Finally got my truck repaired and re-registered.

Took off to work for the first time in two months with it, and in 4th gear i was getting a shudder, but marked it off as being new struts breaking in, and it just felt different.

I get on the interstate, up to 65 miles an hour (it feels like it has no power getting up to speed) and then i get an enourmous shudder, flashing check engine light, and the engine shut off. i restarted it, and limped myself to the side of a highway off the interstate, and it died again. I waited a few minutes, and started it again, and limped it to Ford.

So now im trying to decide what sort of issue this couldve been. the check engine light did NOT stay on after it shut off and stopped giving the symptom, and it seemed to run okay if i kept it out of overdrive and kept the revs up a bit.

My first thought is spark plugs, coils, or wiring, but i realize that it could be something else so im looking for suggestions. MAF sensor and throttle body have been recently cleaned, and i put fresh gas in it this morning, so its not old gas from sitting. New transmission less than 500 miles ago, and new engine 22K miles ago.

 

Flashing CEL is a misfire the shudder at speed is almost always a misfire also. I always recommend to do plugs, and boots/springs. OEM coils rarely ever go bad.

 

Ill reccomend they start there at the dealership with plugs, boots, and the springs. I was almost certain it was a misfire, but didnt want to just assume either. Kris said they probably wont even be able to look at it for a couple days as it is, but im wanting to get all the information I can, to get them headed in the right direction rather than circle jerking around with $100 an hour "diagnostics"

 

Is this a manual transmission?

 

Negative its the 4R75. Rebuilt Transmission was put in under 500 miles ago, and of course new fluid.

oil change was 2500 miles ago Pennzoil Platiunum 5w30.

Remanufactured engine has the updated phasers, spark plug threads, and widened oil galleries to keep the pressure up in the top end.

Intake manifold, throttle body, alternator, and coils are all original to the truck with 197K miles.

 

Counts out a slipping clutch. :-)

 

Based on frequent posts around here, I wouldn't be surprised if your dealership says you need a new motor. But @BadFish523 is right on the mark all the way.

The 'horrible shake' you report is your truck 'wisely' trying to save your catalytic converters. When a misfire exceeds the catalyst damaging rate, the PCM disables 2 to 4 fuel injectors at a time alternately for a short time trying to clean the unburned fuel out of the exhaust system by pumping fresh air through it. It does make the things SHAKE like hell.

 

With the motor having less than 25K miles on it, they best not even suggest engine lol. Either way theyve always been good to us at this particular dealership for going on 17 years now, so i dont expect much in the way of getting screwed over, but i guess theres always a first time.

Plugs, boots, and springs will be the first steps. being that it was only happening under load, ill start with that type of stuff, and go from there I think.

 

Happening under load is another sign for misfire.

 

I love reading your posts. Always learn something