Forum Discussion

jim_harvey's avatar
jim_harvey
Explorer
Aug 11, 2014

New engine behavior rhythmic ocsillation while accelerating

The engine of my 2014 Fleetwood Southwind 32 VS, 33' 6" with a Ford gas engine started to exhibit a rhythmic oscillation while accelerating through the gears. The "oscillating revs" stop as soon as the transmission shifts to the next higher gear, and seems to run normal until the rpms increase before the transmission shifts up again.

This did not occur in the first 2,000 miles of driving on the east coast. It started this morning after a 4 day stay at Estes Park, CO.

Everything seems fine, the transmission gauge reads normal, and I'm not sensing any slippage of the tranny like you might if the fluid was low.

I can manage the oscillation somewhat by leaving pressure off the accelerator as the rpms increase which causes the tranny to shift thereby eliminating the oscillating revs.

Does this make any sense?

Thanks,

Jim
Class A
  • topflite51's avatar
    topflite51
    Explorer
    Aug 12, 2014
    jim harvey wrote:
    I called Fleetwood and their Tech Help said what I'm seeing is due to the engine computer not being programmed for making the fuel rich enough due to the higher altitude, and so it's running a little on the lean. He said I can call a Ford dealer, give the VIV# to see if there is a service update to "reflash" the computer.
    If there is not a service update, you might want to contact 5 Star Tune in South Carolina, have heard good things about them and their reprogramming updates.
  • jim_harvey's avatar
    jim_harvey
    Explorer
    Aug 12, 2014
    I called Fleetwood and their Tech Help said what I'm seeing is due to the engine computer not being programmed for making the fuel rich enough due to the higher altitude, and so it's running a little on the lean. He said I can call a Ford dealer, give the VIV# to see if there is a service update to "reflash" the computer.
  • jim_harvey's avatar
    jim_harvey
    Explorer
    Aug 12, 2014
    Just in case, does anyone know of a dealer in/near Salt Lake City, Utah. We are headed there tomorrow from Saratoga, Wy for a two day stay at Antelope Island.
  • jim_harvey's avatar
    jim_harvey
    Explorer
    Aug 12, 2014
    The owners manual says this vehicle is equipped with an adaptive transmission shift strategy, which offers the optimal transmission operation and shift quality. Maybe it does need to "learn' how to shift in higher altitudes?
  • jim_harvey's avatar
    jim_harvey
    Explorer
    Aug 12, 2014
    I'm wondering if the Tow/Haul button option would help, I've not used this driving on the east coast, but we don't have altitudes like they do here...
  • jim_harvey's avatar
    jim_harvey
    Explorer
    Aug 12, 2014
    It begins to occur approaching around 3,000 rpms in the lower gears, and I usually drive in the high 50's (56-59) sometimes a little faster, but at 59 mph I'm at about 2,000 rpm's and everything is normal. It only occurs at lower gears at the top end of the range of each gear, and letting off the gas will cause the shift into a higher gear with the "oscillating" stopping.
  • bullydogs1's avatar
    bullydogs1
    Explorer
    Aug 12, 2014
    A shot in the dark...high altitude?...the computer might still be adjusting to it...but of course, a dealer and a machine are much better equipped to check for codes.
  • 10forty2's avatar
    10forty2
    Explorer
    Aug 12, 2014
    Sounds like a potential transmission problem. Cold be as simple as re-programming the transmission computer, but you really need to get it to a dealer to have the computer read and see if it has thrown any codes.
  • wildmanbaker's avatar
    wildmanbaker
    Explorer
    Aug 11, 2014
    At what RPM is this occurring? You are not up against the RPM limit are you? There is also a speed limit that will drop cylinders if you exceed 75 mph. The first 2,000 miles, ours had no limit on speed either. 90 mph was very easy to reach, but after 2,000 miles, it would not let you pass 75 for very long. If these are not the problem, a Ford dealer visit is required.

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