surging

[Tom Mayhew]

Hi folks, first time to post. Driving my 03 Excursion yesterday and it was surging as I was driving. Wasn't pulling anything, just driving on flat ground. Tried cruise control and it did the same thing. Any suggestions?

[SteveBricks]

Hi Tom, and welcome to SoCaps.

How many miles on your Ex? Have you changed oil/fuel filters recently? Does it surge while idling also?

Sorry to bomb you with questions when you've come looking for answers, but any additional info you can give would help :)

[eboteilho]

May not be the exact same problem, but I had a surging/rough idle problem on my 03 F-250. I replaced both fuel filters and poured in a fuel additive that adds lubricity to the fuel. That took care of the problem within about 15 or 20 miles. ;)

[Tom Mayhew]

Hi Steve, my excursion has 80,000 miles on it and I did just change the oil and upper fuel filter, but then towed my 28 foot toyhauler to Gorman for thanksgiving and everything was fine. No, at the moment it does not have a rough idle.

[SteveBricks]

You didn't do the lower fuel filter too? Shame on you :D

ICP sensor is a common failure on early 6.0's that can cause a surge, but it's not the only thing that can do it. Do you have a way to pull any trouble codes?

[Tom Mayhew]

I did the lower fuel filter 10,000 miles ago. I can check check engine lights, but there are none showing at this time.

[SteveBricks]

Absence of a CEL doesn't necessarily mean there are no trouble codes stored. Some codes won't always set a light. Might not be a bad idea to get it hooked up and checked.

[a2elvis]

Sounds like ICP sensor to me... Pull the connector and see if the sensor is leaking oil. If so that is most likely your problem

[Tom Mayhew]

How do I pull the connector? I understand it is behind the turbo and is very difficult to get to without taking the turbo off. Haven't looked yet.

[SteveBricks]

This should help: 03/ Early 04 ICP Swap - Ford Truck Enthusiasts Forums

[Tom Mayhew]

thanks, Drove today after sitting for a week. Cleaned the air filter and it seemed to run fine. Is it normal to run good and then bad and then get worse over time?