Issues on startup/revving

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ThisIsZachary

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Hi there -

I've done a perfunctory search for this issue and haven't found any relevant threads, so I'll post here. Thank you in advance for the help.

Last week, I took my 2006 Expy to the dealership (yes, ok, get it out of your system!) for my 60,000 maintenance package. The only time I take it to the dealership is for major milestone maintenance work (the FLM/MyFord website is a good tool to track maintenance and to have an official record maintained by Ford for future owners of my vehicle, in my opinion, but let's please not get off topic).

I drove it normally all last week, and had no issues until yesterday when I tried to start it. The start was a little sluggish, like the battery was not charged fully, but it turned over and started okay. I let the engine run for a while, thinking it would help charge the battery, and I turned it off and started it again. This time, the start was a little faster, so I let it run a little more. I turned it off and started it a third time, and it seemed to start with no problem. However, I started to rev the engine, and noticed that the revs maxxed out at about 2750, maybe 3000. Even with flooring it, I can't get the engine to turn more than 3000 rpms. When it's at its max, I can hear a bit of a rumbling sound, but I haven't taken the time to properly isolate its location. I believe the rumbling occurs while at "max revs" (or while coming down from them). Also, I notice a smell from the exhaust too (cannot identify; I just know that it's a fairly stinky smell, and it's not a "rotten egg" odor), which, now that I think about it, has been present for the last couple of months (the smell only, not the rev issue).

I drive with a fairly light foot, so I am not sure how long the rev issue has been present. I am not sure if I ever make it up to 3000rpms normally, so this is kind of frustrating. Naturally, I want to associate something new going wrong with the Ford with my recent maintenance at the dealership, but I won't jump to that conclusion yet.

Given my symptoms (limited revs, odd rumbling sound while at max revs (or coming down from them), and odor from exhaust), anyone want to guess what the issue is, and where I might start? I haven't thrown a CEL yet, and it still drives fine. My Google searches have resulted in problems ranging from a faulty/dirty MAF sensor to a cat needing replacement.

What do you think? Thank you for the help!
 
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ThisIsZachary

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Well, I expected at least one or two stabs in the dark... but I have additional information and questions that may help you help me. :)

I've noticed that the rev issue only occurs when I'm in park or neutral; when I'm in Drive and I gun it, I can easily surpass the 2750-3000rpm threshold.

I'm able to view real-time battery voltage through my stereo/GPS unit, and yesterday, when I started monitoring it, it was at 14.0, but hasn't been there since. This morning, it was around 13.8 volts, though it drops to 13.7 at times. I experienced noticeably labored starting again this morning, and driving it around didn't seem to charge.

It's been 100+ degrees here for the last week or 10 days; could this be draining the (original) battery? I'm stumped.
 
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ThisIsZachary

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Here I am, answering my own post again. :)

I took it to AutoZone to test the battery/alternator. After cranking and shutdown, the battery voltage was dropping to below 8 volts. I replaced the battery, and it starts like new now.

Still haven't figured out the revving issue - any suggestions would be appreciated.
 

JUST4FUN

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i dont know whatthe rev limeter is on your truck but in park or netrual ite lower than in drive
 
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ThisIsZachary

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So you're telling me that you think if I hold down the gas in park or neutral, I shouldn't be able to rev higher than 3000? If I hold it down, it tops out at 3000, and falls to 2750, and bounces back between the two.
 

JUST4FUN

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yep rev limiter so you dont blow it up or float the valves
 
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ThisIsZachary

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Okay then. I thought rev limiters were aftermarket items. I knew that governors (for speed) were factory, but I didn't know there was a P/N rev limiter.

Thanks. I feel like an idiot. :p
 
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