2000 not running right...

[DanRC30]

My truck has been sputtering on startup (when cold) for a long time now... can't figure out why... but now it's sputtering on and off while at speed. And other times it's running absolutely fine. It's completely random, but when it loses power, I have to pull over because it's acting like it's out of gas. I know it's a bit vague, but any ideas here? Where should I start? New coils? And if I go with new coils, are aftermarket ok? I was told only OEM's are good. Thanks!!!

 

[5vzT4R]

If there is no cel, I would just do a complete tune up and see if that helps.

New spark plugs, fuel filter, air filter, pcv valve, clean MAF and throttle body, clean the throttle poistion sensor and idle air coltrol valve, seafoam through vaccum line and in gas tank,

what else am I missing?

 

[DanRC30]

If there is no cel, I would just do a complete tune up and see if that helps.

New spark plugs, fuel filter, air filter, pcv valve, clean MAF and throttle body, clean the throttle poistion sensor and idle air coltrol valve, seafoam through vaccum line and in gas tank,

what else am I missing?

Oh, it throws codes. But it just doesn't make any sense... I think it's time to drop it off at the dealer and let them have a crack at it. Hate to drop $$$ on it at this age, but I need it to be reliable...

 

[Fishwerks]

It would probably help to post the codes that come up. That way you can get relevant advice.

 

[TheeMikeB]

It would probably help to post the codes that come up. That way you can get relevant advice.

Ummm yeah if it's throwing codes, that will help to know. Because it only takes one sensor to go out then all the others try and compensate which is why you could have random ones.

Doing simple basic stuff like cleaning off the MAF and checking the air filter, plugs and wires etc... always a good start before dropping off at the stealership.

I went wheeling recently in a really dusty climate, truck was running randomly at like half power and sputtering, threw a code for the MAF.... Pulled the MAF sprayed some MAF cleaner, reinstalled and was running tip top again.

 

[DanRC30]

Ummm yeah if it's throwing codes, that will help to know. Because it only takes one sensor to go out then all the others try and compensate which is why you could have random ones.

Doing simple basic stuff like cleaning off the MAF and checking the air filter, plugs and wires etc... always a good start before dropping off at the stealership.

I went wheeling recently in a really dusty climate, truck was running randomly at like half power and sputtering, threw a code for the MAF.... Pulled the MAF sprayed some MAF cleaner, reinstalled and was running tip top again.

Well, I just went out there and started it up to get the codes... it sputtered for .2 seconds upon startup (hardly noticeable) and ran fine. CEL is off. Put the reader on it and there are no codes logged. I think this thing is haunted...

Now what do I do?

 

[Spaceman33]

Could just be a tank of bad gas.

Happens.

Put some fuel additive in and see if that helps.

There's also an additive that removes water.

If you live in a humid environment like Houston, water happens.

 

[DanRC30]

Could just be a tank of bad gas.

Happens.

Put some fuel additive in and see if that helps.

There's also an additive that removes water.

If you live in a humid environment like Houston, water happens.

I'm in NJ. Crappy gas is everywhere now though... I'll take out the MAF tomorrow and clean it. See what happens.

 

[DanRC30]

Cleaned MAF and changed air filter. Definitely running much better. Still soutters when I start it up. Been like that for years... not sure why. Throws code 300.