Power loss when trying to pull boat up launch ramp!!!

[Morgueman]

I have a 2006 Lincoln Navigator (2-wheel drive - rear). When I attempt to pull my boat (2005 SeaRay 240 SunDeck, 6000# includ. trailer) out of the water on an inclined launch ramp, the Navigator will pull it about 10 feet or so, and then sometimes lose all acceleration and start rolling backwards (until I press on the brake). The engine does not rev or stall / shut-off...It just idles and won't accelerate. I tried shutting the traction control off, but this doesn't help. After several attempts (sometimes 5-7 attempts), it eventually successfully moves the boat up the ramp.
- This occurs whether I try to climb the ramp in "Drive" or first gear
- This issue only occurs when towing the boat up the launch ramp.
- No dashboard lights come on.
- I initiate my climb up the launch ramp by pressing the gas slowly as I release the "regular" brake.

Does anyone know what could be causing this problem?

Thank you!
Morgueman (Eric)

 

[smokeonthewater]

Re: Power loss when trying to pull boat up launch ramp!!!

Most likely a traction control issue

turn off your traction control and try again.... the computer senses wheel slip and applies brakes which in this case stops your forward movement

 

[agallant80]

Re: Power loss when trying to pull boat up launch ramp!!!

^++ What he said.

 

[T_Herrod]

Re: Power loss when trying to pull boat up launch ramp!!!

I have a 2006 trail blazer that does the same thing. Shut off the traction control or use the 4 wheel or all wheel drive function if it has that.

 

[Starcraft5834]

Re: Power loss when trying to pull boat up launch ramp!!!

Navigator wont pull it?.. what kind of boat you got? what above said..........

 

[H20Rat]

Re: Power loss when trying to pull boat up launch ramp!!!

Drive-By-Wire + traction control... Most annoying feature ever! Traction control is great, but don't cut the throttle on me. Even on snow/ice, there are often times I'd rather let it spin a little knowing the end result is that I'm going to be moving faster than if the traction control cuts throttle entirely.

 

[haulnazz15]

Re: Power loss when trying to pull boat up launch ramp!!!

- I use Premium fuel.
- I never have a problem other than in this situation (on boat launch ramp retrieving the boat).

Thank you!
Morgueman (Eric)

Quit using premium fuel for one, you're just throwing your money down the toilet. The 5.4L just needs 87 Octane, running higher octanes doesn't give you any more power, and makes it more difficult to ignite the fuel in an engine not designed for it. As was mentioned try turning off the Traction Control, but it seems like you'd notice it cutting the throttle.

 

[oldjeep]

Re: Power loss when trying to pull boat up launch ramp!!!

Also, check your trans fluid level

 

[GA_Boater]

Re: Power loss when trying to pull boat up launch ramp!!!

Also, check your trans fluid level

+1 on that. With the traction control and low ATF, if that's the case, the computer sees revs going up and no wheels spinning so it might go into some kind of limp mode.

Also - Go to Autozone or one of the nationwide auto parts stores and have them check for computer codes. Some codes turn on the check engine light and some don't, all depends on the code.

 

[H20Rat]

Re: Power loss when trying to pull boat up launch ramp!!!

Quit using premium fuel for one, you're just throwing your money down the toilet. The 5.4L just needs 87 Octane, running higher octanes doesn't give you any more power, and makes it more difficult to ignite the fuel in an engine not designed for it. As was mentioned try turning off the Traction Control, but it seems like you'd notice it cutting the throttle.

Its required in the 2005-2006 navigator... Interestingly enough though, 2007 didn't require it, and given its only a 9.5:1 compression, not sure why they bother requiring it. (2007 even upped the compression to 9.8, and mpg's increased slighly, all on 87 octane.) Going theory is that it is a holdover from the DOHC 32v engine that did require it, and Ford just forgot to change that line in the manual until 2007. That identical 5.4 package is used in lots of other vehicles that do not require 91.

If it were me... The vehicle is obviously out of warranty, I'd run 87. That engine absolutely isn't making use of 91 octane (it simply can't break the laws of physics with 9.5:1 compression), and you will get BETTER power out of 87!

 

[haulnazz15]

Re: Power loss when trying to pull boat up launch ramp!!!

Its required in the 2005-2006 navigator... Interestingly enough though, 2007 didn't require it, and given its only a 9.5:1 compression, not sure why they bother requiring it. (2007 even upped the compression to 9.8, and mpg's increased slighly, all on 87 octane.) Going theory is that it is a holdover from the DOHC 32v engine that did require it, and Ford just forgot to change that line in the manual until 2007. That identical 5.4 package is used in lots of other vehicles that do not require 91.

If it were me... The vehicle is obviously out of warranty, I'd run 87. That engine absolutely isn't making use of 91 octane (it simply can't break the laws of physics with 9.5:1 compression), and you will get BETTER power out of 87!

Interesting, I wasn't aware of that requirement on the 2005-2006. I knew the later models didn't need it, and the 5.4L in every other model didn't require it. I agree that 9.5:1 isn't in the realm of needing higher octane, but who knows.

 

[Morgueman]

Re: Power loss when trying to pull boat up launch ramp!!!

Most likely a traction control issue

turn off your traction control and try again.... the computer senses wheel slip and applies brakes which in this case stops your forward movement

I should have mentioned it in my original post. I had tried shutting the traction control off, but the problem continued.

Anyone think it could be a clogged fuel filter? I'm asking because I search around on the internet, and found another guy with a 2005 Navigator that complained about exactly the same thing (power loss when pulling boat up boat launch). One guy responded and said that he had the same problem, which was solved with a fuel filter replacement. Nothing else was written on that post...I tried to reach the original poster, but no response (...This was back in 2010).

The boat I'm pulling is a 2005 SeaRay 240 Sundeck (about 4500 lbs plus trailer, totaling probably 6000 lbs range).

Thanks,
Morgueman (Eric)

 

[limitout]

Re: Power loss when trying to pull boat up launch ramp!!!

you haven't mentioned once if you ever topped off the transmission fluid

also replacing the filters is never a bad idea even if its not the problem

 

[Morgueman]

Re: Power loss when trying to pull boat up launch ramp!!!

I will definitely check the transmission fluid tonight. Thanks.

(I also edited the original post to include more information.)

 

[garbageguy]

Re: Power loss when trying to pull boat up launch ramp!!!

May not be your issue at all, but thought I'd throw it out there. A clogged, or partially clogged catalytic converter can cause a loss of power under load

 

[funk6294]

Re: Power loss when trying to pull boat up launch ramp!!!

Possible a dumb question, but the check engine light hasnt triggered correct? Even if you have not seen it, you may run it by autozone and have them give it a quick scan just to be sure there isnt a previous code stored in the computer but not setting off the light. If not, you may be on the right track with the fuel filter. Does the engine sputter at all when it happens, or does it essential return to idle like there is not throttle input.

EDIT: Another thought, has the truck been to the dealer recently? I think Ford had settled a class action suit surrounding unintended acceleration that affected vehicles from 2005 and up. If it has been back in it may be possible they uploaded a brake safety overide into the computer. I noticed you mentioned that you use the brake slightly at the same time you go to accelerate to prevent the truck from rolling back. If it has had a brake override then it would cause the accelerator to be bypassed loosing power. You might test it by putting one foot on the brake and try accelerating and see what happens.

 

[Morgueman]

Re: Power loss when trying to pull boat up launch ramp!!!

Possible a dumb question, but the check engine light hasnt triggered correct? Even if you have not seen it, you may run it by autozone and have them give it a quick scan just to be sure there isnt a previous code stored in the computer but not setting off the light. If not, you may be on the right track with the fuel filter. Does the engine sputter at all when it happens, or does it essential return to idle like there is not throttle input.

There's no engine sputter at all. It just idles normally with no apparent throttle input. No dashboard lights come on.

For what it's worth, this problem occurred before another issue I had with the vehicle...the vehicle stalled while in heavy traffic while towing. It started right up but the check engine light stayed on...Took it to the dealer, and they ran codes showing that it needed a new throttle body, which I had them do. The problem at the launch ramp still persists on occasion though.

So far, the ideas are:
1. Low transmission fluid
2. Clogged or bad catalytic converter
3. Clogged fuel filter

Any other thoughts are greatly appreciated?

 

[jkust]

Re: Power loss when trying to pull boat up launch ramp!!!

If it is like my suv, there is a traction control system and a completely separate stability control system. You can shut one or both systems off. Traction control should apply breaks to individual wheels but stability control will lower the engine power to wheels making it seem like it is struggling which it is I suppose by design. Of course stability control shouldn't turn on in this scenario if it is working properly. Traction control systems and stability control systems vary by vehicle though.

 

[haulnazz15]

Re: Power loss when trying to pull boat up launch ramp!!!

I'd start with replacing the fuel filter with a quality Wix or Motorcraft unit. It takes less than 5 minutes and is easy to get to under the driver's side frame rail (at leas that's where it's at on the F-150's). A clogged cat would likely present a problem all of the time, not just under a load at the ramp.

 

[oldjeep]

Re: Power loss when trying to pull boat up launch ramp!!!

I'd start with replacing the fuel filter with a quality Wix or Motorcraft unit. It takes less than 5 minutes and is easy to get to under the driver's side frame rail (at leas that's where it's at on the F-150's). A clogged cat would likely present a problem all of the time, not just under a load at the ramp.

Less than 5 minutes if you are lucky - those ford filters can be a real pain to get off. Make sure you have the real tool rather than trying to use that silly plastic thing that they sometimes include in the package with the filter. Also don't forget to disconnect the battery and depressurize the system at the rail - nothing better than a face full of pressurized gasoline.