Engine Lugging / Vibration

[Justin says...]

Yeah normal when its brand new and the transmission hasn't figured out what you like + your dealer may have used plain ol gas. After a few hundred miles and premium, mine doesn't do that anymore.

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[Buckydeluxe]

Yeah normal when its brand new and the transmission hasn't figured out what you like + your dealer may have used plain ol gas. After a few hundred miles and premium, mine doesn't do that anymore.

You’re using 93? I’ve been filling up with 87 per the manual. How would premium gas fix this issue?

 

[Justin says...]

You’re using 93? I’ve been filling up with 87 per the manual. How would premium gas fix this issue?

I'll tread lightly as this is an explosive topic; pun intended!

With higher octane, the engine is less prone to engine knock and in my experience runs smoother at the insanely low RPM's that the transmission programming calls for. In addition, turbocharged engines supposedly gain power and economy running on 93. From my experience, I did get better gas mileage with premium. (look here at the bottom of the first page - in the fine print to see that the HP numbers are based on premium fuel)

As mentioned above, my "body boom" went away after I switched to 93 and of course, the transmission's adaptive learning had a little more time to figure me out.

So basically turbocharging forces air into the combustion chamber and with premium gas, less knocking will take place and the computer can run more boost without having to dial back the timing, reducing power. I think we're only talking like 10-15hp here and I don't mind paying a little extra for the better economy. My ecoboost Ranger also lugged really bad around 1300 RPM's on 87 but that went away when I switched to 93.

Yeah the computer *can* compensate for 87 by dialing things back a bit and for most people that's totally fine. I just like to go all out and help my engine be all it can be.

 

[BlueRaven]

Yeah normal when its brand new and the transmission hasn't figured out what you like + your dealer may have used plain ol gas. After a few hundred miles and premium, mine doesn't do that anymore.

premium unless you are towing is an absolute waste of money.

the car/truck will take a few thousand miles to learn. that or try a different drive mode.

 

[Justin says...]

premium unless you are towing is an absolute waste of money.

the car/truck will take a few thousand miles to learn. that or try a different drive mode.

Relax, Killer.

I gave advice based on what happened in my experience. Take it or leave it.

 

[801Maverick801]

I've ran 87 all 22k miles, the transmission feels alot better now than it did in the break in period (first 1k miles). If you are susceptible to Placebo, then go for the 93 and don't look back lol

 

[fossil]

more than 87 needed for a non turbo?
used to be you needed premium to get the cleaning fuel additives, no more.

 

[Buckydeluxe]

I'll tread lightly as this is an explosive topic; pun intended!

With higher octane, the engine is less prone to engine knock and in my experience runs smoother at the insanely low RPM's that the transmission programming calls for. In addition, turbocharged engines supposedly gain power and economy running on 93. From my experience, I did get better gas mileage with premium. (look here at the bottom of the first page - in the fine print to see that the HP numbers are based on premium fuel)

As mentioned above, my "body boom" went away after I switched to 93 and of course, the transmission's adaptive learning had a little more time to figure me out.

So basically turbocharging forces air into the combustion chamber and with premium gas, less knocking will take place and the computer can run more boost without having to dial back the timing, reducing power. I think we're only talking like 10-15hp here and I don't mind paying a little extra for the better economy. My ecoboost Ranger also lugged really bad around 1300 RPM's on 87 but that went away when I switched to 93.

Yeah the computer *can* compensate for 87 by dialing things back a bit and for most people that's totally fine. I just like to go all out and help my engine be all it can be.

This is very interesting, particularly how Ford based its power ratings off of 93. There may be some truth/science in what you’re saying.. I might dig deeper into this.

It certainly wouldn’t hurt to try a 93 fill up, I put it in my S2000 so I’m very familiar with spending the big bucks on gas. I would certainly spend the money if it gets rid of the horrendous booming/vibrating.

 

[Andrew1966]

glad I’m not going crazy, maybe in the summer time it won’t be so bad. I’ve been using tow mode for the last few days and I do believe that is the answer. Sort of annoying but you’re right, it’s just 2 button presses I can’t be that upset haha.

In the summer you won’t notice it 99%. Just wat till spring and you will see.

I went through the same observations as you. Definitely the colder it gets below 38 or so the worse it gets linearly.

 

[capecruiser]

I have same vibration when cold,less than 38 degrees. Premiun fuel didnt help this for me. Mine also has the same vibration during decelleration until it warms up. Maybe driveline issue like differential or PTU or CV joints ? Two weeks ago dealer told me it was normal. Its going back in two weeks for APIM (sync wont update and is still on 22000) and I will ask again.

 

[Buckydeluxe]

I have same vibration when cold,less than 38 degrees. Premiun fuel didnt help this for me. Mine also has the same vibration during decelleration until it warms up. Maybe driveline issue like differential or PTU or CV joints ? Two weeks ago dealer told me it was normal. Its going back in two weeks for APIM (sync wont update and is still on 22000) and I will ask again.

keep us updated! I’m also dealing with a rattle and I suspect the high pressure fuel pump/lines might be the culprit. I never dealt with this many vibrations/noises on my 2006 Ford Ranger but maybe the tire noise drowned it all out.

I should really just bring it into Ford but I really don’t want to waste a whole day to be told it’s “normal”.

 

[capecruiser]

keep us updated! I’m also dealing with a rattle and I suspect the high pressure fuel pump/lines might be the culprit. I never dealt with this many vibrations/noises on my 2006 Ford Ranger but maybe the tire noise drowned it all out.

I should really just bring it into Ford but I really don’t want to waste a whole day to be told it’s “normal”.

Yeah,I hate going back to the dealer too. When my APIM comes in I'll ask them again as this vibration is pretty harsh but smooths right out after 15-20 minutes.

 

[Buckydeluxe]

Just an update for anyone interested:

dealer will be looking at the truck tomorrow. Funny thing, today it was much warmer than usual (55 degrees) and the vibration/boom/rattle completely disappeared. So those of you who said it was temperature dependent seem to be right. It should cool back down tomorrow so hopefully they can experience what I’ve been experiencing.

I’m curious to know if they will have an explanation or solution. I have no clue why temperature would cause such a horrible condition.

 

[Buckydeluxe]

Got the truck back, the report said no problems, “normal characteristics”. Thought I was being sensitive so I took my girlfriend for a ride and it was driving her nuts too.
At least I’m not crazy. Not really sure where to go from here, might just have to wait till warm weather and hope there’s a fix by next winter. It’s not a transmission issue, something to do with air temperature/density. Maybe fuel related? I’ll try to dig more into this. Never thought a new truck would be so much of a headache.

 

[Miznap]

keep us updated! I’m also dealing with a rattle and I suspect the high pressure fuel pump/lines might be the culprit. I never dealt with this many vibrations/noises on my 2006 Ford Ranger but maybe the tire noise drowned it all out.

I should really just bring it into Ford but I really don’t want to waste a whole day to be told it’s “normal”.

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