running rough going up hill

[upnorthdad]

Hi,
It seems to run pretty normal when your at idle but when you take off you can tell something just isn't quite right... feels like it is running on 5 cylinders.... but it really is noticable when you start to go up hill.... it really chugs along.... if you don't shift into second gear (it's an auto.) it is better.. Can someone tell me what is wrong... I can't afford to take it into the shop.
Thanks Dave

 

[97ranger4x4]

Most importantly do you have a Check Engine Light? A CEL will be able to give you and us an idea on where to start. How is your truck doing on regular maintenance?

Oil & Filter changed on time
Spark Plugs & Wires - USE MOTORCRAFT, not the cheap shit. Trust me it doesn't run the same
Fuel Filter
PCV Valve
Clean Air Filter
other General maintenance.

How many miles does your truck have on it? How long have you had it? Hard miles or easy freeway miles. The more info you can give us, the better we can help you.

Looking forward to hearing back from you. BTW, have you checked your park plug wires to make sure everything is nice an snug and nothing got loose by any chance?

-Keith

 

[mckane]

hi, i posted a very similar thread, my truck was doing almost the same thing but rattled a lot when going uphill (whenever i needed power) well the solution for me was cleaning up the maf sensor, it was easy and it couldn't hurt. i'll try to post the link to that page, good luck!!

 

[upnorthdad]

More info.

Guys, thanks much,,,, I should have given you more info.... The CEL is on and came on yesterday when this started happening. It has 110,000 miles on it... most of them highway but lately more in the city/country combo. I put new plugs in it about 15,000 miles ago but that is it lately. I plan to replace the pcv valve and the fuel filter and the air filter first... I have no idea what the mas sensor is....
Thanks Dave

 

[97ranger4x4]

Ok well get your CEL read and post your code up here. Call your local autopart store. Some will read it some wont. If you plan on owning this truck and other vehicles past 75k miles that are newer then 1996, I recommend buying a OBD II scanner. That will read your CEL and be able to clear it. You can buy a cheaper one for $40-50 online or maybe at your autoparts store. Mine has came in so handy between my truck and friends, I cannot tell you how many times it has probably paid for itself in gas to drive to the local autozone to have it read.

BTW I have one made by actron as well as several other of their gauges and meters. They are reasonably priced and have all worked well for me. I highly recommend their products. I got mine through amazon.com.

 

[fordwheelinman]

have you changed the wires?

 

[jmg8550]

i use a snap-on solus scanner. helps when you are a mechanic, then buying something like that is justifiable. great thing with that is you can also run tests and look at what the computer sees for data. codes are nice but they aren't everything. they just give you an idea of where the problem lies.

 

[rangerbert]

could be a clogged fuel injector. get some techtron fuel injector cleaner try that