Throttle questions

[Telco]

2003 LS V8 Sport

This is the first car I've had with an electronic throttle body, and I was wondering if it's normal for it to feel non-linear and, well, unstable when taking off easy from a stop. The car goes OK once it's moving but the first few seconds it feels like the throttle is confused. Added to this is it feels like the throttle needs a second or two to recognize that I actually did push the pedal because there's a lag between throttle and action. Is any of this normal or do I have an issue here? The SES light is not on so it's not throwing any codes out. Thanks.

 

[trickett90]

I don't know what you mean by unstable or confused.

However, there is more of a lag between pedal and engine response than conventional throttle cable. You will get used to it. Anything other than that is not normal.

 

[Stopsign002]

I've read that the throttle response is based on how far you press the pedal and how fast you press it. Its not just based on how far its pressed. I'm pretty sure thats what I read somewhere. Coming from driving a manual for the last 3 years it took me a good month to get used to it.

 

[gcwimmer]

The tune from Torrie made a big difference in throttle response for me.

 

[Telco]

Yuck. Not liking that. The mushy feeling might be from my expecting the same instant throttle response I get from my Silverado, not getting it, then trying to get some action while the car tries to keep up with my inputs then. If that's the case then I REALLY need to get a tuning package.

 

[joegr]

Are you sure that some of it isn't from marginal coils?

 

[LS4me]

IIRC, there was a recalibration of the ETB for the '03s.

 

[Telco]

No idea on the coils. I've had the car three days now. Aside from the mush on initial throttle it seems to run smoothly. My experience with coils in the past is that they show more on the top of the RPM band, not the bottom.

If there was a recal I guess I can drop in by the Lincoln dealer to see if they can dump in a new program. Thanks.

 

[joegr]

No idea on the coils. I've had the car three days now. Aside from the mush on initial throttle it seems to run smoothly. My experience with coils in the past is that they show more on the top of the RPM band, not the bottom.

If there was a recal I guess I can drop in by the Lincoln dealer to see if they can dump in a new program. Thanks.

If you have less than 100K miles, Ford will stress test and replace any marginal coils for free. In the very unlikely event that none are marginal, you will be charged the standard diagnostic fee.

 

[Telco]

Cool thanks. The car has 97K miles on it. I'll drop in on them when I'm off this week then.

 

[joegr]

You may want to print a copy of this and take it with you.

http://www.allstatetrucks.com/Recalls/cust satisfaction recalls/07m07/R07M07 dealer bulletin.pdf

Note that since you have an 03, they will also replace the valve cover gaskets if there is oil in the plug wells.

 

[Telco]

Good deal, thanks! I'll print that off tomorrow then.

 

[1LoudLS]

My experience with coils in the past is that they show more on the top of the RPM band, not the bottom.

when mine misfires, it is most noticeable in the low to mid range.

 

[trickett90]

when mine misfires, it is most noticeable in the low to mid range.

+1

 

[Telco]

Just got the report back from the Lincoln dealer. The coils are brand new, new covers and everything. However, the plugs are factory original, and show it. What plugs are the best to use in these cars? I normally use the two prong plugs, but am not stuck on them.

Also, all programs in the car are the latest revisions, and it looks like I'll be needing a trans service which I'll be doing next week. They said it's got a shifting problem, they are going to start with the flush and if that doesn't do it they were talking solenoids.

 

[joegr]

Just got the report back from the Lincoln dealer. The coils are brand new, new covers and everything. However, the plugs are factory original, and show it. What plugs are the best to use in these cars? I normally use the two prong plugs, but am not stuck on them.

Also, all programs in the car are the latest revisions, and it looks like I'll be needing a trans service which I'll be doing next week. They said it's got a shifting problem, they are going to start with the flush and if that doesn't do it they were talking solenoids.

You'll almost certainly need the solenoid assembly replaced. On the plus side, that may help with the throttle issues.

NGK Iridium plugs are good, and were one of the OEM plugs for the LS. Be sure to check the gap. There are many threads and opinions on plugs on here. Do a little searching. The built in search is bad, but you can use Google advanced search and limit it to this site.

 

[Telco]

Cool thanks. I'll google the site for the plug opinions.