Too much torque/speed at idle?

[peebee]

We've had our 2007 4R Sport V6 for about 6 months now and ever since buying it I've thought it was a bit too quick at idle when releasing the brake. I swear on level ground it would clock 5mph easy and it doesn't crawl getting to that speed either. It means at stoplights you really need to watch the pressure on the brake because even a little slip and you'll have no time before you've moved forward by a few feet. RPMs are typical around 600ish when warm. Our older 1997 4R is pretty slow when you release the brake and it feels "normal". We've not had any problems with it. Power is excellent and it sounds good. It just wants to move quick when you let the brake off.

An example... Earlier today we were driving through a city park christmas display where it's tradition for people to turn their lights off and idle through the display watching the lights. I kept having to brake often just to keep from running over the people in front of us and they weren't braking at all.

It's hard to describe but hopefully I've done a well enough job. Is this common for the 4th gens?

Thanks in advance.

 

[berettashot117]

This is silly.

 

[BlackWorksInc]

The 4th gens have a bit of power, be it 4.0L or 4.7L. They're also geared more towards lower end torque for their 4WD prowess.

So yes this is normal, will just take some getting used to. I love how much low end power I have on tap with the 4.7L.

 

[JB.]

An example... Earlier today we were driving through a city park christmas display where it's tradition for people to turn their lights off and idle through the display watching the lights. I kept having to brake often just to keep from running over the people in front of us and they weren't braking at all.

Perfect opportunity to exercise the low range actuator.

 

[peebee]

Thanks for the responses. I agree it is a little silly.

I'm not faulting the vehicle for it. If it is normal then it is what it is and I'm fine with that. Like BlackWorksInc said, I'll just need to get used to it. I've owned and primarily driven standards for for the last 15 years so I've been used to using very little brake pressure to keep the vehicle at a stop when waiting on a light. Also it's 2WD so I don't think the low range actuator is an option?

Anyhow, thanks again guys.

 

[jow]

I have the SR5 V6 2WD 07 and have not noticed your situation. I do notice good pep when I accelerate and had to adjust to that “Jump”. It jumps out there compared to what I was use to in my old 93 Ford Explorer.

I’ll pay closer attention to my RPM today or soon due to not having to hold the T4R back but it will creep w/o breaking. I’ll also see at what MPH it will creep w/o accelerating.

 

[peebee]

I have the SR5 V6 2WD 07 and have not noticed your situation. I do notice good pep when I accelerate and had to adjust to that “Jump”. It jumps out there compared to what I was use to in my old 93 Ford Explorer.

I’ll pay closer attention to my RPM today or soon due to not having to hold the T4R back but it will creep w/o breaking. I’ll also see at what MPH it will creep w/o accelerating.

That would be much appreciated. I like the terminology too - creep. Mine wants to creep quickly!

 

[d2huffman]

one thing is to put it in 1st so it does not upshift

 

[jimithing]

Yeah, we have alley's where I live and I have to hold the brake going down mine. If I just let it idle I think it's probably in the 8-10 mph range.

 

[JB.]

Also it's 2WD so I don't think the low range actuator is an option?

Correct.

If you go back to the park, you could control speed with the parking brake. Release it after letting it click into place but don't let it come all the way back and you've got a secondary brake pedal. Also, it might be easier if you make sure the AC light is not on.

 

[jow]

WOW! I found basically the same RPM and MPH as yours but had never paid them any attention due to being use to them. The MPH starts so slow from a dead stop on flat pavement, that it’s almost unnoticed in my driving pattern.

 

[peebee]

one thing is to put it in 1st so it does not upshift

I didn't even think of this but call me crazy because it sounds weird that the vehicle would have to shift at idle speed on flat ground? I'll give it a test though thanks for the suggestion.

 

[peebee]

Correct.

If you go back to the park, you could control speed with the parking brake. Release it after letting it click into place but don't let it come all the way back and you've got a secondary brake pedal. Also, it might be easier if you make sure the AC light is not on.

I considered this but didn't want to put extra wear on the rear pads. I also wasn't sure if the parking brake used both or just one rear so I didn't want to chance over heating one even at a crawl.

Oh, I wanted to clear a little up too. I don't think it's the maximum speed that's the issue. It's how quickly the truck gets to the maximum speed that is a little strange to me. Like I said in my original post that if I were to let off the brake even for a few seconds the vehicle would move a feet when normally I would expect it to start a very small crawl and gradually get quicker.

 

[TRDCal]

Too much torque, are you sure its not a V8 :hiding: lol. But seriously I've read about this before on the forum...personally I don't find my V8 does it, maybe its because of the different gearing in the V6?

As for your parking brake, it is it's own system seperate from the main service brakes. It uses shoes inside the center of the rear brake disc on both wheels. Having said that, I don't suggest driving with it applied since it will wear out the shoes and then require readjustment. I'm sure driving a short distance isn't going to affect the adjustment but I just wouldn't make a habbit of it.

 

[Greydog]

Peebee, my 07 V6 does this as well. Its more pronounced with the AC or defrost is on as it kicks up the idle speed a bit.

I swear it never did this before a year ago, but now that you posted, I guess I'm not imagining it.

At times, I shift into Neutral too, its that tricky. I suspect the trans computer is not dis-engaging the torque converter fully at low speeds or stopped. I've also noticed that its a bit hesitant to shift down to 1st when comning to a stop, requiring more brake pedal force.

Anyone know if there is a TSB on this type of symptom ?

- Greydog.

 

[JB.]

I considered this but didn't want to put extra wear on the rear pads.

Like I said in my original post that if I were to let off the brake even for a few seconds the vehicle would move a feet when normally I would expect it to start a very small crawl and gradually get quicker.

Low 1st gear plus truck engine equals torque at idle. Be glad you don't have a V8.

As for situations like the city park, I guess all you have left is switching between D and neutral with a little parking brake thrown in from time to time.