I have a 2000 xlt 5.4 and I am noticing that now we are in the cold season that my truck shakes from the initial start. Not only that it does that but it dies down like it is choking and going to give out. Then, it kicks up and starts running again. I also tried before to press the gas to go and then the truck took awhile to register that I has pressed the gas. A few seconds later the gas kicked in and it had a quick jump. I also noticed while I am on the road, still minutes from the initial start, I am having to keep pressing the gas pedal along with the break to keep the truck from giving out. I say after like 10-20 minted of driving and the truck is warm the issue is gone.
I have changed the fuel filter, spark plugs, boots on the coils, had an engine wash, and fuel injectors cleaned with Lucas products.
I do noticed that the 4th and 8th spark plugs have an oil leak from the head gasket which I am going to do very soon before I swap the plugs out again and change the coils. Any thought on what else could potentially be the problem?

 

The cold season is normally when dirty/failing Idle Air Controllers start to show their ugly side. Being a 2000, I would start with cleaning of the IAC and verifying smooth operation of the IAC.

 

I apreciate your response. I will definitely check out the IAC. What would you suggest if that is operating properly?

 

juan_13...

After checking the operation of your IAC and there's no change, I would see if there are any codes logged. You don't have to have the CEL set to log codes in the CPU.