Forum Discussion

hdbroker's avatar
hdbroker
Explorer
Aug 21, 2020

V10 4R100 lost power on a mountain

So I am cruising up the Blue Ridge Mountains pulling my 33 ft TT doing 65 mph, Suddenly the engine bogs down and I have no power. It felt like the torque converter locked in 1 to 1. The transmission would not down shift. I let off the accelerator and then tried to accelerate again and still no power. It has happened three times, twice on hills and once on flat.

I have lost a coil pack before and when that happens the engine runs really rough. It didn't feel like that. It feels like the engine just doesn't enough power and the transmission should be down shifting but is in overdrive. When towing I am in tow haul mode overdrive off.

I pulled over to the side of the road and eventually I put it back in Drive and pulled out and everything was normal.

This vehicle is in great shape but I do not know the history of the power-train. I am considering dropping a new crate engine and transmission in it just for piece of mind. I bought it with 160,000 because it was so clean and in such great shape. I only use the vehicle for towing the TT, it is not my daily driver.

Any thoughts or opinions? Thanks for any help.
Tow Vehicles
  • ppine's avatar
    ppine
    Explorer II
    Aug 21, 2020
    Check the codes and have someone smart look at it before you go out and spend a lot of money. Your trans may be getting towards the end of its life.
  • carringb's avatar
    carringb
    Explorer
    Aug 21, 2020
    What year? Based on your symptoms, you must have a 2005 or newer?

    Sounds suspiciously like a faulty electronic throttle body / MAF assembly.

    You most certainly should get it properly diagnosed. A new engine and transmission wont' fix this problem if its the throttle body assembly. And will easily cost many thousands, vs a couple hundred for a new TB.

    Are you sure you have a 4R100? Because that trans doesn't have Tow/Haul mode.
  • carringb's avatar
    carringb
    Explorer
    Aug 21, 2020
    If it is a 4R100, the TPS is the likely culprit, as it does control shift points and fuel map compensation.
  • pianotuna's avatar
    pianotuna
    Nomad III
    Aug 21, 2020
    At 160,000 miles the engine is not even 1/3 the way through its service life.
  • dodge_guy's avatar
    dodge_guy
    Explorer II
    Aug 21, 2020
    I'm going with a fuel pump failing. Your losing fuel pressure. When that happens you can get the symptoms you describe!
  • zigzagrv's avatar
    zigzagrv
    Explorer
    Aug 21, 2020
    Sounds like the engine control put it into 'limp' mode because of a major problem like the MAF sensor. Simple things first: check the air filter. Had a similar problem on my '03 motorhome. When it goes into limp mode, it will not let you accelerate hard and feels like the trans is going bad when you do. My problem was a water saturated air filter.
  • Groover's avatar
    Groover
    Explorer II
    Aug 21, 2020
    dodge guy wrote:
    I'm going with a fuel pump failing. Your losing fuel pressure. When that happens you can get the symptoms you describe!


    That or trash blocking the fuel intake. When you shut down the trash may float away, restoring flow and power. But, it will be back!
  • parker_rowe's avatar
    parker_rowe
    Explorer
    Aug 21, 2020
    It could be a lot of things, unfortunately.

    Any check engine lights? I would hook up a scan tool and see if you have any stored codes.

    It could be that the transmission got too hot as well. Most of the time that will force a more aggressive converter lockup, and depending on the truck could reduce power.
    That might explain why waiting a bit on the side of the road made it go back to normal.

    Without a scan tool you will really just be guessing (like we are) and throwing parts at it. Engine and Trans may be fine.
  • Thunderbolt's avatar
    Thunderbolt
    Explorer
    Aug 21, 2020
    My 03 Chevy did the same thing and it turned out to be the Throttle Position Sensor.
  • ppine's avatar
    ppine
    Explorer II
    Aug 21, 2020
    pianotuna wrote:
    At 160,000 miles the engine is not even 1/3 the way through its service life.

    Gas engines are not good for 500,000 miles.
    Most them are good for 200,00 if they get serviced regularly, especially with a lot of towing.

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