sputtering 4.0

[firefighter525]

2000 4.0L 75,400 miles.

So, last night on my way home the truck starts to jerk around and have a horrible vibration. My first thought was the tranny, but relized that it is from the engine spitting and sputtering. It seems to do it the worst while at a cruising speed and it switches to a lower gear and the RPM's drop. It also continues to sputter when stopped and idling at a light almost to the point of the engine quiting. Also has a funny exhaust smell and has a "bogged down" sound. The CEL came on when it started and has remained on. I plan to pull the codes this evening and I'll repost the results. Does any one have any ideas of what this might be? Thanks

 

[reno]

betcha codes are 173,175

If so, look for a vacuum leak, then check that MAF.

 

[firefighter525]

The code is P0303 "cylinder #3 misfire", I picked up some new plugs and wires and will tackle that tomorrow. I'll also clean the MAF while I'm in there. I took a quick glance tonight for loose vacuum lines and didn't notice any. Is there a good way to tell where a vacuum leak may be? Thanks for the help.

 

[reno]

The way I do it is like this........ ake a spray bottle (like a windex bottle) and fill it with clean water, the start the engine. Spray to saturate the vacuum lines, if engine does not bog down after spraying the lines, then goto the intake and do the same. This method is the safest (no possible fire). If engine does not show any signs of bogging down, turn off the engine, wait about a minute, then pull the vacuum hose from the power booster. If no vacuum was present (hissing of vacuum release) then start the engine and take your hand and slowly feel around the booster for leaks, pay close attention around the M/C, the seal in the booster sometimes goes bad.
Others will tell you to use carb cleaner or Quick start, be careful, these are flammable!!!

 

[Sgt_Morrow]

Mine is doing the same thing, #3 misfire.

 

[mht95ranger]

mine is #6 misfire

 

[coolboarder1231]

codes

how do you find out these codes if your vehicle is doing something wrong, do i need a programer or something?

 

[Ranger44]

You should be able to use a jumper of some sort and pull codes from the CEL flashes. Get a chiltons manual.

 

[97ranger4x4]

or you can take it down to autozone, and they will read it for free. i just bought a code reader for $40 bucks and it works great!