Jerking around 45-50 when hitting the gas

[thestilt]

Hey guys 2005 exp with 173k on the clock.

Recently when I'm cruising around the 45-50 mph mark, when I press the gas the engine jerks about 3 times then shifts into the lower gear to produce the higher revs.

I hate it so I've started driving with overdrive off as this problem only presents when o/d is on.

Anyone have any idea what it may be? Tranny fluid is due for a change and we just moved into a new house and my neighbor is a retired for mechanic, so I would like to have a good idea of what's going before I badger him to help me fix it!

 

[thestilt]

Ok so I drove the truck for the first time in a week and it's happening even when overdrive is off.

Talked to my neighbor and he said spark plugs would be his go to solution and he said it's an absolute pain in the ass on the 5.3 v8 3v.

How much should I be looking in terms of total cost to install 8 spark plugs and new Plug wires?

 

[ezeq]

$112+tax(plugs)(depending on the store), buy yourself a lisle tool as a plan B , just in case it starts to break

 

[macupp]

If changing the plugs doesn't fix the issue, check the Coil On Plugs. I had an issue with my 4.6. I know with the first gen it was a pain to change plugs, but my 03 it's not too bad. If you have any questions, buy a manual.

 

[Odimus]

changing the spark plugs fixed that exact problem for me...I had ordered the Lisle tool from Amazon for about 36$...i got 7 out of 8 changed right now...problem with getting my big mits to get the back passenger plug out...after you take the coils off vacuum out the slots to get rid of any dirt...take your time with the plugs...managed to not break any...

 

[1955moose]

We used to have crown Victorias with 4.6 motors that ****** real bad especially above 40mph. Before you take a chance breaking spark plugs, common this on 4.6 and 5.4 just put in new coils . You didn't mention if you have check engine light on. Good luck.Moose.

 

[thestilt]

Spark plugs fixed it, my mechanic was 99% sure they were the original plugs, 174K on the clock!

Looking to extend the life of my expy so will be doing some preventative maintenance in the next month or two.

1. Replace all 8 coil packs
2. Replace timing chain and serpentine belt
3. Transmission fluid flush

What am i missing?