Unsolved Problem - Need Help

[BigBlueBeast]

I have a 1999 Ford F350 Super Duty 7.3L engine Diesel Truck. I have been having problems with the check engine light coming on intermittently. When this happens, the truck is still running, but you cannot accelerate. You press the gas pedal down, and the truck will not go anywhere. Only momentum keeps the truck moving. Sometimes it will disappear on it's own and acceleration returns. Other times, I have to steer it over to the side of the road, put it in park, and turn the truck off and then restart it. I have had it into the dealer's on numerous occasions. The first time, they put it on the computer and came up with codes for the gas pedal sensor and the throttle sensor which they changed. This solved the problem for a while, but then I started having the problem again. Took the truck in for ball joint replacement and paid to have it put back on the computer again. No codes. Asked if they couldn't replace the sensors again, but said without codes, my warranty wouldn't cover it. Took the truck in about 6 mos. later, again for ball joints, and had them put it on the computer again. Still having problem, but still no codes. Asked them if they had any idea what else could be causing this, and seems they are either clueless or brain dead. Within the last month, this is now turned into almost a daily occurrence. I travel approx. 30 miles each direction to work and have to use the thruway to get there. I cross two toll bridges both directions. Traffic is usually traveling at least 55 or better, and I have been lucky not to have gotten rear-ended when this has happened while crossing either bridge. Last night before I left work while waiting for the "Wait to start" light to go out, the check engine light stayed lit. First time for this which to me indicates that the truck is getting ready to die. Turned the key off and back on to see if it would go out. It didn't. Started the truck to see if this would make it disappear, but no luck. Called the dealer and told them what the scenario was and that I might have to have it towed. Tried once again and this time the light went off. I took my time going home and managed to get it home without the light coming back on. I dropped it off at the Ford dealer last night to once again have them try to pinpoint what the problem is. Thought that if they test drived it cold after sitting outside all night, they might get it to come on while they had it. I told them they needed to take it on the thruway, and not just around the block. I have a feeling it's something major and desperately need to find out what the problem is before my warranty runs out this Sunday. Half the day has passed and not a word from the dealer. Good news or bad? In the meantime, I figured I"d try to go on-line and try to find any one who may have experienced or heard of this happening to someone else. Has any one out there ever experienced this or have any idea what could be causing this to happen? Need help asap!

 

[95_stroker]

Sounds like your EBPV is closing on you while under way.

 

[Tbar]

I am going to bet it is the TPS again......


Tbar

 

[Hoss 350]

I am going to bet it is the TPS again......


Tbar

second the motion. New does not necessarily mean good. I've bought roached sensors before...

 

[BigBlueBeast]

Thanks for input

Just wanted to thank those of you who offered your advise on my problem. Called the dealer around 2:30 p.m. to check status, and was told they were just doing the diagnostics on it. Was really ticked to find out it had been sitting there all day. Typical. Got fed up and called Ford's Corporate office. Wasn't thrilled with that phone call either. Finally got a call back from the dealer as I was heading home from work. Seems they couldn't re-create the problem while driving it (my guess is it's because they waited 'til mid-afternoon to take it out when it had warmed up outside), but told me that they did get some codes regarding the throttle sensor again. Am wondering if they really got the codes or if they just decided to replace them since that is what was wrong the last time just to get me off their backs. At any rate, I had them set me up with a rental until they get everything fixed. Does any one know if having the throttle sensor go bad and driving the truck for so long with it bad, could this cause any other serious problems with the truck? (As a female, I'm not familiar with the more complicated aspects of mechanics.) If so, your feedback would be greatly appreciated!
Thanks again!

 

[Vinni]

Has the dealer looked in the tank to see if there is maybe something foriegn that could be getting into the pickup unit during operation on occasion. It is possible that you got something in the tank from a fuel pump at one time or another. How much fuel do you keep in the tank at any given time? Do you typically run it dry before a fill up - do you keep it above 1/4 tank? It is fully possible you may have some rust particles or even an insect in the tank that could be the culprit.

My truck was displaying the same symptoms after i make my first batch of Veggie Diesel. Turns out i had a high content of fine flour that made it past all 3 of my filters in my blending station. This cause for a cake batter like substance to build up in and around the pickup unit int he tank. The dealer had to replace the pickup unit screen and clean out my tank. i no longer get my oil from the location before and have not had a problem since.