Symptom Chart - Engine Performance
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2020 Ford F-150. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
| Symptom | Possible Sources | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Difficult starting | Inoperative or damaged ignition system Air or vacuum leak Inoperative or damaged fuel system Inoperative or damaged starting system Inoperative or damaged VCT oil control solenoid(s) |
Refer to the appropriate article for the procedure. Refer to ENGINE CONTROLS - INTRODUCTION (EXCEPT DIESEL & HYBRID) |
| Damaged charging system/ battery | REFER to: Charging System - 2.7L EcoBoost (238kW/324PS)/3.5L EcoBoost (272kW/370PS) . or REFER to: Charging System - 3.3L Duratec-V6/5.0L 32V Ti-VCT . | |
| Burnt valve | INSTALL a new cylinder head. For Engine - 2.7L EcoBoost REFER to: Cylinder Head LH . For Engine - 2.7L EcoBoost REFER to: Cylinder Head RH . or For Engine - 3.3L Duratec-V6 REFER to: Cylinder Head LH . For Engine - 3.3L Duratec-V6 REFER to: Cylinder Head RH . or For Engine - 3.5L EcoBoost REFER to: Cylinder Head - Body Off - LH . For Engine - 3.5L EcoBoost REFER to: Cylinder Head - Body Off - RH . or For Engine - 5.0L 32V Ti-VCT REFER to: Cylinder Head LH . For Engine - 5.0L 32V Ti-VCT REFER to: Cylinder Head RH . TEST the system for normal operation after the repair. | |
| Worn piston | INSTALL a new piston. TEST the system for normal operation after the repair. | |
| Worn piston rings | INSTALL new piston rings. TEST the system for normal operation after the repair. | |
| Worn cylinder | INSTALL a new cylinder block. TEST the system for normal operation after the repair. | |
| Damaged head gasket | INSTALL a new cylinder head gasket. Engine - 2.7L EcoBoost REFER to: Cylinder Head LH . Engine - 2.7L EcoBoost REFER to: Cylinder Head RH . or Engine - 3.3L Duratec-V6 REFER to: Cylinder Head LH . Engine - 3.3L Duratec-V6 REFER to: Cylinder Head RH . orEngine - 3.5L EcoBoost REFER to: Cylinder Head - Body Off - LH . Engine - 3.5L EcoBoost REFER to: Cylinder Head - Body Off - RH . or Engine - 5.0L 32V Ti-VCT REFER to: Cylinder Head LH . Engine - 5.0L 32V Ti-VCT REFER to: Cylinder Head RH . TEST the system for normal operation after the repair. | |
| Inoperative or damaged cooling system | Refer to the appropriate article for the procedure.For 2.7L REFER to: Engine Cooling . or For 3.3L REFER to: Engine Cooling . or For 2.7L EcoBoost REFER to: Engine Cooling . or For 5.0L 32V Ti-VCT REFER to: Engine Cooling . | |
| Fail-safe cooling invoked (if equipped) | Refer to ENGINE CONTROLS - INTRODUCTION (EXCEPT DIESEL & HYBRID) | |
| Poor idling | Vacuum leaks Inoperative or damaged EGR system Inoperative or damaged VCT oil control solenoid(s) |
Refer to the appropriate service information for the procedure. Refer toENGINE CONTROLS - INTRODUCTION (EXCEPT DIESEL & HYBRID) |
| Inoperative or damaged ignition system | Refer to the appropriate service information | |
| Inoperative or damaged cooling system Inoperative or damaged fuel system |
Refer to the appropriate service information | |
| Fail-safe cooling invoked (if equipped) | Refer to ENGINE CONTROLS - INTRODUCTION (EXCEPT DIESEL & HYBRID) | |
| Incorrect valve clearance | ADJUST valve clearance. Refer to the appropriate article for the procedure. TEST the system for normal operation after the repair. | |
| Incorrect valve-to-valve seat contact | INSTALL a new cylinder head. For 2.7L REFER to: Cylinder Head LH . or REFER to: Cylinder Head RH . For 3.3L REFER to: Cylinder Head LH . or REFER to: Cylinder Head RH . For 3.5L REFER to: Cylinder Head - Body Off - LH . or REFER to: Cylinder Head - Body Off - RH . For 5.0L 32VREFER to: Cylinder Head LH . or REFER to: Cylinder Head RH . TEST the system for normal operation after the repair. | |
| Damaged head gasket | For 2.7L REFER to: Cylinder Head LH . or REFER to: Cylinder Head RH . For 3.3L REFER to: Cylinder Head LH . or REFER to: Cylinder Head RH . For 3.5L REFER to: Cylinder Head - Body Off - LH . or REFER to: Cylinder Head - Body Off - RH . For 5.0L 32VREFER to: Cylinder Head LH . or REFER to: Cylinder Head RH . TEST the system for normal operation after the repair. | |
| Engine runs rough | Inoperative or damaged fuel system Air or vacuum leaks EGR system fault Inoperative or damaged cooling system Inoperative or damaged ignition system Inoperative or damaged VCT oil control solenoid(s) |
Refer to the appropriate service information for the procedure. Refer to ENGINE CONTROLS - INTRODUCTION (EXCEPT DIESEL & HYBRID) |
| Fail-safe cooling invoked (if equipped) | Refer to ENGINE CONTROLS - INTRODUCTION (EXCEPT DIESEL & HYBRID) | |
| Burnt or sticking valve | INSTALL a new valve. TEST the system for normal operation after the repair. | |
| Weak or broken valve spring | INSTALL a new valve spring. TEST the system for normal operation after the repair. | |
| Carbon accumulation in combustion chamber | ELIMINATE carbon buildup. TEST the system for normal operation after the repair. | |
| Excessive oil consumption | Leaking oil | REPAIR oil leakage. TEST the system for normal operation after the repair. |
| Blocked or restricted turbocharger oil drain pipe | INSPECT the turbocharger drain pipe. REPAIR as necessary. TEST the system for normal operation after the repair. | |
| Damaged or collapsed air intake hoses and tubes | Tighten hoses clamps. INSPECT for damage and REPAIR as necessary. TEST the system for normal operation after the repair. | |
| Damaged exhaust or exhaust leaks at turbocharger housing or exhaust manifold. | INSPECT for leaks. Leaks can be detected audibility or visually, by a discoloration caused by escaping hot exhaust gases. REPAIR as necessary. TEST the system for normal operation after the repair. | |
| Turbocharger oil seals leaking | REFER to Turbocharger Internal Oil Leak Test. REFER to: Turbocharger . or REFER to: Turbocharger . TEST the system for normal operation after the repair. | |
| Inoperative PCV system | REPAIR or INSTALL new components as necessary. TEST the system for normal operation after the repair. | |
| Incorrect oil | CHANGE oil to correct specification. TEST the system for normal operation after the repair. | |
| Worn valve stem seal | INSTALL a new valve stem seal. TEST the system for normal operation after the repair. | |
| Worn valve stem or valve guide | For 2.7L REFER to: Cylinder Head LH . or REFER to: Cylinder Head RH . For 3.3L REFER to: Cylinder Head LH . or REFER to: Cylinder Head RH . For 3.5L REFER to: Cylinder Head - Body Off - LH . or REFER to: Cylinder Head - Body Off - RH . For 5.0L 32VREFER to: Cylinder Head LH . or REFER to: Cylinder Head RH . TEST the system for normal operation after the repair. | |
| Sticking piston rings | INSTALL new piston rings. TEST the system for normal operation after the repair. | |
| Worn piston ring groove Missing or damaged oil control ring |
INSTALL a new piston and piston pin. TEST the system for normal operation after the repair. | |
| Worn piston or cylinder | INSTALL a new piston or cylinder block. TEST the system for normal operation after the repair. | |
| Oil in coolant | Leaking head gasket Damaged cylinder block Damaged cylinder head |
INSPECT the engine components. INSTALL new engine components as necessary. Refer to the aappropriate service information. For 2.7L REFER to: Cylinder Head LH . or REFER to: Cylinder Head RH . For 3.3L REFER to: Cylinder Head LH . or REFER to: Cylinder Head RH . For 3.5L REFER to: Cylinder Head - Body Off - LH . or REFER to: Cylinder Head - Body Off - RH . For 5.0L 32VREFER to: Cylinder Head LH . or REFER to: Cylinder Head RH . TEST the system for normal operation after the repair. |
| Leaking oil cooler | INSPECT the oil cooler and seal for damage. INSTALL new components as necessary. For 2.7L REFER to: Oil Cooler . or REFER to: Oil Cooler . , For 3.5L REFER to: Oil Cooler - Raptor . or For 5.0L REFER to: Oil Cooler . | |
| Coolant in oil | Leaking head gasket Damaged cylinder block Damaged cylinder head |
INSPECT the engine components. INSTALL new engine components as necessary. Refer to the appropriate service information. For 2.7L EcoBoost REFER to: Cylinder Head LH . or REFER to: Cylinder Head RH . For 3.3L Duratec-V6 , REFER to: Cylinder Head LH . or REFER to: Cylinder Head RH . For 3.5L, REFER to: Cylinder Head - Body Off - LH . or REFER to: Cylinder Head - Body Off - RH . For 5.0L REFER to: Cylinder Head LH . or REFER to: Cylinder Head RH . TEST the system for normal operation after the repair. |
| Leaking oil cooler | INSPECT the oil cooler and seal for damage. INSTALL new components as necessary. REFER to: For 2.7L REFER to: Oil Cooler . or REFER to: Oil Cooler . , For 3.5L REFER to: Oil Cooler - Raptor . or For 5.0L REFER to: Oil Cooler . | |
| Insufficient power | Inoperative or damaged ignition system Air intake system blockage Lubrication system blockage Inoperative or damaged fuel system Inoperative or damaged TB (throttle body) |
Refer to the appropriate articlefor the procedure. Refer to ENGINE CONTROLS - INTRODUCTION (EXCEPT DIESEL & HYBRID) |
| Turbocharger turbine or compressor wheel damage | INSPECT the turbocharger. REFER to the Check for Free Rotation. REFER to: Turbocharger . or REFER to: Turbocharger . TEST the system for normal operation after the repair. | |
| Damaged exhaust or exhaust leaks at turbocharger housing or exhaust manifold | INSPECT for leaks. Leaks can be detected audibility or visually, by a discoloration caused by escaping hot exhaust gases. REPAIR as necessary. TEST the system for normal operation after the repair. | |
| Malfunctioning turbocharger bypass valve | Refer to ENGINE CONTROLS - INTRODUCTION (EXCEPT DIESEL & HYBRID) | |
| Oil level too high | DRAIN oil to correct level. | |
| Incorrect engine oil | INSTALL correct specification engine oil. TEST the system for normal operation after the repair. | |
| Excessive accessory drive belt loading Inoperative or damaged cooling system |
Refer to the appropriate service information. | |
| Fail-safe cooling invoked (if equipped) | Refer toENGINE CONTROLS - INTRODUCTION (EXCEPT DIESEL & HYBRID) | |
| Damaged or plugged exhaust system | INSPECT exhaust system. TEST the system for normal operation after the repair. | |
| Incorrect tire size | REFER to: Suspension System . | |
| Dragging brakes | REFER to: Brake System . | |
| Slipping transmission | Refer to the appropriate service information. | |
| Slipping clutch | Refer to the appropriate service information | |
| Incorrect valve clearance | ADJUST valve clearance. Refer to the appropriate article for the procedure. TEST the system for normal operation after the repair. | |
| Worn or damaged valve tappet | INSTALL a new valve tappet. TEST the system for normal operation after the repair. | |
| Damaged valve guide Compression leakage at valve seat Seized valve stem |
INSTALL a new cylinder head assembly. For 2.7L EcoBoost REFER to: Cylinder Head LH . or REFER to: Cylinder Head RH . For 3.3L Duratec-V6 , REFER to: Cylinder Head LH . or REFER to: Cylinder Head RH . For 3.5L, REFER to: Cylinder Head - Body Off - LH . or REFER to: Cylinder Head - Body Off - RH . For 5.0L REFER to: Cylinder Head LH . or REFER to: Cylinder Head RH . TEST the system for normal operation after the repair TEST the system for normal operation after the repair. | |
| Weak or broken valve spring | INSTALL a new valve spring. TEST the system for normal operation after the repair. | |
| Worn or damaged cam | INSTALL a new camshaft. 2.7L REFER to: Camshaft LH . or REFER to: Camshaft RH . For 3.3L REFER to: Camshafts . For 5.0L REFER toCamshaft LH . or REFER to: Camshaft RH . TEST the system for normal operation after the repair. | |
| Damaged head gasket | INSTALL a new head gasket. REFER to: Cylinder Head LH . or REFER to: Cylinder Head RH . For 3.3L Duratec-V6 , REFER to: Cylinder Head LH . or REFER to: Cylinder Head RH . For 3.5L, REFER to: Cylinder Head - Body Off - LH . or REFER to: Cylinder Head - Body Off - RH . For 5.0L REFER to: Cylinder Head LH . or REFER to: Cylinder Head RH . TEST the system for normal operation after the repair. | |
| Cracked or distorted cylinder head | INSTALL a new cylinder head assembly. REFER to: Cylinder Head LH . or REFER to: Cylinder Head RH . For 3.3L Duratec-V6 , REFER to: Cylinder Head LH . or REFER to: Cylinder Head RH . For 3.5L, REFER to: Cylinder Head - Body Off - LH . or REFER to: Cylinder Head - Body Off - RH . For 5.0L REFER to: Cylinder Head LH . or REFER to: Cylinder Head RH . TEST the system for normal operation after the repair. | |
| Damaged, worn or sticking piston ring(s) | INSTALL a new piston ring(s). TEST the system for normal operation after the repair. | |
| Worn or damaged piston | INSTALL a new piston and piston pin. TEST the system for normal operation after the repair. | |
| Engine emits excessive black smoke | Clogged Air Cleaner (ACL) element | INSTALL a new ACL element. TEST the system for normal operation after the repair. |
| Malfunctioning fuel injection system | INSPECT the fuel injection system. REFER to: Fuel Charging and Controls . or or REFER to: Fuel Charging and Controls . or REFER to: Fuel Charging and Controls . TEST the system for normal operation after the repair. | |
| Engine emits excessive white smoke | Damaged cylinder head | INSTALL a new cylinder head. For 2.7L REFER to: Cylinder Head LH . or REFER to: Cylinder Head RH . For 5.0L REFER to: Cylinder Head LH . or REFER to: Cylinder Head RH . TEST the system for normal operation after the repair. |
| Damaged head gasket | INSTALL a new cylinder head gasket. For 2.7L REFER to: Cylinder Head LH . or REFER to: Cylinder Head RH . For 5.0L REFER to: Cylinder Head LH . or REFER to: Cylinder Head RH . TEST the system for normal operation after the repair. | |
| Cracked engine block | INSTALL a new engine. TEST the system for normal operation after the repair. | |
| Condensation build up in exhaust | Smoke dissipates after start up and doesn't continue after driving/running. Normal no repair needed. | |
| Overheating engine | INSPECT the cooling system.For 2.7L REFER to: Engine Cooling .. For 5.0L REFER to: Engine Cooling . REPAIR as necessary. TEST the system for normal operation after the repair. | |
| Engine emits excessive blue smoke | Engine wear (piston rings, valve guides) | REPAIR as necessary. TEST the system for normal operation after the repair. |
| turbo | Install a new turbo. For 2.7L REFER to: Turbocharger LH . or REFER to: Turbocharger RH . ; REFER to: TEST the system for normal operation after the repair. | |
| Blocked or restricted turbocharger oil drain pipe | INSPECT the turbocharger oil drain pipe. REPAIR as necessary. TEST the system for normal operation after the repair. | |
| Turbocharger oil seals leaking | REFER to Turbocharger Internal Oil Leak Test. REFER to: Turbocharger . or REFER to: TEST the system for normal operation after the repair. | |
| Plugged crankcase ventilation system | Visually INSPECT the crankcase ventilation system. | |
| Worn valve seals | REPAIR as necessary. TEST the system for normal operation after the repair. | |
| Incorrect type or grade of oil | DRAIN and FILL with specified oil. | |
| Engine emits excessive gray smoke | Blocked or restricted turbocharger oil drain pipe | INSPECT the turbocharger oil drain pipe. REPAIR as necessary. TEST the system for normal operation after the repair. |
| Damaged/restricted or leaking turbocharger CAC assembly | REPAIR or INSTALL a new CAC assembly as necessary. TEST the system for normal operation after the repair. | |
| Plugged crankcase ventilation system | Visually INSPECT the crankcase ventilation system. | |
| Turbocharger oil seals leaking | REFER to Turbocharger Internal Oil Leak Test. REFER to: Turbocharger . TEST the system for normal operation after the repair. | |
| Transmission fluid burning on exhaust | INSPECT the transmission for a leak. Refer to the appropriate service information. REPAIR as necessary. TEST the system for normal operation after the repair. | |
| Black soot | Exhaust tailpipe GTDI engines | Normal condition from rich air/fuel mixture under low load conditions. |
| Low or no oil pressure after an oil change (2.7L GTDI only) | Oil filter housing | REMOVE the oil filter housing. INSPECT the oil filter housing for a missing or damaged center stem. INSPECT for a missing or damaged O-ring seal on the stem. REPAIR as necessary. TEST the system for normal operation after the repair. |