Having a hard time accelerating your F150’s while driving? Well, it’s damn suffocating. There are tons of reasons for the Ford F150 no power when accelerating.
Your F150 may have a low fuel or oil level, dirty air filter, damaged spark plug, or even a gone rogue head gasket. Sometimes, it’s the piston rings, which need immediate replacement. You should also check for a bad water pump, fuel injector, or the truck sensors.
In most cases, your accelerating problem will be fixed in mere minutes. However, if nothing works for you, or you have a hard time finding the problem, get some professional help.
Ford F150 No Power When Accelerating: Solution & replacement cost
Troubleshooting the no power while accelerating is no easy task. Here are some hits you will face for it:
| Common Problems | Possible solution |
|---|---|
| Low Fuel And Oil Level | Refill the fuel and level the engine oil level |
| Dirty Air Filter And Low Air Flow | Clean the air filter |
| Clogged Catalytic Converter | Clean the dirt and debris |
| Bad MAF, Oxygen, Or The Throttle Position Sensor | Fix the wiring or replace the sensors |
| Bad Spark Plug, Spark Plug Wire, Or Ignition Coil | Replace them all |
| Clutch Faults | Fix any broken clutch parts |
| Faulty Exhaust System | Get a mechanic |
#1- Low fuel and oil level
This is the most common problem of them all. You either have low fuel or the engine oil level. Anyhow, the low fuel will cause the engine to misfire, while the low engine oil level will cause the engine to seize up. Both of these scenarios will lead to a loss of power when accelerating.
Here are the steps you can follow to fix this:
- Step 1: Check the fuel level. In most cases, the tank is empty without you even knowing it.
- Step 2: Now, open the hood and check the oil level.
- Step 3: Supposing it’s low, add more to level it up.
- Step 4: Try restarting the engine after each of these steps to see if the no power problem still exists.
- Step 5: If the problem still exists, you will need a different solution.
The fuel price depends on where you live. However, you won’t need more than $4 for a gallon of fuel. Engine oil on the other hand costs around $50 for the high end one.
Dirty air filter and low air flow
A dirty air filter can restrict the airflow to the engine, causing it to lose power while accelerating. You should also experience overheating, furnace malfunction, and the air conditioner not working.
Go through the steps to fix the it:
- Step 1: Park the truck somewhere safe and with a proper light source.
- Step 2: Open the hood and locate the air filter box and remove the lid.
- Step 3: Take out the old air filter and clean it up.
- Step 4: You will need to replace the old one if the dirt buildup is too much.
- Step 5: Seal any leaks to the air flow system, as it can cause low air flow to the MAF sensor.
Cleaning a dirty air filter won’t be that hard. Air filter replacement is about $20 to $100 max.
#3- Catalytic Converter
Sometimes a clogged catalytic converter can restrict the air flow to exhaust. You should notice a sulfur-like smell from the engine, loud rattling noise, and overheating.
To fix a catalytic converter you will need to take the F150 to a mechanic. A DIY solution is too risky as there can be harmful substances inside.
A mechanic will charge you about $200 for a complete catalytic converter fix.
#4- Bad MAF, Oxygen, or the throttle position sensor
The next thing is to check the MAF, Oxygen, and throttle position sensor. If they are dirty or the wires connecting them malfunction, you can experience overheating and loss of accelerating power. Rough idle, misfire, sudden engine stop, rough running, and engine light turning on are a few symptoms of a sensor gone bad.
Follow the steps below to resolve any sensor issues:
- Step 1: First, hook an OBD diagnostic device to your F150 and select automatic diagnosis.
- Step 2: If any sensor like the MAF sensor, Oxygen sensor, or throttle position sensor is bad, your computer will notify you in red.
- Step 3: Sometimes, it is the wiring problem. You will need to rewire them.
- Step 4: When nothing works, get a sensor change.
A sensor replacement will turn out about $300 to $400 depending on which one you need. If you want a mechanic to diagnose the problem, then he will do it for $50.
#5- Bad Spark Plug, Spark Plug Wire, Or Ignition Coil
Other than just low speed while accelerating, a bad spark plug, its wirings, or a burned ignition coil will make your engine overheat, lose power, and also misfire.
Now, let’s see how you can replace these parts:
- Step 1: Disconnect the negative battery cable and remove the spark plug wire from the spark plug by gently pulling it off.
- Step 2: If it’s stuck, you can use a pair of pliers to loosen it up before removing it completely.
- Step 3: Use a ratchet and socket to remove the old spark plug from the engine block. Inspect the spark plug, wiring, and ignition coil to see if it needs to be replaced.
- Step 4: Insert the new part as needed into the engine block and hand-tighten it.
- Step 5: Reconnect everything bad and you are done.
If the problem persists, you may need to consult a mechanic as soon as possible. He will charge you $400-$500 maximum for the parts and labor.
#6- Clutch part faults
The clutch is what transfers the power from the engine to the wheel. A faulty part in the clutch can cause a loss of power when accelerating. You will feel the clutch is slipping and the engine will rev up, but the truck won’t move fast. Gear slipping, screeching noise, burning smell, etc. can be noticed as well.
Here’s how you can fix a faulty clutch:
- Step 1: Start by checking the fluid level in the clutch reservoir. For a low fluid level, add more fluid until it reaches the full line.
- Step 2: Next, check the condition of the clutch pedal return spring. If it is broken or damaged, replace it with a new one.
- Step 3: In the end, inspect the pressure plate and release the bearing for wear and damage. You need to replace any worn out parts.
Clutches are the priciest of them all. You need to spend more than $500 for a complete replacement.
#3- A Faulty Exhaust System
If you haven’t found any solution yet, it’s time to check the exhaust system as a whole. A leak or a hole in the exhaust pipe or joints can cause you to lose power as well as fuel efficiency. You won’t move fast or accelerate.
To fix any issues with the exhaust system follow these steps below:
- Step 1: Open the hood of your truck and locate the muffler in the exhaust system.
- Step 2: Using a wrench, loosen the bolts that secure the muffler to the exhaust pipe.
- Step 3: Remove the muffler from the exhaust pipe and set it aside.
- Step 4: Clean the catalytic converter lines.
- Step 5: Inspect the exhaust pipe for any damage. If there are any holes or cracks, use a patch kit to repair them.
- Step 6: Reattach the muffler to the exhaust pipe and tighten the bolts.
- Step 7: Start the engine and listen for any strange noises. If everything sounds normal, you’re done.
Doing it DIY is the cheapest of them all. Then again, your mechanic will charge you $400-$550 for a complete exhaust system fix.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What Causes My Ford F150 To Not Accelerate?
The cause for your Ford F150 not accelerating may be a low fuel tank or a leaking air flow. Sometimes, a broken MAF sensor, Oxygen sensor, throttle body sensor, or a misplaced throttle body sensor. Faulty sensor wirings can also make the truck not accelerate.
Other than this, a bad fuel pump, injectors, faulty exhaust system, low coolant level, broken clutch, bad spark plug, or ignition can also be a reason.
Why Ford F150 Won’t Accelerate While Doing Uphills?
Your Ford F150 won’t accelerate while doing uphills may be due to incorrect gears, low power output, a faulty fuel system, or a bad airflow system.
How Much Does It Cost To Fix A Ford F150 No Power Problem?
The cost of fixing a Ford F150 no power problem depends on the problem itself. If you have a faulty sensor, then it will cost you anywhere from $50-$100. Then again, other parts like the engine transmission, spark plug, ignition, etc. will cost you about 500 bucks including the mechanic cost.
Ford F150 Truck Looses Power & Hard To Start – Check Engine Light On – Diagnose and Repair >> Check out the video below:
End Note
Hope now your Ford F150 No Power When Accelerating is all fixed up. If you still face problems, only a mechanic can help you out here. However, about 90% of you should get a DIY fix, no worries.
Well, in most cases it’s a faulty spark plug, bad fuel system, ignition, or the engine itself. Anyhow, try using an OBD diagnostic module to get a real-time diagnosis of the problem.
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