Guys, I searched for "driveability", "hesitation" but didn't find anything similar.
I have a 2004 F350 crew cab, 5 speed auto, 44,000 miles.
Went on a trip a few weeks ago to the Sierras. No trailer, just a light in-bed load and 3 people in truck. Buddies in another truck following behind. In Mojave (around 3,000 feet altitude), I noticed that on pretty much any uphill grade, cruise on or off, a slight hesitation, like a 1/4 second long, in the power. Could do it once, or could do it 5 or 6 times occasionally going up a hill.
At a stop, I asked the guys following, they said they noticed a puff of black smoke occasionally from the tailpipe around the time I was feeling the hesitation.
Still under warranty, I took it to the dealer to have it checked out. They said they found a sticking EGR valve, and cleaned it per a Ford TSB.
Took it to Big Bear last weekend, again, no real load, not towing. It did it again, although MUCH less severe than before. I also noticed a low-pitched sound under load, almost like a groaning sound, like a large, slow fan motor spinning up, occasionally. I have heard this sound before while towing uphill, but it's not consistent, and was there before the hesitation issue popped up originally.
It's back in the dealer as I type, so I'm waiting to hear what they have to say.
There are no CEL's, and the dealer found no codes last week when it was originally brought in for this.
I'll be towing about 7,000 lbs. tomorrow night, up some pretty good gradients, so I'm a little concerned.
Any thoughts apprecaited as to things I might be able to mention to the dealer....
I have a 2004 F350 crew cab, 5 speed auto, 44,000 miles.
Went on a trip a few weeks ago to the Sierras. No trailer, just a light in-bed load and 3 people in truck. Buddies in another truck following behind. In Mojave (around 3,000 feet altitude), I noticed that on pretty much any uphill grade, cruise on or off, a slight hesitation, like a 1/4 second long, in the power. Could do it once, or could do it 5 or 6 times occasionally going up a hill.
At a stop, I asked the guys following, they said they noticed a puff of black smoke occasionally from the tailpipe around the time I was feeling the hesitation.
Still under warranty, I took it to the dealer to have it checked out. They said they found a sticking EGR valve, and cleaned it per a Ford TSB.
Took it to Big Bear last weekend, again, no real load, not towing. It did it again, although MUCH less severe than before. I also noticed a low-pitched sound under load, almost like a groaning sound, like a large, slow fan motor spinning up, occasionally. I have heard this sound before while towing uphill, but it's not consistent, and was there before the hesitation issue popped up originally.
It's back in the dealer as I type, so I'm waiting to hear what they have to say.
There are no CEL's, and the dealer found no codes last week when it was originally brought in for this.
I'll be towing about 7,000 lbs. tomorrow night, up some pretty good gradients, so I'm a little concerned.
Any thoughts apprecaited as to things I might be able to mention to the dealer....
