Sluggish off-idle response-- drive-by-wire?

[guy48065]

This new-to-me truck is my first experience with a drive-by-wire system. Not very responsive coming off idle which makes parking and driving in snow more difficult than it needs to be. If this isn't "the nature of the beast" for remote throttle then what should I be looking at as the cause?



2004 Explorer 4.6

 

[Number4]

This new-to-me truck is my first experience with a drive-by-wire system. Not very responsive coming off idle which makes parking and driving in snow more difficult than it needs to be. If this isn't "the nature of the beast" for remote throttle then what should I be looking at as the cause?



2004 Explorer 4.6

When it goes, does it feel like it's going harder than you'd like?
Like the pedal sticks then gives?

Another poster did an PCM update and solved this.

Another issue could be a gummed up throttle body. Buy a gasket, can of throttle body cleaner, remove and clean the TB. Cheap and easy.

Throttle body cleaning, how and why.

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=JPNnHU6PYbo

After TB cleaning, PCM reset.
http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=396533

 

[mikeinri]

I don't have a 4.6, but those are the standard answers for the 4.0 when they have those symptoms.

Hope this helps.

Mike

 

[guy48065]

Not mechanically sticking that I know of -- there's no cable, so no feedback to my foot.
One thing I tried was to watch the throttle command vs response on a graph with a scanner (Torque) and it tracked with no glitches.

I will add TB and MAF cleaning to my list - can't hurt & maybe I'll get lucky.

 

[Number4]

I have an 04 as well. The gummed up TB still causes the valve to hesitate, don't know how it graphs out.
The 4.6l's have a TSB on this issue at only 10k miles due to oil (from the drivers side valve cover no doubt.)
I will remove and clean my TB once a year. Consider it preventative maintenance.

Aso, don't do both the TB and MAF at the same time. I've never touched my MAF.

Again, for the cost of the cleaner, gasket and about 20 minutes, it's an easy first try. Also, you don't know that it's ever been done.
Watch the video on it if you haven't. The crud doesn't have to be much.

 

[guy48065]

Since you have the same year and engine I have a question. A few days ago I took off the intake hose to have a look at the TB and was surprised to see it open quite a bit -- I'd guess 20%. It's that normal for these? All other TB vehicles I've had (no Fords) have had other air circuits like IAC valves so to find the TB open so far was a shock.

 

[Number4]

It's always been closed when I've seen it. That may be part of your issue I suppose, TB's do go bad.

 

[whagen]

remove the throttle body and clean both side. It's probably getting dirty from the PVC valve which might also need a cleaning or replacement. I am not sure if there is a PVC filter

 

[PHILNEBADON]

Hi All, I just bought a 2004 Explorer Limited 4WD with 4.6 V8 with 194k as second/back-up Vehicle. First SUV/Truck style for me. It runs great, shifts smooth and at idle can't even tell/feel its running. I did notice throttle doesn't respond from stop like what I have been used to over 45 years of driving; it seemed touchy I got little response when depressing pedal then a slight jerk and fine after it gets going. I have adjusted to this to get it somewhat normal but I must always 'think about it at take off' if not I get jerk. Since I have no idle or running problems could it still be throttle body/ecm or the way it is.

 

[imp]

Hi All, I just bought a 2004 Explorer Limited 4WD with 4.6 V8 with 194k as second/back-up Vehicle. First SUV/Truck style for me. It runs great, shifts smooth and at idle can't even tell/feel its running. I did notice throttle doesn't respond from stop like what I have been used to over 45 years of driving; it seemed touchy I got little response when depressing pedal then a slight jerk and fine after it gets going. I have adjusted to this to get it somewhat normal but I must always 'think about it at take off' if not I get jerk. Since I have no idle or running problems could it still be throttle body/ecm or the way it is.

@PHILNEBADON
My '04 was slow to come back from no throttle, like when turning a corner, then came on suddenly and more forcefully than I liked. Cleaning the Throttle Body took care of it. A brand new TB was even better, smooth as silk. imp