Bucking/Surging Epidemic

[JoedOH]

I have only used regular gas and my problems started at over 58,000 miles.

That shoots the dealers theory to shreds.

I was also told mine will be under warranty.

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[_N8_]

I have only used regular gas and my problems started at over 58,000 miles.

That shoots the dealers theory to shreds.

I was also told mine will be under warranty.

I've only ever run 93 octane and mine started subtly around 20k and finally did it enough to throw codes as I approached 40k.

 

[dtech]

That shoots the dealers theory to shreds.

I was also told mine will be under warranty.

Hope that works out for you - warranty coverage as if it's the egr sensor it is only covered by 2 yr/24k warranty - which happens to be what the feds require. Some yrs back the law was changed and only a few major emission system components are required to be warranted 8/80 .

If the dealers had any sense whatsoever they would know/admit that egr systems are problematic, have always been and will always be as the components are subjected to hot corrosive exhaust gases. The newer electronic controlled systems improve engine smoothness over the older simpler egr systems, but more components increase the probability of failure.

a classic story of an erudite dealership I've posted before :

While visiting WNY driving a 2004 SAAB (MPFI) my throttle body bit the dust and being curious in nature and having nothing but time on my hands while waiting I asked the service manager if TB failure was common on Saabs. He said it is rare that they fail, but if I was one of those using the cheap gas sold by the Indians (there is a Seneca reservation nearby where gas is sold exempt from federal and state levies)then my TB would likely fail owing to being subjected to the subpar gas. The guy obviously was clueless but I surmised that maybe he was a relative of George Armstrong Custer and held a grudge against native americans.

 

[doug910]

Quick update, I changed out the spark plugs myself with new Motorcraft ones (Part #: SP-578) and it runs marginally better (I think?), but it definitely didn't solve the issue. Next is definitely the EGR pressure sensor after the holidays. The pic below is of my old spark plugs, they don't look great but they also don't look horrible like the service rep was making it out to be.

I also did some digging to see what is and isn't covered by powertrain warranty as I'm at 46k miles. As it turns out, emissions equipment besides the catalytic converter, electronics emissions control unit, and onboard emissions diagnostic devices are NOT warrantied past bumper-to-bumper warranty. So, the EGR pressure sensor would not be covered by powertrain warranty and if you've exceed 36k miles/3 years, don't take it to the dealer if you have some DIY capabilities. Dealer wanted $400 just for spark plugs, don't want to know what they would charge for the EGR sensor.

Finally, I can personally vouch that Motorcraft spark plugs are going to be your best option. I figured I would try something different, so I got Bosch spark plugs. Wrong decision. Made the engine run like crap, misfired everywhere, so I immediately got some Motorcraft ones at O'Reilly. Autozone was nice enough to let me return the Bosch ones, but just take my word for it and avoid the hassle.

And when changing your spark plugs, it is much easier to unclip the coil from the harness for cylinder #4. The high pressure fuel line (I think) is in a bad spot right above the spark plug hole so it requires some finagling to get the coil and boot out; much easier when it's disconnected from the harness and it took me longer than I care to admit that I realized I had that option, lol.

Another update. Nine months and 15k miles later, the truck started running like crap again. Changing out the spark plugs helped for a while, but the issue definitely came back. Finally ordered the EGR pressure sensor and swapped it out in 10 mins - IMMEDIATE improvement. Don't sleep on this repair guys, I don't know why I didn't do it sooner.

It quite literally feels like a brand new truck. I didn't realize how poorly it was affecting other aspects of drivability besides just the bucking - inconsistent shifting, trans locking/unlocking at weird times, poor power, etc. It feels SO smooth. I don't know what I wouldn't do if it wasn't for this forum post.

 

[gtyates]

Yep, same symptoms as everyone else on my 2019 Lariat. Replaced DPFE sensor. The plastic rings that are on the clamps for the new sensor and hoses are the best thing I have ever seen to aid an install! This has resolved 90+% of my issue, but I am still having rough shifting when cold. Even this issue is better, but not totally resolved. Truck is headed to dealer for a couple of items (finally got an appointment) and I am having them do the TSB 19-2052 PCM reprogram while there. My truck is an early 2019 build and, to my knowledge, this has never been performed on my truck. I am owner #2. Like all of the commenters and lurkers, I am so thankful for this thread!

 

[doug910]

Yep, same symptoms as everyone else on my 2019 Lariat. Replaced DPFE sensor. The plastic rings that are on the clamps for the new sensor and hoses are the best thing I have ever seen to aid an install! This has resolved 90+% of my issue, but I am still having rough shifting when cold. Even this issue is better, but not totally resolved. Truck is headed to dealer for a couple of items (finally got an appointment) and I am having them do the TSB 19-2052 PCM reprogram while there. My truck is an early 2019 build and, to my knowledge, this has never been performed on my truck. I am owner #2. Like all of the commenters and lurkers, I am so thankful for this thread!

Agreed, those plastic rings are genius! Love OEM replacement parts. Much better than fiddling with those metal clamps.

 

[I_smell_like_diesel]

Haven't been on here in a while but I noticed my truck was having the dreaded "bucking" symptoms for a while now. It was livable at first but it slowly got worse. My truck bucked the worst a slow speeds, like around the 15-35mph range. Sometimes it felt like there was an intermittent lack of power accelerating from low speeds and climbing hills as slow speeds as well. I replaced the EGR DPFE sensor and my truck drives great now.

My Trucks Symptoms
- Bucking at low speeds, under light throttle.
- Felt like there was a "dead spot" where I couldn't maintain conatant RPM under very light throttle
- Minnor lack of power/erregular power at slow speeds
- No check engine light

Millage: 74,624 Miles


Big thanks to this forum for the information on here. Happy to have a smooth driving truck again! The bucking was starting to drive me nuts!

 

[BladeRanger]

Agreed, those plastic rings are genius! Love OEM replacement parts. Much better than fiddling with those metal clamps.

Did the plastic rings came with the part?

 

[JoedOH]

Well, I've looked everywhere and can not find the sensor. Wonder how long this will be on back order?

 

[FerdRanger]

Well, I've looked everywhere and can not find the sensor. Wonder how long this will be on back order?

I just ordered and got one from varsity ford.. Used the free shipping coupon Azscorpian mentioned "WELCOME"

 

[JoedOH]

Well, I reached a decision today. I owned Fords from 1986 to 1999 before finally giving up and buying Toyotas. Heck my last mid size truck was a Tacoma, never a bad problem in 230 k.

I remember when Ford put the new Ranger out in 2019 I had doubts about the transmission but purchased one anyway.

Well, transmission problems at 39k and I can't get a part to repair it? I'm going next week to see if I can get rid of the Ranger for a Tacoma. Ford can't even stock replacement parts for their vehicles, I'm done.

 

[doug910]

Did the plastic rings came with the part?

Yes, the part comes with the sensor, two hoses, and two hose clamps that have plastic rings to aid in installation. The rings expand the hose clamps until you've installed it and ready to pull them out to clamp onto the hose.

 

[heavily_attenuated]

Update:
Install of the new part is complete. (LB5Z-9J433-B)

Truck drives nice, seems way smoother. Im happy. The install for a non mechanic wasnt bad. Access to the old clamps is the hardest part, but once I got the smaller of the two off the rest was a breeze.

Yes thanks to the posters who mentioned the yellow and white tabs come off once installed. Thats actually a pretty slick design! Twist and they are clamped on. Easier then I expected. Ill report back if I have any new bucking.

Update:
Ok so my new EGR valve fixed the bucking and rough running problem about 90%. But last week I changed my intake air filter and I swear it helped the rough running in high gears at low RPM. My truck has 30,000 km on it. The old filter wasn't that bad, but for some reason it made a big difference. Maybe the recommended change interval for these filters is way too long? Im not a mechanic, and the evidence is circumstancial I know, but it made a difference.

 

[_N8_]

Update:
Ok so my new EGR valve fixed the bucking and rough running problem about 90%. But last week I changed my intake air filter and I swear it helped the rough running in high gears at low RPM. My truck has 30,000 km on it. The old filter wasn't that bad, but for some reason it made a big difference. Maybe the recommended change interval for these filters is way too long? Im not a mechanic, and the evidence is circumstancial I know, but it made a difference.

I checked my air filter at 30k miles per the manual and it wasn't dirty enough to replace IMO. I changed it at 50k and noticed no difference in how the truck ran.

 

[troutspinner]

I replaced my EGR Valve on my 2021 with 17k miles this morning. All I can say is Wow! I did not realize how bad my truck was with not holding gears and that terrible downshift bump coming to a stop sign or coasting through turns. Once again, only 17k miles. Ugh!

It makes me scratch my head though. Why did the original EGR Valve fail? Was it a bad batch at the factory? Will it fail again in 15k miles?

Thank you to all of the members in this thread and site!

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