I installed a K&N filter into my truck this weekend, 2004 4.0L 4x4 5 speed. I have had this happen 5 or so times now i'm not sure if it is because of the filter or just somthing going wrong. Ive noticed while in 4th or 5th gear going at a constant speed at or around 2000 rpm. cruise control set or not set either one, it acts like the engine shuts off for a split second then regains everything back to normal operating condition, throws no codes or anything. Its like it stalls or something, but it jerks hard guessing just the transmission catching back up with the engine? Any help here would be awesome, Thanks! Levi

 

Sounds like the engine is just coughing a bit under load. Mine coughs under heavy load in 4 and 5 gear at around 2000 RPM. Are you driving on hills, trying to accelerate...etc?

It could be related to the filter. I don't know much about K&N' and how they affect performance.

 

This is driving on a flat highway nothing extra on the truck as far as weight.

 

You might want to clean your MAF. Some oil from the filter may have gotten on the element, sending wrong info to computer.
I did have this same problem, which turned out to be a cracked spark plug, but try the MAF first. Also, something else easy to try, would be your fuel filter.

 

Mine was doing something similar, turns out it was electrical like mentioned in the post above. My Ignition Coil was shorting out, but the truck only jerked when it was in overdrive.

 

Mine is doing the same thing now and its driving me crazy. Just replaced all of the plugs and wires also cleaned the MAF sensor and new fuel filter. New k&n air filter also! It didn't fix anything. The only code I am getting is p1443 which I dont think would have anything to do with an engine miss? Correct me if I am wrong!

 

My '03 would have that "jerk" occassionaly while cruising on the highway in OD when I first got it last summer with 57K on the clock. Not sure which one of these fixed it, but it doesn't do it anymore. In fact I forgot about it until I read this post..I've changed..

Fuel FIlter, plugs, wires, cleaned MAF, TB, PCV valve, etc (all motorcraft parts). I did notice that it would have a barely noticeable stumble sometimes at idle before I swapped out the plug wires. They looked to be in great shape but after 8 years I'm sure they needed replaced. Everything seems tip top now. I found that O'Reilly autoparts down the street sells actual Motorcraft parts now so that makes it easier to find on a weekend if the the dealer is closed.

Now has almost 61K miles.

 

mine was doing this as well. it was way worse before i did plugs and wires.

remember guys, just because you replaced the plugs doesnt mean you didnt crack on putting them in, and caused the same problem again.

pull the boot off the plugs and give the porcelain a wiggle. you might be surprised.

also, fuel filter would be a god idea. it hasnt happened to me in a while.