Help 1999 4.0L Sputtering and then stall out

2.3LRNGR · Jan 22, 2013

Hey guys i need your help now my truck has 154k on it and the tranny been starting to slip on me so im gonna need to fix that soon but not sure why my truck is sputtering so bad and then sometimes will stall out..the truck will fire back up but im not to sure if the tranny is making it do that or something else PLZ HELP FAST THANK YOU GUYS :bawling:

RonD · Jan 22, 2013

Does it sputter while accelerating or just at idle(low RPM)?

Might want to have a look at the spark plugs, and replace them(motorcraft), also replace the plug wires if they are original.
See what the spark plugs tell you, i.e. rich, lean, oil, hot, etc....

A few sensors can also cause sputtering, what sensors depend on when the sputtering happens.
And they will usually give you a CEL(check engine light), do you have CEL when engine is running?

Cracked and leaking vacuum lines can cause sputtering.

Bad gas, with water in it, can cause this as well.

2.3LRNGR · Jan 22, 2013

it sputters when im not on the gas and sometimes it will sputter when im driving down the rd and will go away after a few secs....

2.3LRNGR · Jan 22, 2013

Yes i have a CEL on...Im not to sure what the code is that its picking up ill have to go get someone to scan it tmrw and let you know

RonD · Jan 23, 2013

2.3LRNGR said:
Yes i have a CEL on...Im not to sure what the code is that its picking up ill have to go get someone to scan it tmrw and let you know

Yes, it would be good to get the Codes, most auto parts stores will scan OBDII codes for free, the scanners are also reasonably priced now.

If the truck seems to run better cold that is important, many sensors are not used until engine warms up.

Here are the standard and Ford OBDII codes
http://www.therangerstation.com/tech_library/OBD-II_codes.html

2.3LRNGR · Jan 23, 2013

nah it still runs the same when its cold im not really sure my problem but ill get that stuff scanned and when i get paid next week i could change my plugs and wires to see if that helps a little

RonD · Jan 23, 2013

If the wires are original then yes change them for sure, made a world of difference on my '94 4.0l, I didn't even realize it was running that bad, lol.

I would look at plugs, if they look OK reuse them, but if you do decide to change them make sure to use motorcraft brand, for some reason these 4.0l ruin other brands, misfire like crazy.
I would also get a can of SeaFoam to add to the gas tank, about $10.
Fuel injectors fire at the same rate as spark plugs, so a lot, but they have moving parts and can get varnish build up, this can cause sticking and also dripping instead of spraying, gas treatment helps clean off the buildup, most Name Brand gas stations sell gas with cleaner already in it, but some only have it in the Premium grade.
Anyway the Seafoam won't hurt anything.

Running bad when cold or warm is a good lead, it means that only a few of the sensors could effect the engine or it is not a sensor at all, but another problem that a sensor is detecting and telling you via the CEL.

2.3LRNGR · Jan 23, 2013

so motorcraft is the best to go with the plugs now what should i get for wires for my truck

2.3LRNGR · Jan 23, 2013

As soon as i get the codes i will post em on here so i can figure out what the hells is wrong wit the damn truck lol and thanks for the advice man

RonD · Jan 23, 2013

I got motorcraft plugs and wires on sale at a local Ford dealer, $44.99
But motorcraft wires usually run $35 and motorcraft plugs $24/6, so not a smoking deal but not bad.

2.3LRNGR · Jan 23, 2013

yeah ill have to go to my local dealer and see if they have a plug/wire deal but ill put up them codes tmrw when i get them read

Andy D · Jan 23, 2013

I wouldn't replace anything until I found out what the codes are. Pulling the plugs will help your diagnosis. Please post results :icon_thumby:

2.3LRNGR · Jan 27, 2013

getting the codes read before work tmrw but wierd thing my check engine light was flashing going on and off it was weird

adsm08 · Jan 27, 2013

2.3LRNGR said:
getting the codes read before work tmrw but wierd thing my check engine light was flashing going on and off it was weird

That isnt weird. It means the computer sees a misfire that might damage the cats.

Postin' from teh Galaxy

shane96ranger · Jan 27, 2013

adsm08 said:
That isnt weird. It means the computer sees a misfire that might damage the cats.

Postin' from teh Galaxy

^^this. If it is flashing, I would drive it minimally. It is trying to save you money.

Sent from a Commodore 64 using a 300 baud modem

Help 1999 4.0L Sputtering and then stall out

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