2007 F150 Engine sputters and rattles in gear near idle.
 

Hello forum, this is my first post. I have a 2007 f150 fx4 5.4l with 113k miles. Recently, it started running poorly when in gear and near idle speed. The engine will sputter and make rattling sounds. An example of this would be coasting into a parking spot or driveway. Just before coming to a complete stop it starts acting up. I can put it in park, rev it a couple of times, and it snaps out of it. Then if I put it in reverse and begin to back up at idle speed it starts sputtering again. The only time it happens is during very low speed maneuvers. Normal driving and stop lights don't seem to be an issue. Does anyone have any idea what could be wrong? Thanks in advance!

Could be in your VCT solenoids. They are known for causing idle issues when coming to a stop, going into reverse, etc. When the solenoid sticks, it can cause your camshaft to stay advanced when coming to a stop, causing a misfire or rough idle. There is one solenoid on each engine bank and they are about $50-55 per. It's not a guaranteed fix, but it's common, none-the-less.

Part # 8L3Z-6M280-B

Thanks Lariat. I'll check that out. Hopefully that is a fix I can tackle myself. Did the plugs and coils last fall and that was a bear-broke 4 out of eight! It does have an exhaust leak at the manifold. Could that effect the way the motor runs?

No problem. As for exhaust manifolds effecting how it runs... not really. They mainly just make a lot of noise on cold starts. But your rattling and poor running issue is most likely in your variable cam timing. Especially since you say it happens at low speeds, etc.

I would start with the solenoids. There is a video on YouTube of replacing them by the username "FordTechMakuloco". His video is very in-depth with the procedure.

I also have an 07 and I am experiencing the same thing, I cleaned the throttle body and maf sensor today and I will admit it feels smoother and has not sputtered yet, I hope this is the solution, if not I am going to have try the vct solenoid. I would suggest you clean the throttle body and maf sensor, it the cheapest and easiest way to start.