Accelerator Jittery at low speeds

[Scapino]

I was searching the threads but don't see anyone talking about this. My '21 BS Outer Banks is 'jittery' when traveling on flat & level road at slower speeds (35 mph or less, maybe 40 mph or less).

By jittery, I mean that I hold the gas pedal constant but the vehicle feels like it is pulsing - like the computer is rapidly accelerating and decelerating several times a second. Best way I can describe it is it's like it's 'hunting' for the proper set point - like many micro adjustments to the accelerator.

The problem is not as noticeable when under power (when say going up a hill at slow speeds). And interestingly, I don't notice it at all when using the cruise control at the same low speeds.

Its pretty much always done this since I bought it - but it seems to be getting worse in that I notice it more often. It's nothing that I'd want to spend huge dollars to resolve. But if there was an easy update or something I'd look into it.

Note that it has been back to Ford for some unrelated warranty work where they had to update the software. But no affect on this issue (what I'm trying to say is that I believe I have all the latest software updates - at lease as of June 2023).

Any thoughts?

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[jofer]

I haven't had that specific issue, but the throttle response and shift points can be a little weird in normal mode sometimes because it tries to learn response based on driving style/etc.

One quick check to see if that is the issue is to put in into eco mode or sport mode and see if the same thing is happening.

If it's not happening in those modes, then you might consider asking the dealer to reset the PCM (Powertrain control module). I think you can also do it yourself by unplugging the battery for a long enough time (an hour ish?). (Apparently disconnecting the battery will not clear this. You need Forscan or similar. E.g. see )

That may or may not actually solve any problems, but it's easy enough to check.

 

[MJbronco]

I've had this issue as well and like jofer stated above, it is only in normal mode. I drive a lot in sport mode and never experience it then.

 

[Scapino]

So I believe the jittery issue is related to the Mode as you both noted above. The Bronco starts up in Eco mode I think - IDK as I never really paid attention to it. But, when switching to both Normal and/or Sport modes I don't notice the jittery (less in Normal and almost nonexistent in Sport).

But it raises a new question - is it possible to change the default GOAT mode?

 

[Rogerthat898]

It will be in Normal when you start it. The first movement in the dial will just get the GOAT mode options to display on the dash. The second movement will select a different GOAT mode.

As far as I know there is no way to change the default GOAT mode.

 

[KidWiff]

I have had this happen a couple of times and always at lower speeds in "normal" mode. it feels like the transmission is hunting around for the right gear. I will add that it has always happened right after start-up before things get warm. So.... i dunno. i'll keep an eye on it but otherwise, my BS in Heritage trim has been great for the first couple thousand miles i've had it.

 

[Rogerthat898]

I have had this happen a couple of times and always at lower speeds in "normal" mode. it feels like the transmission is hunting around for the right gear. I will add that it has always happened right after start-up before things get warm. So.... i dunno. i'll keep an eye on it but otherwise, my BS in Heritage trim has been great for the first couple thousand miles i've had it.

I would suggest making sure your tire pressure is good. I have noticed the BS rolls down the road a lot smoother at lower speeds when the tire pressure is at the suggested 33PSI or 1-2 PSI over.

 

[KidWiff]

I would suggest making sure your tire pressure is good. I have noticed the BS rolls down the road a lot smoother at lower speeds when the tire pressure is at the suggested 33PSI or 1-2 PSI over.

yep... right at 33/34 psi. thanks for checking.

 

[MoFoCo]

I've noticed this too, feels like a manual transmission 4x4 with some backlash in the drivetrain. Maybe something to do with the way the torque converter behaves at low speed. It drives much smoother in eco mode.

 

[PonyDriver43]

I was searching the threads but don't see anyone talking about this. My '21 BS Outer Banks is 'jittery' when traveling on flat & level road at slower speeds (35 mph or less, maybe 40 mph or less).

By jittery, I mean that I hold the gas pedal constant but the vehicle feels like it is pulsing - like the computer is rapidly accelerating and decelerating several times a second. Best way I can describe it is it's like it's 'hunting' for the proper set point - like many micro adjustments to the accelerator.

The problem is not as noticeable when under power (when say going up a hill at slow speeds). And interestingly, I don't notice it at all when using the cruise control at the same low speeds.

Its pretty much always done this since I bought it - but it seems to be getting worse in that I notice it more often. It's nothing that I'd want to spend huge dollars to resolve. But if there was an easy update or something I'd look into it.

Note that it has been back to Ford for some unrelated warranty work where they had to update the software. But no affect on this issue (what I'm trying to say is that I believe I have all the latest software updates - at lease as of June 2023).

Any thoughts?

My 22 OB felt the same way. I thought it was when the "cyl mgmt" kicked in and determined it did not need all 3 cylinders and dropped back to two, thus the "vibration". Always at low speed and engine load. Drove me absolutely nuts in large parking lots or stop/go traffic. Putting in Sport mode instantly stopped it as engine went back to all 3 cylinders, however it made throttle response a tad touchy in stop/go traffic.
This and the crazy fuel leak recall was enough (+ my wife didn't like it) was enough to trade it off for another Mustang.
Another solution is to "upgrade" to a Badlands 4 cyl.

 

[BravoAlpha]

Perhaps your foot is jittery

 

[Scapino]

"My 22 OB felt the same way. I thought it was when the "cyl mgmt" kicked in and determined it did not need all 3 cylinders and dropped back to two, thus the "vibration". Always at low speed and engine load. Drove me absolutely nuts in large parking lots or stop/go traffic. Putting in Sport mode instantly stopped it as engine went back to all 3 cylinders, however it made throttle response a tad touchy in stop/go traffic. "

I never considered the Cylinder Management could be causing this. But that actually makes more sense (especially considering your comment about Sport Mode).

 

[Inlandgirl]

I was searching the threads but don't see anyone talking about this. My '21 BS Outer Banks is 'jittery' when traveling on flat & level road at slower speeds (35 mph or less, maybe 40 mph or less).

By jittery, I mean that I hold the gas pedal constant but the vehicle feels like it is pulsing - like the computer is rapidly accelerating and decelerating several times a second. Best way I can describe it is it's like it's 'hunting' for the proper set point - like many micro adjustments to the accelerator.

The problem is not as noticeable when under power (when say going up a hill at slow speeds). And interestingly, I don't notice it at all when using the cruise control at the same low speeds.

Its pretty much always done this since I bought it - but it seems to be getting worse in that I notice it more often. It's nothing that I'd want to spend huge dollars to resolve. But if there was an easy update or something I'd look into it.

Note that it has been back to Ford for some unrelated warranty work where they had to update the software. But no affect on this issue (what I'm trying to say is that I believe I have all the latest software updates - at lease as of June 2023).

Any thoughts?

I have a 21 BB and I know mine does this in normal mode at exactly 10 mph (every parking lot I go through)every time. It almost feels like when you have water in your gas or something. I just figured it was one of the things bronco does, as I’ve never had a three cylinder thought maybe it was something to do with that as well….

 

[KRPTX]

Our ‘23 OB is very smooth at slow speed such as when entering the garage. It’s one thing I like about the car.

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