|
I need help desperately!!!
First off, I want to say Hi to everybody, and that this seems like a very informative site. I searched for a possible place to solve my problem, and I'm hoping this site is it...
I bought a 2004 XLT Ranger in the fall of 2003. It's an extended cab, 4.0, 5 speed. I loved this truck, and was very impressed with the power, as before that, I'd only had the smaller V-6 Ford motors.
At just about exactly 1500 miles, the valves started chattering when it was in "any" kind of pull(even a very slight grade at 70mph on the inter-state). I'm talking about the chattering like the older vehichles would do if you had them timed a little too high, and tried to run 87 octane gas in them. I tried to ignore it for a few days, but it was painfully obvious that something was wrong with it. I contacted Shelor Motors (SW Virginia) where I bought it, and they ended up putting 680 miles on my truck, and keeping it for nearly 30 days split between 7 seperate occasions that winter. Two of their mechanics rode with me in it, and both said there was definately a problem. In the end, the manager told me there was nothing wrong with it, that it was my driving!
I took it to another dealership, and they retarded the timing, which helped slightly, but really hurt the power. I was fed up, so since then, I've just tried to live with it.
It chatters a lot worse on days when the the temperature is hotter, say 70-90 degrees outside. I've tried higher octane gas, but it still doesn't help. It also never chatters if the motor is in a hard pull. I'm thinking maybe I just got a bad computer or something? I've heard that there was a recall on the newer Fords about the cruise controll? Thinking back, mine started acting up imediately after the first time I used the cruise.
I'm at a loss! My warrentee is expired, and I depend on this truck for my work. I won't be able to afford a new one for at least a couple more years. I'm hoping that maybe one of you fellows might have some idea? I'd buy a new computer if I thought it would possibly fix it.
Thank you...
PS:
I can romp on the gas several quick times, and it straightens up, and quits chattering for a little ways, but then gradually starts doing it again(my reason for thinking it's computer related).
|
Linear Mode
