New truck, new issues

[Sdude2008]

I recently parked my 88 xtra cab ranger and bought a 2003 xtra cab, v6 3.0 flex with an auto trans. The truck is like new and runs great... except for one thing. I have driven it about 100 miles and I am noticing it is doing something weird on hard acceleration. The power seems to drop off for a quick second and then resume. It will do this a few times and then seem to even out. I can make it do it at any time just by punching the gas hard... I have read the forum for hours but I haven't seen this exact condition described... So far from what I've read I suspect O2 sensor but don't want to go changing anything until I ask here first. There is no check engine light. The truck has 118k and seems very well cared for... but of course who knows what's going on inside. Any suggestions will be appreciated. Thanks.

 

[big91explorer]

First thing I would do is a good tune-up.

Plugs and wires.
Air filter
Fuel filter
PCV valve
Check for codes, clear the codes. Even reset the ECM.

 

[TomB1269]

Does it squeal.........Syncro?

 

[Sdude2008]

After tune up the truck is still bucking on acceleration over 3000 rpms. If found that if I give it gas and cause the tranny to downshift the bucking goes away. I'm not quite sure how to reset the ecm... Any suggestions are welcome. Thanks.

 

[fourwheelford]

Reset by pulling the negative on the battery for like 20 minutes, it will idle high and run funny until it re-learns but that doesn't last long. You did the tune up right, did you do everything or just plugs and wires? There was a guy on here that was having a similar problem and it turned out to be his fuel filter. Maybe your throttle body or MAF sensor needs a good cleaning, also try sea-foaming the intake that may help.

 

[Sdude2008]

I found the symptoms by running my vin and looking at all the technical service bulletins for 2003. It seems Ford recommends replacement of the cam sensor and cam snychronizer. Already on order and will post result as soon as installed. Now going to search the forums for how to on replacing the synchro without the $56 alignment tool... more to come and thanks.

 

[TomB1269]

I thought you might find your way home. The Syncro's on the 3.0 seem to cause all sorts of problems. I wish some one would sticky all the syncro symptoms. When mine went no one seem to know what the hell was wrong. Ford, a TSB, and $650 confirmed the problem, and solved it.

 

[BlackBII]

'88 with a 3.0?

 

[Sdude2008]

Have an 88 also... that one has a very tired 2.9...

2003: Synchro changed, cps changed. bucking and jerking GONE. I can now rev into 3000+ without feeling like I'm riding a bronco... no pun intended... Thanks for the suggestions.