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

[funk6294]

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

If its not sputtering and the motor is acting the same as it was just sitting at idle then I suspect as mentioned before that either something is amis with the traction control (bad sensor, module ect). If it were a fuel filter, clogged cat, or low on tranny fluid I would expect the motor might still try to rev to some level. If it is really just like there is 0 throttle input then I am guessing something electrical in nature. Can you recreate the issue if you attempt to power brake the truck?

 

[Fleetwin]

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

Are you using the service brake or the parking brake?

If you are using the service brake and accelerator at the same time, that may confuse the traction control.

Try this:

1. Use parking brake. You probably have it on anyway at the bottom of a ramp.
2. As you accelerate, let the parking brake off. Keep your foot off of the service brake.

I agree on checking the trans fluid. Fuel filter, I doubt it but it's a good idea to have it serviced. A clogged fuel filter can starve the engine, under heavy load, and NOT throw a code.

 

[haulnazz15]

Re: Power loss when trying to pull boat up launch 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.

Never had an issue with the plastic tool set (of 2 or 3 sizes) that you buy at the local auto parts store. I just let the truck set for an hour before doing the job, that's plenty of time for it to depressurize. You'll still end up with some gasoline on your hands/arms from gravity draining alone. The Wix filters come with new plastic clips as well, just in case you were to break one of the originals.

 

[Morgueman]

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

Are you using the service brake or the parking brake?

If you are using the service brake and accelerator at the same time, that may confuse the traction control.

Try this:

1. Use parking brake. You probably have it on anyway at the bottom of a ramp.
2. As you accelerate, let the parking brake off. Keep your foot off of the service brake.

I agree on checking the trans fluid. Fuel filter, I doubt it but it's a good idea to have it serviced. A clogged fuel filter can starve the engine, under heavy load, and NOT throw a code.

I'm currently at the dealership to have them change the fuel filter. For me, it's worth having them do it for $59.95. Since the transmission fluid is in a sealed system, I can't check the level. Since I've got 102K miles, I'm having them do a transmission fluid flush too.

 

[Morgueman]

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

Here's a theory that I came up with...What do you think?

When on an incline, and with a 6000 lb trailer pulling down on the rear, the front wheels are being somewhat lifted up. Maybe the vehicle is sensing a possible rollover situation and cutting power to the engine. Is this a possibility? I do have weight distribution bars that I remove when launching and retrieving the boat in order to increase traction on the rear wheels. Maybe I'll trying leaving them on to "even out" the weight on all four wheels...The downside of this, of course, will be that I reduce traction. The more I think about it, the more I wish I had a 4WD vehicle.

 

[gtochris]

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

I'm currently at the dealership to have them change the fuel filter. For me, it's worth having them do it for $59.95. Since the transmission fluid is in a sealed system, I can't check the level. Since I've got 102K miles, I'm having them do a transmission fluid flush too.

Good Call.
How about next time you are pulling up a ramp (assuming it is wide enough) you turn your steering wheel to the side trying to effectively cut down the hill of the ramp? It might make things a little easier on the whole thing?

 

[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.

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.

So I tried the left foot on the brake as I give the vehicle gas. There doesn't appear to be a brake-override of the throttle, because the vehicle was clearly trying to move with the brake holding it back.

 

[Morgueman]

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

Hi Everyone! (Original Poster here)

I'm going back to the launch ramp tomorrow (Thursday), and I will definitely shut the "AdvanceTrac with Roll Stability Control" off .

Instead of applying the regular brake, and then easing up on it as I push on the gas, I'm thinking about engaging the Emergency brake. In the Navigator, the Emergency brake automatically disengages when I shift out of Park, so I'll try engaging it when I'm already in Drive. I don't believe that I can slowly release it while giving it gas, because I only have a "Release" lever down by the steering wheel that totally disengages it.

Any tips/suggestions, or other things I should try?

I REALLY hope that I don't get stuck at the bottom of the ramp...

Thank you,
Eric

 

[LippCJ7]

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

Funny I have not heard this yet but shift to first and pull it up the ramp, once at the top you can shift it back into drive.

 

[Morgueman]

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

Funny I have not heard this yet but shift to first and pull it up the ramp, once at the top you can shift it back into drive.

Yup...Good suggestion. Last time I was at the boat ramp (yesterday), I tried climbing the ramp in first gear. The problem still persisted.

 

[LippCJ7]

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

Yup...Good suggestion. Last time I was at the boat ramp (yesterday), I tried climbing the ramp in first gear. The problem still persisted.

Dang, thought I had it, Sorry Sir, Good Luck!!

 

[smokeonthewater]

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

Yup...Good suggestion. Last time I was at the boat ramp (yesterday), I tried climbing the ramp in first gear. The problem still persisted.

looking outside at the ice and snow here I am having a REALLY hard time feeling sorry for you LOL

I still believe this is some sort of a traction control, auto stability, computer screwing w you issue...

Is the truck able to power brake with traction control off without this issue popping up.... even in grass or dirt... My bet is that it will do the same thing it does at the ramp

 

[jkust]

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

When stability control and/or traction control kicks on for me, one of two dash lights along with a message on the message center tells me which system is engaged at the moment. My systems kick on all the time on our roads that stay coated in inches of ice all winter as I like to have a bit of fun. Are you seeing any of these warnings? I've got to think that if the stability control was powering down your engine at the wrong time...you would still get the warnings.

 

[oldjeep]

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

When stability control and/or traction control kicks on for me, one of two dash lights along with a message on the message center tells me which system is engaged at the moment. My systems kick on all the time on our roads that stay coated in inches of ice all winter as I like to have a bit of fun. Are you seeing any of these warnings? I've got to think that if the stability control was powering down your engine at the wrong time...you would still get the warnings.

Not to mention feeling it in the seat of your pants. In my Ram I can feel the traction control before I'd ever notice the lights.

 

[snowman48047]

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

Since I've got 102K miles, I'm having them do a transmission fluid flush too.

If you have never done this before now, you may be having transmission issues shortly.

 

[jkust]

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

Not to mention feeling it in the seat of your pants. In my Ram I can feel the traction control before I'd ever notice the lights.

It's funny, my tires on my suv are at the end of their life. I'm realizing that if I shut the traction control off but leave the stability control on....the stability control doesn't do that much when whipping around our cul de sac. It seems to be the traction control that is doing most of the work with bad tires. On the flip side, you cannot defeat the systems on my wife's suv no matter how hard you try even on solid ice, it won't let you get off course.

 

[haulnazz15]

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

Not to mention feeling it in the seat of your pants. In my Ram I can feel the traction control before I'd ever notice the lights.

My '08 F-150 Lariat w/5.4L will simply cut the throttle to the engine when in drive and on slick pavement. If you didn't know it, you'd think it was having a power loss. However, you can put the gear selector in 1 or 2 and it will let the wheels spin uninhibited. There is no button/menu option to turn off the traction control, it's simply built in.

 

[Fleetwin]

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

My '08 F-150 Lariat w/5.4L will simply cut the throttle to the engine when in drive and on slick pavement. If you didn't know it, you'd think it was having a power loss. However, you can put the gear selector in 1 or 2 and it will let the wheels spin uninhibited. There is no button/menu option to turn off the traction control, it's simply built in.

Didn't know if you had the automatic brake release, or not.

With that known, shift it into PRNDL position one. Release service brake and go up the ramp. Do not use PRNDL position two. That is second gear lock. That will cause overheat conditions in your transmission.

The service brake via the brake light switch, tells the on board computer that you are applying braking. Keep your foot off of the service brake. Don't "two foot".

Put it in PRNDL one, let the park brake realease and go.

 

[Morgueman]

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

Didn't know if you had the automatic brake release, or not.

With that known, shift it into PRNDL position one. Release service brake and go up the ramp. Do not use PRNDL position two. That is second gear lock. That will cause overheat conditions in your transmission.

The service brake via the brake light switch, tells the on board computer that you are applying braking. Keep your foot off of the service brake. Don't "two foot".

Put it in PRNDL one, let the park brake realease and go.

Thanks for the suggestion, but what do you mean "The service brake via the brake light switch"?

 

[Scott Danforth]

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

Im subscribing just to see how it ends.