does the exhaust smell rich ?

Sounds like a miss fire honestly. Not burning fuel in one or more cylinders causing a load on the motor why coasting not there. Most likely louder when accelerating when idling still there not as bad though. Computer adjusts timing making it worse.

Have someone with a scan tool check to see if any pending codes. Ones not triggering a check engine light.

 

[rjdelp7]

Coil/plug? Try disconnecting battery then reconnect after ten minutes to relearn pcm, long shot though, could be loose connection

Don't play the whack-a-mole game. You may have a pending code. You can purchase your own OBD scanner now, cheap(under $30). You can also go to Autozone or Advance Auto, they check it for free. Do not replace coils, unless you have a CEL. They are very expensive and some are a pain to get at. There is a re-learn procedure, after installing battery. It involves a couple minutes of idling, with AC on/off and in/out of gear.

 

[Russell Lewis]

Don't play the whack-a-mole game. You may have a pending code. You can purchase your own OBD scanner now, cheap(under $30). You can also go to Autozone or Advance Auto, they check it for free. Do not replace coils, unless you have a CEL. They are very expensive and some are a pain to get at. There is a re-learn procedure, after installing battery. It involves a couple minutes of idling, with AC on/off and in/out of gear.

Auto zone-Orilies most can’t/won’t check for pending codes. They will only do if light on. If knows someone or can brow one can check pending codes.

 

[Bruce Mitchell]

I bought an OBD-II reader on eBay for $16 (free shipping). Not fancy, but it does the job (I don't know if it reads "pending codes", though). Handy to keep in your on-board toolkit.

Good luck!

 

[TheFlyingDutchman]

Running hot ? Does the exhaust smell rich ?

Sounds like a miss fire honestly. Not burning fuel in one or more cylinders causing a load on the motor why coasting not there. Most likely louder when accelerating when idling still there not as bad though. Computer adjusts timing making it worse.

Have someone with a scan tool check to see if any pending codes. Ones not triggering a check engine light.

Sometimes the exhaust does smell strong, almost like sulfur. Yesterday and today though there's been none of the shuddering or anything else that it has been doing since the new battery was put in. Doesn't seem to run hot. It could start back up again, of course. But I'm definitely going to see if a mechanic can run a scan.

The Dutchman is the last vehicle I can afford to own and it has to last me. I can't afford to not fix any issues that come up right now, regardless if they're expensive or not.

 

[98eb5.4]

I bought an OBD-II reader on eBay for $16 (free shipping). Not fancy, but it does the job (I don't know if it reads "pending codes", though). Handy to keep in your on-board toolkit.

Good luck!

i've used cheap code readers for years, all read for pending codes including if a vehicle is emission test ready

buncha vac lines run by/near the batt, all it takes is a leak to ruin a smooth idle or dead even balanced running

a vac leak can also be intermittent as well as vary in intensity, the worse the leak, the worse the idle including shaking & ruff running...

you can can hear bad air leaks..

 

[Russell Lewis]

Here is the sticky how to make a smoke machine

http://www.expeditionforum.com/threads/diy-smoke-machine.30282/

 

[grantpa]

Sounds like a miss in one or more cylinders. You should hook up a scanner to it and see what codes, if any, pop. Diagnose/test/analyze thoroughly BEFORE THROWING PARTS AT IT!!! I know, easier said than done, but by diagnosing thoroughly FIRST you will SAVE big money$$$!!! Good luck!

 

[TheFlyingDutchman]

I plan to get it scanned but the shuddering has completely stopped and I have had no issues with it. We drove almost 300 miles over Friday and Saturday and not a single issue with the shuddering. The only thing that's really concerning me now is that when it goes into 2nd gear, it shifts hard. So I have to get that checked.

 

[Russell Lewis]

I plan to get it scanned but the shuddering has completely stopped and I have had no issues with it. We drove almost 300 miles over Friday and Saturday and not a single issue with the shuddering. The only thing that's really concerning me now is that when it goes into 2nd gear, it shifts hard. So I have to get that checked.

That sounds like the tranny
Cheapest kit all in one
http://superiortransmission.com/product/superior-ke4od-v/

Here is the name brand one but buy piece by piece

http://www.transgo.com/products.php...d=142&countdisplay=6&start=0&addcountview=Yes

 

[TheFlyingDutchman]

Yeah, so when it rains, it pours...

Alternator is now shot and needs replaced...so tomorrow or Tuesday, it will be going to the shop. I'll have everything else checked while they're replacing the alternator. I just hope it hasn't ruined the new battery I just put in there.

Was driving on Friday when I noticed the battery gauge dipping so I stopped at Autozone and they checked the alternator and it is running at only 4 volts.

 

[Russell Lewis]

Your going to be fine. Unless opposite over charge it will be fine or if old and goes to low can’t always bring it back.

Good luck at getting the other issues looked at. If you don’t mind post back with the issues so we all know please.

 

[TheFlyingDutchman]

Current issues with The Flying Dutchman:

- alternator needs replacing
- shifts hard into 2nd gear
- gauge and dash lights don't work (but the idiot lights work somehow)
- driver seat heating doesn't work
- high pitch squeal/whine after about 20 mins of driving (probably was the alternator because it got worse when the alternator went out)
-signals stop working after using them about 8-9 times during driving.


I will update which issues get fixed with the upcoming shop visit. It's going to take time to get it all fixed because I don't make enough to fix it all at once...wish it was closer to tax return season.