04 V8 AWD - Delay in take-off?

[Johnny Glenn]

Thanks for looking in - I've got an 04 Mountaineer V8 AWD that doesn't take off unless gas pedal is pushed down about two-three inches. If the pedal is pushed down too quickly then it will take off to fast but if a light feather type of push down then it will take off smoothly. The trans shifts fine, engine sounds fine - but if the vehicle coasts down to a few miles an hour then the lack of (top) pedal takes place again. I'm thinking of disconnecting the front drive-shaft as it may be a AWD problem? Any advice is appreciated! Thanks!

 

[jrford]

i've got an '04 Ex with the v8 AWD. In '04 Fly-by-wire was introduced. With ours there was a new 'flash' that came out which changed the throttle response and tighten up the shift points.

Prior the pedal was what you described, it took almost half throttle to kick in, but at real low speeds it was kinda of nice, it was a very gradual response, like a creeper gear; there also seem like an imaginary clutch between shifts.

Post flash the pedal seemed more normal, quicker response, the shift points where quicker. . . .hope this helps.\
And yes, regretfully is a dealer only kinda thing, i'd see if you got the TSB done, it might be on record (Oasis)???

 

[swetrid]

Here is the tsb
Printable View (7 KB)
TSB
04-26-20 THROTTLE PEDAL RESPONSE ON TIP-IN

Publication Date: December 23, 2004

FORD: 2004-2005 Explorer
MERCURY: 2004-2005 Mountaineer


This article supersedes TSB 04-22-5 to update applications.

ISSUE:
Some 2004-2005 Explorer 4dr and Mountaineer vehicles built before 10/4/2004 with a 4.0L engine, or before 12/14/2004 with a 4.6L engine, may exhibit issues related to the throttle pedal response on tip-ins from a stop and on deceleration tip-ins.

ACTION:
Reprogram the powertrain control module (PCM) to the latest calibration level using WDS release B34.9, or B35.1 and higher. Calibration files may also be obtained at www.motorcraft.com.

NOTE: THIS NEW CALIBRATION IS NOT INCLUDED IN THE B35 CD.



NOTE: THROTTLE PEDAL RESPONSE WITH ELECTRONIC THROTTLE CONTROL (ETC) DIFFERS FROM RESPONSE WITH A THROTTLE CABLE. REPROGRAMMING THE PCM WILL IMPROVE, BUT MAY NOT ELIMINATE, THIS CONDITION.




WARRANTY STATUS:
Eligible Under Provisions Of New Vehicle Limited Warranty Coverage

OPERATION DESCRIPTION TIME
042620A 2004-2005 Explorer/Mountaineer: Check For Diagnostic Trouble Codes And Reprogram Powertrain Control Module 0.4 Hr.

DEALER CODING
BASIC PART NO. CONDITION CODE
RECAL 04

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

NOTE: The information in Technical Service Bulletins is intended for use by trained, professional technicians with the knowledge, tools, and equipment to do the job properly and safely. It informs these technicians of conditions that may occur on some vehicles, or provides information that could assist in proper vehicle service. The procedures should not be performed by "do-it-yourselfers". Do not assume that a condition described affects your car or truck. Contact a Ford, Lincoln, or Mercury dealership to determine whether the Bulletin applies to your vehicle. Warranty Policy and Extended Service Plan documentation determine Warranty and/or Extended Service Plan coverage unless stated otherwise in the TSB article. The information in this Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) was current at the time of printing. Ford Motor Company reserves the right to supercede this information with updates. The most recent information is available through Ford Motor Company's on-line technical resources.

Copyright © 2004 Ford Motor Company

 

[Johnny Glenn]

Thanks for the help ya'll - I did take off throttle body and clean it up and it is responding better. Still quite not right but not as bad - how much does the re-flash cost? Thanks again

 

[EasyRhino]

Thanks for the help ya'll - I did take off throttle body and clean it up and it is responding better. Still quite not right but not as bad - how much does the re-flash cost? Thanks again

My experience with TSBs is that unless there is some huge parts and/or labor costs associated with it (NA for this case), that many dealers will do it either for free or for a minimum in-and-out fee. A reflash only requires hooking up your ECM to the dealership computer for a quick and easy software download.

 

[swetrid]

Should be a 1/2 hour labor charge so like 40-50 bucks.

 

[Definca]

Wondering how Ford got this issue completely corrected on the later models in 06 and 07 or do they also have TSB for it? Interesting I read in the owners manual that when you engage 4WD Low that the computer switches to a less sensitive throttle response mode to help you control throttle position while crawling over rocks and ruts. Its almost like it is in this mode when driving normally. Will have to ask my dealer what the current fix is now.