Surge/Hesitation fixed yet? - Focaljet

**blurr** · 02-26-2001, 01:35 PM

Officially nothing (yet?).
Some have had luck with MAFS replacement. Most say it is the EGR valve. All I know is it sucks! Are you listing the RPM ranges correctly, mine does it in the 2-3000rpm range?

**SilverZTS** · 02-27-2001, 12:58 AM

I've been out of the loop for a little while now so forgive me if this has been covered over the last two months...

Has the surging problem fix been found yet? I've had my 5sp ZTS in the shop three or four times now for other reasons (mostly recalls) and I always throw the surge problem at them while it's already there. Every time they say they don't notice the problem. I swear every time my car hits 1300 or 1800 RPM's while maintaining speed it feel like a 40 MPH gust of wind is hitting the car from the front. If I give it some gas, the surge instantly dissapears.

Anyone?

SilverZTS

**SilverZTS** · 02-27-2001, 01:13 PM

Yep, mine does this at 1300rpms and 1800 rpms in any gear.

Most noticable in 5th at 1800rpms, which is 47MPH. I drive down a stretch of road that is 45MPH every day and I'll be damned if the flow of traffic doesn't do exactly 47-48 MPH every day. So I get about 5 miles of the surging every day and it's driving me insane. I feal like I'm hitting puddles of water the whole stretch of road...

I've noticed many people have this problem at higher rpms and I've tried to duplicate this on my car but nothing over 2K seems to give me a problem. I only have the two spots in the rpm curve that die out.

SilverZTS

**longbeachcarguy** · 03-04-2001, 09:16 PM

I have this same problem. I have it scheduled to go in on the 24th of March. It is just as stated in the posts above. I talked with a Ford HQ service rep at the NADA show in vegas a couple of weeks ago and he showed me all the TSB's for the car and nothing was in Ford's database for this issue. Maybe if enough of us show up at the dealers, they will look into it. This was my only annoyance with the car until the fuel guage began to go bust on me last week (reads empty after filling up). I suspect the dealer will fix this problem and blow off the surging because they don't want to spend the time investigating the cause. If I had a Scan Tool, I would do it myself. I will post again after the 24th to let you know what happens.

------------------
Autumn Orange ZX3, H&R springs, 17" wheels, orange/yellow scorcher T/A's, wings west: 62olds starfire convert, 67 csquire, 71 442 vista cruiser

**blurr** · 03-06-2001, 02:51 PM

Hmm. I'd never tried driving in that rpm range. I'm usually driving between 2000 & 3500 rpm.
I did try it, and probably should more, and I believe I felt something around 1800. Might even get better mileage.

I've had this problem since day one, I'm suprised there is nothing in a TSB about this. I've reported it at least 6 times, and I know others here have taken it in for the same problem.

Any conspiricy theory people want to jump on this one

**BlackedOutZX3** · 03-09-2001, 08:09 PM

I used to have the same problem in my old car (Pontiac Grand Am) P.O.S. and what it turned out being was the tranny (it was an auto) I then used the shift improver stuff that you buy from Pep Boys, and that took care of it until I needed the tranny replaced. Hope this helps.

Tyler
'00 Pitch Black ZX3 5spd
AEM Short Ram; Eibach Sport Kit
B&M Edge Shifter; 5% tint all around

**ZX3rcr** · 03-11-2001, 08:45 PM

One of the recalls on my ZX-3 involved replacing the fuel-injection pressure sensor. I had some hesitation and surging at various rpm ranges, and it seemed to occur mostly on warm-to-hot days (80 degrees to 100+). After the sensor was replaced, I've noticed that the surging and hesitation has mostly gone away, although under hard acceleration it stills happens sometimes. I'll have to wait until the weather here in North Central Texas gets warmer to see if all the hesitation and surging problems are really fixed.

**Jakey** · 03-12-2001, 06:05 PM

Hey mine does it to. (sometimes) Right between 1900 an 2100. It also does it about two or three times when climbing all the way up rpms with the pedal down half way. Have to go to ford this week to fix my broken clutch return spring.

**laZer ready** · 03-14-2001, 02:26 AM

i'm just curious, are you guys talking about something like an undulation? Or, does it sorta feel like you're constantly slamming the pedal and letting off, a sorta all or nothing thing? I keep having the same thing, in the low rpm's. Its almost like you have the cruise control on type feeling... thingy... (my technical terms...)

**BLKZX3** · 03-14-2001, 04:32 PM

I had a surge problem at about 5000 RPM. I switched to a K & N filter and it went away.

**SilverZTS** · 03-15-2001, 01:49 PM

<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:<HR>Originally posted by laZer ready:
i'm just curious, are you guys talking about something like an undulation? Or, does it sorta feel like you're constantly slamming the pedal and letting off, a sorta all or nothing thing? I keep having the same thing, in the low rpm's. Its almost like you have the cruise control on type feeling... thingy... (my technical terms...)<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Thats exactly what many of us are having problems with. I get it when I'm maintaning speed... It's kinda like when you have the air on and the compressor kicks on and off. You can feel the power loss. I happen to notice it best at 47MPH in 5th at 1800rpms. It also seems to almost disappear when the weather is really cold. Now that spring is making a come back, it's bringing out the beast in me and I'm going to unleash on Ford on a daily basis if I have to.

SilverZTS

**drivefaster** · 03-17-2001, 11:00 AM

I know that I mentioned this to the service dept. on at least 3 occasions. It happens in 4th at about 35 MPH constant speed. The ECM has been reprogrammed and the pressure sensor replaced, both as recall items. The problemis not as bad as it was, but it's still there. It seems there have been enough comments about this problem that Ford should know about it.

**laZer ready** · 03-17-2001, 11:15 AM

honest to god... i put on my AEM intake thursday with the K&N filter... zero hesitation now, the difference was night and day.
I'm just assuming that its root cause has something to do with the throtle body and the computer managing air intake.

But the real question is, what the hell are you guys driving around in 5th gear doing 47 mph?!? lol I thought all foci only liked cruising @ 80mph?

DOH! PS... next time i'll actually read other posts... including ones directly above mine... ECM? you don't say...lol

[This message has been edited by laZer ready (edited 03-17-2001).]

**drivefaster** · 03-17-2001, 10:37 PM

I always drive 80MPH in 5th. But I never go faster than 35MPH in 4th!
I wish I had the money for a new intake, it may be time for a second job.
BTW I know this is stupid, but what is DOH?

**SegaCide** · 03-18-2001, 01:20 PM

<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:<HR>
BTW I know this is stupid, but what is DOH?[/b]<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Think about what Homer Simpson says when he realizes he did something stupid...

**drivefaster** · 03-19-2001, 12:09 AM

I still don't get what that has to do with my car surging or the computer being reprogrammed!?

**zx3t-foci** · 03-21-2001, 05:31 PM

<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:<HR>Originally posted by drivefaster:
I still don't get what that has to do with my car surging or the computer being reprogrammed!?<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>Doh is a way of saying "damn im stupid" for making a comment or saying a dumb line.

------------------
First god created beer, then he rested and told the misses to finish up and that is why we have problems around the world today.

**longbeachcarguy** · 03-26-2001, 11:34 AM

As I expected, the tech could not duplicate the condition. They did check for any DTC's (trouble codes, none as expected) and fuel pressure. I take it back on the 7th for a new fuel sending unit to fix the guage problem. I will drive with the tech to show him the surge condition. Will keep you posted.

**jojoreed** · 03-29-2001, 01:56 PM

I have the same problem surge/stumble and I have had my car in to the dealer and they called the hotline and there was supposed to be a fix for this by late Jan 2001. I have been pestering the dealer since and nothing has come out. On my invoice form it states they are awaiting for a "possible recalibration issue message or TSB in near future, pssible late 12/00" It is driving me nuts and I filled out a complaint form today on the blueovalnews. I feel like the dealer is trying to help me but they are not getting any help from Ford on this. I have the Zetec engine and an automatic. Most of the complaints for this surge/stumble are with manual transmissions..... go figure.

**foci_R** · 03-30-2001, 12:30 AM

i had this problem at about 5000 rpm in 5th and about 5000 rpm in 4th . so i added a k&n cone filter to stock piping and the hesitation went away , but it dramatically cut down my torque. so its a give and take kind of a thing.

**foci_R** · 03-30-2001, 12:32 AM

i had this problem at about 5000 rpm in 5th and about 5000 rpm in 4th . so i added a k&n cone filter to stock piping and the hesitation went away , but it dramatically cut down my torque. so its a give and take kind of a thing.

**UNSPACY** · 03-30-2001, 02:14 AM

I noticed the same thing now that my Iceman is on. When I installed it I had the battery disconected for about a half hour, then hooked it back up and let it run its' relearn thing. Could it be that simple or is it just some funky alighning of the planets?

------------------
I should be tired, and all I am is WIRED! Ain't felt this good for an hour...

**Bobby** · 03-30-2001, 08:49 PM

Just an option...if someone else wants to try this and report back.
Disconnect vacuum line from the top of the EGR valve, be sure to plug the vacuum line, then ignore the check engine light.
I'm betting this cures most of your problems.

------------------
01 Yellow ZX3

**jojoreed** · 04-25-2001, 01:45 PM

I got a call from my dealer yesterday....a fix for this problem should be happening in about 2 weeks! I had made a complaint to Ford in writing and got a few phone calls to let me know they are working on it. Now it seems they will be working with the dealers to solve this. As soon as I hear, I will post the TSB # for you all to give to your dealers. Oh, this will take care of the problem for both manual and automatic transmissions. I have been in the minority with my automatic as most of the surge/stumble complaints have been from owners of manul transmissions.

**blurr** · 04-25-2001, 02:43 PM

jojoreed- Dude be sure to keep us posted, yet another ray of hope.
Thanks

02-26-2001, 01:35 PM	#1
blurr TEAM Member Join Date: Sep 2000 Location: Austin, Tx Posts: 853	Re: Surge/Hesitation fixed yet? Officially nothing (yet?). Some have had luck with MAFS replacement. Most say it is the EGR valve. All I know is it sucks! Are you listing the RPM ranges correctly, mine does it in the 2-3000rpm range?

02-27-2001, 12:58 AM	#2
SilverZTS Rookie Join Date: Nov 2000 Location: Round Lake Beach, IL Posts: 7	Surge/Hesitation fixed yet? I've been out of the loop for a little while now so forgive me if this has been covered over the last two months... Has the surging problem fix been found yet? I've had my 5sp ZTS in the shop three or four times now for other reasons (mostly recalls) and I always throw the surge problem at them while it's already there. Every time they say they don't notice the problem. I swear every time my car hits 1300 or 1800 RPM's while maintaining speed it feel like a 40 MPH gust of wind is hitting the car from the front. If I give it some gas, the surge instantly dissapears. Anyone? SilverZTS

02-27-2001, 01:13 PM	#3
SilverZTS Rookie Join Date: Nov 2000 Location: Round Lake Beach, IL Posts: 7	Re: Surge/Hesitation fixed yet? Yep, mine does this at 1300rpms and 1800 rpms in any gear. Most noticable in 5th at 1800rpms, which is 47MPH. I drive down a stretch of road that is 45MPH every day and I'll be damned if the flow of traffic doesn't do exactly 47-48 MPH every day. So I get about 5 miles of the surging every day and it's driving me insane. I feal like I'm hitting puddles of water the whole stretch of road... I've noticed many people have this problem at higher rpms and I've tried to duplicate this on my car but nothing over 2K seems to give me a problem. I only have the two spots in the rpm curve that die out. SilverZTS

03-04-2001, 09:16 PM	#4
longbeachcarguy Rookie Join Date: Nov 2000 Location: Long Beach, CA USA Posts: 27	Re: Surge/Hesitation fixed yet? I have this same problem. I have it scheduled to go in on the 24th of March. It is just as stated in the posts above. I talked with a Ford HQ service rep at the NADA show in vegas a couple of weeks ago and he showed me all the TSB's for the car and nothing was in Ford's database for this issue. Maybe if enough of us show up at the dealers, they will look into it. This was my only annoyance with the car until the fuel guage began to go bust on me last week (reads empty after filling up). I suspect the dealer will fix this problem and blow off the surging because they don't want to spend the time investigating the cause. If I had a Scan Tool, I would do it myself. I will post again after the 24th to let you know what happens. ------------------ Autumn Orange ZX3, H&R springs, 17" wheels, orange/yellow scorcher T/A's, wings west: 62olds starfire convert, 67 csquire, 71 442 vista cruiser

03-06-2001, 02:51 PM	#5
blurr TEAM Member Join Date: Sep 2000 Location: Austin, Tx Posts: 853	Re: Surge/Hesitation fixed yet? Hmm. I'd never tried driving in that rpm range. I'm usually driving between 2000 & 3500 rpm. I did try it, and probably should more, and I believe I felt something around 1800. Might even get better mileage. I've had this problem since day one, I'm suprised there is nothing in a TSB about this. I've reported it at least 6 times, and I know others here have taken it in for the same problem. Any conspiricy theory people want to jump on this one

03-09-2001, 08:09 PM	#6
BlackedOutZX3 Rookie Join Date: Nov 2000 Location: Los Angeles, CA Posts: 33	Re: Surge/Hesitation fixed yet? I used to have the same problem in my old car (Pontiac Grand Am) P.O.S. and what it turned out being was the tranny (it was an auto) I then used the shift improver stuff that you buy from Pep Boys, and that took care of it until I needed the tranny replaced. Hope this helps. Tyler '00 Pitch Black ZX3 5spd AEM Short Ram; Eibach Sport Kit B&M Edge Shifter; 5% tint all around

03-11-2001, 08:45 PM	#7
ZX3rcr TEAM Member Join Date: Sep 2000 Location: Fort Worth, TX, USA Posts: 470	Re: Surge/Hesitation fixed yet? One of the recalls on my ZX-3 involved replacing the fuel-injection pressure sensor. I had some hesitation and surging at various rpm ranges, and it seemed to occur mostly on warm-to-hot days (80 degrees to 100+). After the sensor was replaced, I've noticed that the surging and hesitation has mostly gone away, although under hard acceleration it stills happens sometimes. I'll have to wait until the weather here in North Central Texas gets warmer to see if all the hesitation and surging problems are really fixed.

03-12-2001, 06:05 PM	#8
Jakey Junior Member Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: College Station, TX Posts: 80	Re: Surge/Hesitation fixed yet? Hey mine does it to. (sometimes) Right between 1900 an 2100. It also does it about two or three times when climbing all the way up rpms with the pedal down half way. Have to go to ford this week to fix my broken clutch return spring.

03-14-2001, 02:26 AM	#9
laZer ready TEAM Member Join Date: Sep 2000 Location: Stockbridge,GA usa Posts: 145	Re: Surge/Hesitation fixed yet? i'm just curious, are you guys talking about something like an undulation? Or, does it sorta feel like you're constantly slamming the pedal and letting off, a sorta all or nothing thing? I keep having the same thing, in the low rpm's. Its almost like you have the cruise control on type feeling... thingy... (my technical terms...)

03-14-2001, 04:32 PM	#10
BLKZX3 TEAM Member Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: San Diego, CA USA Posts: 205	Re: Surge/Hesitation fixed yet? I had a surge problem at about 5000 RPM. I switched to a K & N filter and it went away.

03-15-2001, 01:49 PM	#11
SilverZTS Rookie Join Date: Nov 2000 Location: Round Lake Beach, IL Posts: 7	Re: Surge/Hesitation fixed yet? <BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by laZer ready: i'm just curious, are you guys talking about something like an undulation? Or, does it sorta feel like you're constantly slamming the pedal and letting off, a sorta all or nothing thing? I keep having the same thing, in the low rpm's. Its almost like you have the cruise control on type feeling... thingy... (my technical terms...)<HR></BLOCKQUOTE> Thats exactly what many of us are having problems with. I get it when I'm maintaning speed... It's kinda like when you have the air on and the compressor kicks on and off. You can feel the power loss. I happen to notice it best at 47MPH in 5th at 1800rpms. It also seems to almost disappear when the weather is really cold. Now that spring is making a come back, it's bringing out the beast in me and I'm going to unleash on Ford on a daily basis if I have to. SilverZTS

03-17-2001, 11:00 AM	#12
drivefaster TEAM Member Join Date: Dec 2000 Location: Jeannette,PA,USA Posts: 870	Re: Surge/Hesitation fixed yet? I know that I mentioned this to the service dept. on at least 3 occasions. It happens in 4th at about 35 MPH constant speed. The ECM has been reprogrammed and the pressure sensor replaced, both as recall items. The problemis not as bad as it was, but it's still there. It seems there have been enough comments about this problem that Ford should know about it.

03-17-2001, 11:15 AM	#13
laZer ready TEAM Member Join Date: Sep 2000 Location: Stockbridge,GA usa Posts: 145	Re: Surge/Hesitation fixed yet? honest to god... i put on my AEM intake thursday with the K&N filter... zero hesitation now, the difference was night and day. I'm just assuming that its root cause has something to do with the throtle body and the computer managing air intake. But the real question is, what the hell are you guys driving around in 5th gear doing 47 mph?!? lol I thought all foci only liked cruising @ 80mph? DOH! PS... next time i'll actually read other posts... including ones directly above mine... ECM? you don't say...lol [This message has been edited by laZer ready (edited 03-17-2001).]

03-17-2001, 10:37 PM	#14
drivefaster TEAM Member Join Date: Dec 2000 Location: Jeannette,PA,USA Posts: 870	Re: Surge/Hesitation fixed yet? I always drive 80MPH in 5th. But I never go faster than 35MPH in 4th! I wish I had the money for a new intake, it may be time for a second job. BTW I know this is stupid, but what is DOH?

03-18-2001, 01:20 PM	#15
SegaCide TEAM Member Join Date: Sep 2000 Location: Omaha, NE Posts: 379	Re: Surge/Hesitation fixed yet? <BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR> BTW I know this is stupid, but what is DOH?[/b]<HR></BLOCKQUOTE> Think about what Homer Simpson says when he realizes he did something stupid...

03-19-2001, 12:09 AM	#16
drivefaster TEAM Member Join Date: Dec 2000 Location: Jeannette,PA,USA Posts: 870	Re: Surge/Hesitation fixed yet? I still don't get what that has to do with my car surging or the computer being reprogrammed!?

03-21-2001, 05:31 PM	#17
zx3t-foci Senior TEAM Member Join Date: Nov 2000 Location: MICHIGAN Posts: 1,191	Re: Surge/Hesitation fixed yet? <BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by drivefaster: I still don't get what that has to do with my car surging or the computer being reprogrammed!?<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>Doh is a way of saying "damn im stupid" for making a comment or saying a dumb line. ------------------ First god created beer, then he rested and told the misses to finish up and that is why we have problems around the world today.

03-26-2001, 11:34 AM	#18
longbeachcarguy Rookie Join Date: Nov 2000 Location: Long Beach, CA USA Posts: 27	Re: Surge/Hesitation fixed yet? As I expected, the tech could not duplicate the condition. They did check for any DTC's (trouble codes, none as expected) and fuel pressure. I take it back on the 7th for a new fuel sending unit to fix the guage problem. I will drive with the tech to show him the surge condition. Will keep you posted.

03-29-2001, 01:56 PM	#19
jojoreed Newbie Join Date: Mar 2001 Posts: 4	Re: Surge/Hesitation fixed yet? I have the same problem surge/stumble and I have had my car in to the dealer and they called the hotline and there was supposed to be a fix for this by late Jan 2001. I have been pestering the dealer since and nothing has come out. On my invoice form it states they are awaiting for a "possible recalibration issue message or TSB in near future, pssible late 12/00" It is driving me nuts and I filled out a complaint form today on the blueovalnews. I feel like the dealer is trying to help me but they are not getting any help from Ford on this. I have the Zetec engine and an automatic. Most of the complaints for this surge/stumble are with manual transmissions..... go figure.

03-30-2001, 12:30 AM	#20
foci_R Senior TEAM Member Join Date: Mar 2001 Location: 808 Posts: 1,000	Re: Surge/Hesitation fixed yet? i had this problem at about 5000 rpm in 5th and about 5000 rpm in 4th . so i added a k&n cone filter to stock piping and the hesitation went away , but it dramatically cut down my torque. so its a give and take kind of a thing.

03-30-2001, 12:32 AM	#21
foci_R Senior TEAM Member Join Date: Mar 2001 Location: 808 Posts: 1,000	Re: Surge/Hesitation fixed yet? i had this problem at about 5000 rpm in 5th and about 5000 rpm in 4th . so i added a k&n cone filter to stock piping and the hesitation went away , but it dramatically cut down my torque. so its a give and take kind of a thing.

03-30-2001, 02:14 AM	#22
UNSPACY TEAM Member Join Date: Mar 2001 Location: Somewhere in the Blue Ridge Mnt.s of VA Posts: 868	Re: Surge/Hesitation fixed yet? I noticed the same thing now that my Iceman is on. When I installed it I had the battery disconected for about a half hour, then hooked it back up and let it run its' relearn thing. Could it be that simple or is it just some funky alighning of the planets? ------------------ I should be tired, and all I am is WIRED! Ain't felt this good for an hour...

03-30-2001, 08:49 PM	#23
Bobby Senior TEAM Member Join Date: Nov 2000 Posts: 2,610	Re: Surge/Hesitation fixed yet? Just an option...if someone else wants to try this and report back. Disconnect vacuum line from the top of the EGR valve, be sure to plug the vacuum line, then ignore the check engine light. I'm betting this cures most of your problems. ------------------ 01 Yellow ZX3

04-25-2001, 01:45 PM	#24
jojoreed Newbie Join Date: Mar 2001 Posts: 4	Re: Surge/Hesitation fixed yet? I got a call from my dealer yesterday....a fix for this problem should be happening in about 2 weeks! I had made a complaint to Ford in writing and got a few phone calls to let me know they are working on it. Now it seems they will be working with the dealers to solve this. As soon as I hear, I will post the TSB # for you all to give to your dealers. Oh, this will take care of the problem for both manual and automatic transmissions. I have been in the minority with my automatic as most of the surge/stumble complaints have been from owners of manul transmissions.

04-25-2001, 02:43 PM	#25
blurr TEAM Member Join Date: Sep 2000 Location: Austin, Tx Posts: 853	Re: Surge/Hesitation fixed yet? jojoreed- Dude be sure to keep us posted, yet another ray of hope. Thanks

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