I'm troubleshooting some issues with my 97 4.6L Sport. It's had some minor running issues, slow starts, rough idle at random times, and slippy shifts into third gear and 4th when the TC locks.
Symptom 1: All of my shifts seem early with little regard to throttle position, though I can step on the throttle and downshift. At 210,000 miles, my first reaction on the shifting was just a tired transmission, but I have my doubts. (See symptom 2)
Symptom 2: Throttle lag. When quickly tapping the throttle there's a delay before the engine revs. I also noticed the other day that unplugging the MAF didn't hurt the engine's response; in fact for the next few revs the delay was a little less noticeable.
Symptom 3: Lack of power, running out of umph. I realize this is probably related to S2, but the other day I decided to hit a straight stretch of back road and open it up. I laid into the throttle and it got extremely anemic and acted like it was starved. I let off, hit it again, and off it went.
Symptom 4: I do have an active CEL, but it's an intermittent warning about Cat efficiency. If it were easy enough, I'd gut em and install eliminators. I'm not a tree hugger and I don't have to submit to inspections.
Now, to the things I have either checked or replaced. This isn't my first bird, in fact it's my 4th MN12, so I'm familiar with the usual TPS sensor checks and MAF cleanings as possibilities. It has a new fuel filter, though I don't have a gauge for fuel pressure readings to rule that out. Did a recent tuneup with wires and plugs and air filter. I had the trans flushed and had Merc V put in along with a bottle of Lucas Trans Fix.
It still runs and drives, and if I'm nice to it, I get about 23 mpg, but it's just not right. I'm having a feeling a reading somewhere is off and it's triggering all of these issues, I just can't find it without throwing parts at it. I've heard of people using data loggers to see real time performance. Are there inexpensive options out there for purchasing the equipment for this, or do you guys have some other ideas?
I'm determined that these are tied together, but like I said, I just don't know how yet.
Thanks!
Symptom 1: All of my shifts seem early with little regard to throttle position, though I can step on the throttle and downshift. At 210,000 miles, my first reaction on the shifting was just a tired transmission, but I have my doubts. (See symptom 2)
Symptom 2: Throttle lag. When quickly tapping the throttle there's a delay before the engine revs. I also noticed the other day that unplugging the MAF didn't hurt the engine's response; in fact for the next few revs the delay was a little less noticeable.
Symptom 3: Lack of power, running out of umph. I realize this is probably related to S2, but the other day I decided to hit a straight stretch of back road and open it up. I laid into the throttle and it got extremely anemic and acted like it was starved. I let off, hit it again, and off it went.
Symptom 4: I do have an active CEL, but it's an intermittent warning about Cat efficiency. If it were easy enough, I'd gut em and install eliminators. I'm not a tree hugger and I don't have to submit to inspections.
Now, to the things I have either checked or replaced. This isn't my first bird, in fact it's my 4th MN12, so I'm familiar with the usual TPS sensor checks and MAF cleanings as possibilities. It has a new fuel filter, though I don't have a gauge for fuel pressure readings to rule that out. Did a recent tuneup with wires and plugs and air filter. I had the trans flushed and had Merc V put in along with a bottle of Lucas Trans Fix.
It still runs and drives, and if I'm nice to it, I get about 23 mpg, but it's just not right. I'm having a feeling a reading somewhere is off and it's triggering all of these issues, I just can't find it without throwing parts at it. I've heard of people using data loggers to see real time performance. Are there inexpensive options out there for purchasing the equipment for this, or do you guys have some other ideas?
I'm determined that these are tied together, but like I said, I just don't know how yet.
Thanks!