Rough Idle Questions?

[tnf150]

I got my gryphon today and started running 93 octane in it, before I had the tuner I had a bit of a rough idle. Now I can tell just how much it jumps, anywhere from 570-630. I am wondering what is the average idle rpm? Also I just hit 50k and I don't think the plugs have been changed, what are good plugs to get? Should I get new plug wires? I have researched this all over the googlenet and can't get any specifics. I appreciate the help.

[Power Hungry]

What year truck are we looking at? I'm assuming it's an '04 to '08, so here's what we've got.

The plugs are a pain in the butt and you'll want to let the dealer do it. There aren't any plug wires on your vehicle. It uses a COP, or Coil On Plug setup which means there are eight coils... 1 for each cylinder. It also doesn't hurt to clean the throttle body. This can help eliminate rough idle. Base idle speed on these trucks is usually 625 RPM.

In regards to the spark plugs, some folks have recommended Brisk plugs. See this thread:

http://dygytalworld.ehost-services139.com/forums/showthread.php?t=526

Hope this helps. :2thumbs:

[tnf150]

2006 f150 5.4l. Also when I hooked up my gryphon today it kept stalling out when I would stop. Not everytime but three or four times, what could that be?

[Jackpine]

What year is your truck? Based on your mileage, I don't think you have plug wires! And, if it's a late model year truck, your plugs are supposed to be good to 100K. Some people have advocated changing them earlier, to avoid plug breakage, but that's all anecdotal.

My idle is steady and in the neighborhood of 600 rpm. I've never looked at that value on the Gryphon though, because it doesn't interest me - I just read it off the dashboard tach.

So, why is your idle wandering? I can only tell you an experience of mine. When I first got my Edge (now converted to a Gryphon) I tried advancing the spark - I think no more than 0.25 degrees. I got the same symptoms you have - a "strolling" idle. I moved the spark back to zero and all was well.

You might try retarding the spark about 0.025 from the setting you have it on.

But, before you do this, what Level are you programmed for with 93 octane gas and a programmer? Using the canned tunes, you SHOULD be able to advance the spark 1 degree in a Level 3 tune. Have you advanced it more than this? Did you advance it at all?

I'm asking questions because we need more information.

(As often the case, Bill beat me to this! - Stalling? Fuel filter? Danged if I know). Bill has posted a good bit of information on the PHP website in the FAQs about idle problems caused by a dirty throttle body. Pull the air cleaner box off and have a look.

- Jack

[tnf150]

I am running the 93 performance, have not changed anything so far. I am still using canned tunes, and waiting on custom tunes. Sorry about not enough info still new to all this.

[Grabber523]

I am running the 93 performance, have not changed anything so far. I am still using canned tunes, and waiting on custom tunes. Sorry about not enough info still new to all this.

Get a can of carburator cleaner and spray all around your vacuum lines. If you hear the engine start bogging, it means you have a vaccuum leak, that might have something to do with the stalling, definitely.

[way2qk4u2c]

Just today i experienced something weird...

I to have been having a rough idle lately (not sure if its normal since ive never owned a truck until now) but today while at a stop light the truck wanted to die- the rpms at idle was surging trying to die and after a few seconds the truck went back to idle (never completely turned off) i have full power still but what would cause this?

Right now my edge is at PHP getting a upgrade so currently my truck is stock configuration.

I didnt get a check engine light during this?

Is this possible bad fuel filter or dirty throttle body?

Also i dont know if this has anything to do with it...but you know how when you start to take off from a light and someone in front of you stops suddenly so you let off gas and hit brakes. Well right when i left off the truck wants to dip way low on the rpms below idle speed almost to the point of shutting down? does your trucks do this? i wonder if my idle is slightly to low?

[Jackpine]

I suppose you COULD have a dirty throttle body, but since you have a 2006, this seems a bit soon for that. The only way to tell is to look.

I've never seen the "dip" you describe. And, my idle RPM is in the neighborhood of 600-650.

Could the "stumble" have been the AC coming on?

- Jack

[way2qk4u2c]

No i make sure my Heat is only on floor and not in the "Auto" position so the A/C wouldnt be triggered to come on.

I definitely have a big dip in the throttle when i let off...so something is wrong there.

The weird surge i recently discovered today is very bizarre.

Yeah with it being a 2006 and only 22k miles on it- i didnt expect to have these problems already.

[tnf150]

mine is abou the same but 06 with 50k. I didn't know if my exhaust has something to do with it. Its not true duals but two rear cats removed, and a dual in dual out magna flow, no x pipe or anything.

[88Racing]

I agree with Grabber523 check your vaccum hoses especially the one for the brake booster. Remember there was a recall on that one.

Is this happening while in d at a light or just sitting there in p.

Maybe add a little to the idle using the gryphon and see what happens if ones availible.

Lars

[way2qk4u2c]

Yeah i knew about the recall...the dealer fixed that item for me.

Ill try the vacuum test and see what happens.

It was sitting at a light in "D" and it happened.

I dont remember what my idle is at right now but i will check tonight.

[Power Hungry]

I'm leaning towards vacuum leak. I also wonder if this is related to the throttle body issues.

I'll have to check TSBs and see what's up. Be back shortly with information.

[way2qk4u2c]

My idle is at 500rpm if im reading it correctly...

you have the notch at 0 and then there is 3 notches between 0 and 1 and sameway between 1 and 2 and so forth. So each notch should be 250 increments. well my needle is right on notch number 2. which would tell me its 500 correct or no?

Where does all your idle needle stay at?

[Grabber523]

I wonder how many of you guys experiencing the idle "dipping" are running the "Gotts Mod"?...

[way2qk4u2c]

Some people are saying it could be a bad IAC. If you dont have a vacuum leak that is the next thing to check. Since its directly related to your idle and usually causes a rough idle and stalling.

I havent done the GOTTS mod yet so nope that is not a factor here.

[Power Hungry]

The '04 to '08 F-150 doesn't have an IAC, unless it's an '04 Heritage Edition. It uses the ETC (Electronic Throttle) to control idle speed. So that's out. However, the throttle body could be all gummy but he's checked that.

BTW, TNF150 - In one post you indicated it was an '04 and in another you said '06. Which is it?? The are specific driveability issues for different years and need to know which year we are dealing with to see if there are any specific TSBs relating to your symptoms.

Take care.

[way2qk4u2c]

I Have a 06 lol could you check on that for me.

Ooops didnt know i didnt have a IAC...

[tnf150]

sorry it is an 06, get a thought in my head and just get to typing.

[my67rt]

I am having this same problem in my 07 f150 with 15,000 miles on it. The engine is surging bad when I am ideling at the light. I took it to the dealership and they said that they didnt experience the surging when they had the truck but blamed it on my cold air intake. I would really like to find out what this problem is so if anybody figures this obne out please let me know.:shrug: