Ford F150 Sputtering When Accelerating: Easy DIY Guide In 2023

Are you also among the Ford drivers dealing with the Ford F150 sputtering when accelerating? Are you feeling a little clueless about what could be the possible reason behind this problem?

Let’s go through the background of the Ford F-150 engine before going to the root problem.

The F-150 Ecoboost engine is the most productive and impressive of the Ford models. It’s a premium-grade body with refined design and technology.

It would not be an exaggeration to say; the F-150 Ecoboost is among the toughest, tortured tested high-strength steel frame engines.

It contains a pro-power-generating engine and offers best-in-class towing and payload capacity.

Furthermore, the enhanced interior and latest technology make it among the World’s top seller vehicles.

Although it offers desirable features and specs, it’s not flawless and faces issues like any other engine.

This article helps you understand the possible causes and solutions to the Ford F150 Sputtering When Accelerating .

What is Engine Sputtering?

An engine is significant to a car the same as the heart is to a body. Whether you are a new Ford driver or you have been for a while, it’s scary every time your car engine sputters.

Does your car engine make explosive sounds when you step on the gas? If yes, it means your car is crying for help.

Now comes the question, why does your car engine sputter? There can be two possible cases.

• Possibly, you are about to run or already out of gas.
• However, if you have enough fuel, it could be an alarming situation.

Well, in the second case, your engine needs immediate attention. It may have a faulty exhaust system or any worn-out spare parts.

Let’s scroll down and learn why your car engine sputters during acceleration.

Causes of the Ford F-150 Sputtering During Acceleration

Are you having trouble with the engine performance? Are you scared about the engine sputtering every time you step on the gas?

What could be the possible causes of the Ford F-150 Ecoboost sputtering when accelerating the car? Let’s take a look and learn what you need to know!

Exhaust System Leakage

One of the most common causes of engine sputtering is exhaust system leakage issues. Now you may wonder how the exhaust system works.

An exhaust system collects gasses from the exhaust manifold from where they travel through the front pipes towards the catalytic converter.

Hence, the catalytic converter converts the poisonous gases into eco-friendly ones that enter the muffler. Finally, the tailpipe releases exhaust fumes.

However, the problem occurs when the exhaust manifold gets leaked. You may experience car rattling and sputtering.

Furthermore, the gases may escape into the cabin; that’s a potentially dangerous driving condition.

Faulty Fuel System

The other common cause of engine sputtering issues is a faulty fuel system. Let’s read about the working mechanism of the fuel system before getting to the root problem.

An engine fuel system contains a pump, a filter, and, injectors that work altogether to keep the system updated.

The fuel filters pass the fuel toward the injectors, which in turn contain a fuel pump. The fuel pump works to ensure pumping the fuel into the engine evenly.

Practically, when your fuel pump gets faulty, the engine receives no fuel and, your car stops working.

You can also experience fuel system clogging as a result of dirt and debris over time.

In this case, the sputtering-to-acceleration ratio increases, and the engine gets worn out before time.

If you neglect the alarming signals, you may have to pay expensive repair damages.

Spark Plug Issues

Does your vehicle often sputter and stall? Don’t you think a worn-out spark plug could be the reason behind your Ford F-150 sputtering when accelerating?

Despite the small size of spark plugs, it’s a crucial part of any engine.

As its name suggests, it literally ‘sparks’ air and fuel mixture within the engine of your vehicle. Moreover, it delivers the power to ensure engine efficacy.

However, the issue transpires when the spark plugs get worn out or dirty. The result is ignition issues that may lead to vehicle sputters or misfires.

It’s serious, therefore, rely on a professional mechanic to diagnose and repair your spark plugs before the problem gets out of hand.

Vacuum Leakage Problems

Although it’s not a common occurrence, you can face vacuum leakage problems. Let’s discuss the engine vacuum before going forward.

Engine vacuum is an internal combustion engine that creates suction inside it to draw air and is essential for its efficient performance.

Now comes the question of how does it cause sputtering issues? You guessed it right!

The engine vacuum may get leaked around the intake manifold that disturbs its working rhythm, and hence, your car engine starts sputtering. Moreover, it may stall when you give acceleration.

However, if you want to detect this problem, use the EVAP smoke machine.

Dirty Mass Airflow Sensor

You may be thinking of how can a dirty mass airflow sensor be responsible for engine sputtering.

Let’s discuss the airflow sensor before we answer your question in this article.

A mass airflow sensor works to maintain the weight and temperature of the air getting inside the engine that ensures the proper air supply to the combustion chambers.

However, it requires the right amount of air and fuel and, an airflow sensor monitors these components.

The problem happens when the sensor gets saturated with dirt and stops relaying the engine control unit’s information.

As a result, the cylinder receives either too much or too little fuel eventually, makes the engine susceptible to sputtering.

Faulty Catalytic Converter

A faulty catalytic converter could also be to blame for the Ford F-150 Ecoboost sputtering when accelerating.

Don’t bother thinking! Just go through the article to explore this issue.

A catalytic converter works to reduce the amount of pollution coming out of your vehicle by converting poisonous gases into less harmful compounds.

However, the catalytic converter may clog over time and starts increasing backpressure on your engine, eventually leading to sputtering.

Now comes the question of how to determine this issue. Let’s make this easier for you- you will notice a strong smell of rotten eggs when the catalytic converter gets defective.

Defective Oxygen Sensors

Do you know that faulty oxygen sensors lead to engine sputtering? Let’s discuss the oxygen sensor’s function before we move forward.

Oxygen sensors monitor the regulation of fuel in the combustion chamber by connecting to the onboard computer.

When the sensor gets dirty, it fails to relay the correct information to the onboard computer screen of your car and never passes the recommended amount of oil and hence, puts either too much or too little fuel.

Resultantly, it strains the engine working performance and stalls every time you give acceleration your car.

Worn-out Head Gaskets

Worn-out head gaskets can also be the cause of engine rattles and sputters.

Head gaskets work to prevent oil leakage in the cylinders and seal the combustion gases within them.

In case; it fails to perform its function, the engine starts overheating and exhausting.

Furthermore, the engine performs poorly and consumes more fuel. Of course, you can drive with blown head gaskets.

However, if you neglect the issue at hand and drive the car, it often leads to trouble over time.

You experience car sputtering at times. Eventually, the engine stops working and, the car stops in its tracks.

Now you may be wondering how to detect this issue. It’s easy; the engine overheats, the tailpipe releases grey smoke and, the car starts with a rough idle.

Ford F-150 Sputtering When Accelerating | Solution

Does your engine sputters at high speeds and loses power abruptly?

Are you after the solutions for Ford F-150 Ecoboost sputtering during acceleration? Don’t sweat it up and read the article to find your answers.

Clean Fuel Filters

Clogged fuel filters decrease fuel efficacy and engine performance.

An engine requires maintenance at times to upgrade its lifetime. A lot of car owners are not interested in car maintenance.

However, some owners don’t even know how to maintain it.

A fuel filter ensures engine efficiency by blocking dust particles.

However, when we fail to clean the fuel filters regularly, it starts clogging and sputtering.

If you want to prevent this problem, clean fuel filters frequently.

Replace Catalytic Converter

Faulty catalytic converters can shut down your system so, either fix it or replace it if you want to avoid the leading problems.

If you fail to maintain it, the engine becomes rough over time and stops working eventually.

A catalytic converter is costly as it consists of platinum, palladium, and rhodium.

Go for the repairing option if possible as it prevents you from spending the extra charges. However, if it’s inevitable, replace the catalytic converter as soon as possible.

Check Spark Plugs

Do you check your spark plugs regularly? If not, then you could fall prey to engine sputtering issues.

Now that you know that spark plugs are a vital part of an engine, without them, it may not start at all.

You can avoid this problem by checking if the spark plugs are working or if they need replacing.

You may think about how to detect if the spark plugs need replacing.

It’s easy; your car takes more time to start, the engine often misfires and, the fuel economy keeps falling.

Did you get it now? Either repair or replace the spark plugs to increase engine efficacy.

Change Oxygen Sensors

Do you know how to diagnose a defective oxygen sensor? It’s simple; your check-engine light keeps glaring toward you when you have a faulty sensor.

Although you can repair the oxygen sensor, your best bet is to replace it. Are you wondering why go with the costly option?

To answer your question, the sensor itself is a technical and complicated design.

You may need an expert mechanic to solve your issue. However, he can also offer no guarantee.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How much does it cost to replace an oxygen sensor in F-150 models?

An oxygen sensor costs an average of $240-250 in F-150 models. However, the exact figure depends on the generation and number of the Ford F-150.

Why is my Ford F-150 sputtering on speeding?

There can be many possible reasons behind your engine sputtering. However, check the fuel amount first before you go for other options.

For example, a faulty mass airflow sensor, catalytic converter, fuel filter, or leaking exhaust manifold can be the root cause.

Why does my Ford F-150 engine heat up quickly?

Low coolant in the engine may be responsible for this problem. Furthermore, a defective head gasket and clogged thermostat may add to it.

Which is the best Ford Ecoboost model for me?

No doubt, the Ford F-150 models are among the top-selling trucks for their power, performance, and reliability.

However, you should try 5L Coyote V8 to get an impressive 385 horsepower. You should also try 6.7L Turbodiesel V8.

Why does my Ford vehicle smell like rotten eggs on acceleration?

As we said before, your engine catalytic converter may be having serious trouble. To prevent further damage, replace the catalytic converter as soon as possible.

How can I increase my Ford F-150 fuel mileage?

You should change the oil frequently and maintain engine health. Furthermore, you should drive below 70mph speeds and keep the tire inflated correctly.

Driving; above 70mph can increase fuel consumption by up to 40% and decrease engine efficiency.

Conclusion

Did you manage to fix your Ford F-150 sputtering when accelerating? Or do you still find yourself having a hard time dealing with engine sputtering issues?

Because the solutions we covered in this article; should help you get over the problem and increase your Ford engine efficiency.

We agree that the Ford F-150 is far from perfect; however, when we say the Ford-150 models are worth a try, there is no mockery.

So, don’t worry, and feel free to share your experience with us.