Bucking/Surging Epidemic

[TJC]

Took the truck out for errand runs tonight. The transmission is now smooth as silk (from 7.5 quart transmission fluid change and the addition of LubeGuard Platinum) for the last 1000 miles. The last of the slight low rpm bucking and jerky stops are gone thanks to the DPFE Sensor replacement. I had no water in mine. The price has dropped about $1 since I ordered. And there is a 3 year 36K mile warranty on the part.

Seems I averted a major transmission overhaul. Drives like new! I've got 3 more of those sensors in my 2020 Ranger parts bin. Figured I'd get them while they were cheap.

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[Yinzcity]

No progress yet, been busy with other projects. Hopefully I'll have some time to work on in this holiday weekend. I did stick my head under the hood and look at it, access to the tube is going to be a bit rough.
Stay tuned...

So, sorry for anyone waiting for an update, I'm afraid this isn't going to be very helpful. I've been doing a lot of data logging with forscan trying to get more of a feel for what is DPFE sensor related and what is transmission related and what is just quirks of the system. Driving the truck in the past few weeks, it's more or less behaved itself. This matches up with my past experience, the misfire/roughness seems to be the worst in spring/fall when it's a damp 40-50 degrees and disappears when it's dry in the summer/winter. However, since the truck wasn't having issues, I wouldn't be able to tell if swapping the EGR tube helped.

Even if the EGR tube fixed my truck, I realized it still would have a list of other issues that need addressed. (HVAC motor clicking, CDF drum weirdness, rusting rear door seams, needs new tires) So rather than fight it, I've opeted to replace it with a 2024 F150 powerboost.

Overall, the ranger has been a decent truck and has never left me stranded. But I'm tired of dealing with all the little issues and ready to move on. Sorry I can't provide more information to solve this issue for the rest of you folks.

 

[Muffin1]

My truck is experiencing the bucking/surging issue, I've ordered the sensor from Rock Auto, but till it gets here and i change it out im curious to try using the electronic contact sensor cleaner like this one(below) spraying it into the port openings let it dry out hoping that may reverse or clean out any built up moisture, any thoughts??
https://www.amazon.com/CRC-05103-El...1fe-9b89-bc19607e5457&pd_rd_i=B000BXOGNI&th=1

 

[TJC]

My truck is experiencing the bucking/surging issue, I've ordered the sensor from Rock Auto, but till it gets here and i change it out im curious to try using the electronic contact sensor cleaner like this one(below) spraying it into the port openings let it dry out hoping that may reverse or clean out any built up moisture, any thoughts??
https://www.amazon.com/CRC-05103-El...1fe-9b89-bc19607e5457&pd_rd_i=B000BXOGNI&th=1

I've got DeoxIT D5 and G5 but did not try them as I am not sure what it at the bottom of those tubes. If it is a pressure sensitive membrane a cleaner probably won't work.

These products work wonderfully to clean contacts. I could dissect my old one to see just is in there. But I won't free up anytime soon as I have building projects to complete. I hate sheet rock! I hate seaming and floating it, and then painting it, esp ceilings. Wish me luck!

 

[ctechbob]

My truck is experiencing the bucking/surging issue, I've ordered the sensor from Rock Auto, but till it gets here and i change it out im curious to try using the electronic contact sensor cleaner like this one(below) spraying it into the port openings let it dry out hoping that may reverse or clean out any built up moisture, any thoughts??
https://www.amazon.com/CRC-05103-El...1fe-9b89-bc19607e5457&pd_rd_i=B000BXOGNI&th=1

I've got pictures on here somewhere of a sensor I tore down. I don't think cleaning it with anything is going to do much. The moisture probably gets in the substrate of the chip and alters its properties. Wouldn't hurt to try if you were replacing it anyways.

I've theorized that a small sack of desiccant in each tube that would let pressure through but absorb the water might prolong the life of them.....but as long as I can get them from RA at $18, I can't be bothered.


Found them:

https://www.ranger5g.com/forum/threads/whats-inside-a-dpfe-sensor-pics-inside.26792/

 

[Muffin1]

Yes i'm going to give it a try with the cleaner as an experiment if there's no improvement or worse i can then swap it out for the new part, thanks for the reply's.

 

[IrishCarl64]

Fixed! Just got back from the dealership after being asked to come in and test drive my Ranger. Smooth! Problem was multiple cylinder miss-fires that were not throwing codes but showed up for the tech. The culprit part temporarily swapped from another truck to try is called a Differential Pressure Feedback Valve which had moisture in it.

This just might be my problem because I definitely noticed that the surging sputtering feeling was minor but worse when the humidity was very high or if it was raining.

 

[davenet2]

Mine was doing the same as everyone else's. First I thought it was misfiring or kind of surging, then I thought it was the transmission because it really started bucking once it got past 7th gear and then when I slowed down. Then it would always do a surging when in reverse backing up my driveway (about a 20degree incline). But then I had the DPFE sensor, and the 2 hoses Replaced, and all the problems are gone. Runs perfectly.

 

[TJC]

If you do you own light auto work, you can change just the sensor for under $20. The benefit is that you can use small 3/4" hose clamps at the sensor, and it becomes a 5-10 minute job next time around.

First time took me 45 minutes, and 40 minutes of it was just getting the hoses off. I'm short and needed a step stool to reach far enough back there to do the job. Next time around I loosen the clamps at the sensor, and remove a single bolt to replace old sensor with the new one. Much faster, cheaper, and easier job.

 

[mach1]

Anyone know another good place to get the DPEF sensor other than rockauto or the dealer at a good price?

 

[TJC]

I think summit racing has them for the same price as rock auto.

Here you go https://www.summitracing.com/parts/smp-vp41

Oops, they are out as well. Get on the notify list and order several when they show up. That's what worked for me,

 

[mach1]

Thanks will keep looking while waiting for stock.

 

[TJC]

They are on eBay as well but running ~$40. You can bet that they are buying them in bulk from RockAuto and Summit Racing, and turning them over on eBay.

 

[mach1]

ya i can see that for sure.

 

[fusseli]

Just ordered mine, they are in stock $18 at Rock Auto, $31 after shipping and taxes

https://www.rockauto.com/?carcode=3443244&parttype=5088

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