My Engine Lurches After A Cold Start

[teeg]

I'll book it in tomorrow. Anyone else had similar problems?

Even better, leave it there overnight to make sure it's really cold.

[JimmyXR6T04]

I had a thread on this issue a fair while back now.. and I'm yet to try and resolve the issue. I've just learnt to live with it.

Mine only does it at part throttle, when cruising around 2000-2500rpm. However, when I push the go pedal, no more surge. Still not sure what the problem is, but I've got used to it.. the missus drove the car for the first time in ages the other day, and she rang me concerned about it... so it's obviously still present, I just ignore it and forget about it

[XR06T]

mine does it too.. thought it was normal?

figured it was just getting more fuel being cold...

[dule]

The car has Drive By Wire throttle. Not exactly sure how it works but it must have a sensor at the accelerator pedal which controls the electro motor at the throttle body. Take the intake pipe off, turn the ignition ON and press the accelerator and you will see how it functions, that's if you are bored or just really want to see it.

From personal experience (BA MKII 6sp Manual) when trying to keep it around 1500 rpm in first when cold it will surge up and down. This is probably because the computer is keeping the engine at high revs when cold and any throttle input has a lot of affect and the electronic throttle can't follow your foot input's 100% and it probably works in little steps causing the up and down surge.

But the issue that was originally described is quiet different. As far as I understand he's car does it on idle with no throttle pressure and I don't think this is normal. You should have it checked out and don't settle for the "That's Normal" answer.

That's the was I understand things.

There are few mechanics on the forum and they might know more.

If got something wrong please correct me.

[SCRIBR]

U rannnnggg? this is normallllll

[-MOKSTA-]

I've been told that this is normal too.

however my 03 started to do this severely recently. it would rock back and forth when off throttle in any gear. and as soon as you put your foot on the pedal again it would rock a bit as well.

the car also rattled a lot which I put down to the loose heat sheilds (again)

took it to lynford yesterday, turns out I have a busted flywheel, pressure plate and thrust bearing among other things. about $3000 worth.

that explains the rattling noise, I'll have to wait and see when I get it back if the lurching is better.

if your car is lurching severely then its probably worth your time to have it looked at anyway.

im missing the T already

[walkerstreet]

U rannnnggg? this is normallllll

Can't hurt to put it in to the dealer. Sounds like theres a 50:50 set of opinions on whether this is normal or not. Thanks for all the info and advice. I don't think from memory that it occurs (much at all) when I'm applying throttle first thing in the morning. It's when I'm letting the car edge out of my garage that it gets the wobblies.

I think I'll ask the dealer to:

•Consider keeping it overnight and testing it first thing in the morning

•Put it in the shade if you are going to test it in the afternoon. I can always reproduce this when the car has spent 5 or 6 hours in the shade on a day when it's about 10 degrees. Under hotter conditions, the surging is barely noticeable.

•Keep it on the flat or pointing it down hill (not down hill) to give the best chance of reproducing it. I think it's less likely to occur if the car is facing up hill

I'll put it in on Tuesday morning.

[walkerstreet]

be nice to your T and let it warm up till the idle drops to normal

Yes, I've decided to wait at least 30 seconds to let the engine warm up (unless I find out this is something that needs fixing).

[Mildman]

Mine BF2 T does this same thing, giving it 1 rev (to about 2000) and 10sec after turning the key to warm up and it's fine.....

Not as extreme as the old days letting cars warm up for 3-4 mins.....guess technology is advancing....

[walkerstreet]

Hi,

The Ford Service guys kept my T overnight on a very cold night and said that the way it behaved in the morning was normal.

I don't know if they tightened anything, but it doesn't seem to lurch nearly as much (if at all) anymore. I'm also letting it idle in P (it's a 6 speed auto) for about 20-30 seconds before putting it into D and driving off. I don't need to rev it.

Anyway it still drives great.

Walker.