Symptom Chart - Engine Performance
| 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 Engine article(s) for the procedure. Refer to ENGINE CONTROLS - POWERTRAIN DTC CHARTS & DESCRIPTIONS (EXCEPT DIESEL & HYBRID) . |
| Damaged charging system/ battery | REFER to: Charging System - 2.3L EcoBoost (231kW/314PS)/2.3L EcoBoost (257kW/350PS) - MI4 . ; REFER to: Charging System - 5.0L 32V Ti-VCT . ; REFER to: Charging System - 5.2L 32V Ti-VCT . ; | |
| Burnt valve | INSTALL a new cylinder head. REFER to: Cylinder Head - 2.3L EcoBoost (231kW/314PS)/2.3L EcoBoost (257kW/350PS) - MI4. ; REFER to: Cylinder Head LH - 5.0L 32V Ti-VCT (359kW/486PS) (WU)/5.0L Ti-VCT V8 (343kW/466PS) (MF). REFER to: Cylinder Head RH - 5.0L 32V Ti-VCT (359kW/486PS) (WU)/5.0L Ti-VCT V8 (343kW/466PS) (MF). ;REFER to: Cylinder Head LH - 5.2L 32V Ti-VCT - Supercharged. REFER to: Cylinder Head RH - 5.2L 32V Ti-VCT - Supercharged. 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. REFER to: Cylinder Head - 2.3L EcoBoost (231kW/314PS)/2.3L EcoBoost (257kW/350PS) - MI4. ; REFER to: Cylinder Head LH - 5.0L 32V Ti-VCT (359kW/486PS) (WU)/5.0L Ti-VCT V8 (343kW/466PS) (MF). REFER to: Cylinder Head RH - 5.0L 32V Ti-VCT (359kW/486PS) (WU)/5.0L Ti-VCT V8 (343kW/466PS) (MF). ;REFER to: Cylinder Head LH - 5.2L 32V Ti-VCT - Supercharged. REFER to: Cylinder Head RH - 5.2L 32V Ti-VCT - Supercharged. TEST the system for normal operation after the repair. | |
| Inoperative or damaged cooling system | Refer to the appropriate Engine article(s) for the procedure. | |
| Fouled spark plugs | INSTALL new spark plugs. REFER to: Spark Plugs - 2.3L EcoBoost (231kW/314PS)/2.3L EcoBoost (257kW/350PS) - MI4. ; REFER to: Spark Plugs - 5.0L 32V Ti-VCT (359kW/486PS) (WU)/5.0L Ti-VCT V8 (343kW/466PS) (MF). | |
| Fail-safe cooling invoked (if equipped) | Refer to ENGINE CONTROLS - POWERTRAIN DTC CHARTS & DESCRIPTIONS (EXCEPT DIESEL & HYBRID) . | |
| Poor idling | Vacuum leaks Inoperative or damaged EGR system Inoperative or damaged VCT oil control solenoid(s) |
Refer to the appropriate Engine article(s) for the procedure. Refer to ENGINE CONTROLS - POWERTRAIN DTC CHARTS & DESCRIPTIONS (EXCEPT DIESEL & HYBRID) . |
| Inoperative or damaged ignition system | Refer to the appropriate Engine article(s) for the procedure. | |
| Inoperative or damaged cooling system Inoperative or damaged fuel system |
Refer to the appropriate Engine article(s) for the procedure. | |
| Fail-safe cooling invoked (if equipped) | Refer to ENGINE CONTROLS - POWERTRAIN DTC CHARTS & DESCRIPTIONS (EXCEPT DIESEL & HYBRID) . | |
| Incorrect valve clearance | ADJUST valve clearance. Refer to the appropriate Engine article(s) for the procedure. TEST the system for normal operation after the repair. | |
| Incorrect valve-to-valve seat contact | INSTALL a new cylinder head. REFER to: Cylinder Head - 2.3L EcoBoost (231kW/314PS)/2.3L EcoBoost (257kW/350PS) - MI4. ; REFER to: Cylinder Head LH - 5.0L 32V Ti-VCT (359kW/486PS) (WU)/5.0L Ti-VCT V8 (343kW/466PS) (MF). REFER to: Cylinder Head RH - 5.0L 32V Ti-VCT (359kW/486PS) (WU)/5.0L Ti-VCT V8 (343kW/466PS) (MF). ; REFER to: Cylinder Head LH - 5.2L 32V Ti-VCT - Supercharged, Removal and Installation). REFER to: Cylinder Head RH - 5.2L 32V Ti-VCT - Supercharged. TEST the system for normal operation after the repair. | |
| Damaged head gasket | INSTALL a new cylinder head gasket. REFER to: Cylinder Head - 2.3L EcoBoost (231kW/314PS)/2.3L EcoBoost (257kW/350PS) - MI4. ; REFER to: Cylinder Head LH - 5.0L 32V Ti-VCT (359kW/486PS) (WU)/5.0L Ti-VCT V8 (343kW/466PS) (MF). REFER to: Cylinder Head RH - 5.0L 32V Ti-VCT (359kW/486PS) (WU)/5.0L Ti-VCT V8 (343kW/466PS) (MF). ; REFER to: Cylinder Head LH - 5.2L 32V Ti-VCT - Supercharge. REFER to: Cylinder Head RH - 5.2L 32V Ti-VCT - Supercharged. TEST the system for normal operation after the repair. | |
| Fouled spark plugs | INSTALL new spark plugs. REFER to: Spark Plugs - 2.3L EcoBoost (231kW/314PS)/2.3L EcoBoost (257kW/350PS) - MI4. ; REFER to: Spark Plugs - 5.0L 32V Ti-VCT (359kW/486PS) (WU)/5.0L Ti-VCT V8 (343kW/466PS) (MF). | |
| 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 Engine article(s) for the procedure. Refer to ENGINE CONTROLS - POWERTRAIN DTC CHARTS & DESCRIPTIONS (EXCEPT DIESEL & HYBRID) . |
| Fail-safe cooling invoked (if equipped) | Refer to ENGINE CONTROLS - POWERTRAIN DTC CHARTS & DESCRIPTIONS (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. 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 | INSTALL a new cylinder head. REFER to: Cylinder Head - 2.3L EcoBoost (231kW/314PS)/2.3L EcoBoost (257kW/350PS) - MI4. ; REFER to: Cylinder Head LH - 5.0L 32V Ti-VCT (359kW/486PS) (WU)/5.0L Ti-VCT V8 (343kW/466PS) (MF). REFER to: Cylinder Head RH - 5.0L 32V Ti-VCT (359kW/486PS) (WU)/5.0L Ti-VCT V8 (343kW/466PS) (MF). ;REFER to: Cylinder Head LH - 5.2L 32V Ti-VCT - Supercharged. REFER to: Cylinder Head RH - 5.2L 32V Ti-VCT - Supercharged. 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 appropriate Engine article(s) for the procedure. TEST the system for normal operation after the repair. |
| Leaking oil cooler | INSPECT the oil cooler and seal for damage. REFER to: Oil Cooler - 5.0L 32V Ti-VCT (359kW/486PS) (WU)/5.0L Ti-VCT V8 (343kW/466PS) (MF). INSTALL new components as necessary. Refer to the appropriate v for the procedure. | |
| Coolant in oil | Leaking head gasket Damaged cylinder block Damaged cylinder head |
INSPECT the engine components. INSTALL new engine components as necessary. REFER to: Cylinder Head - 2.3L EcoBoost (231kW/314PS)/2.3L EcoBoost (257kW/350PS) - MI4. ; REFER to: Cylinder Head LH - 5.0L 32V Ti-VCT (359kW/486PS) (WU)/5.0L Ti-VCT V8 (343kW/466PS) (MF). REFER to: Cylinder Head RH - 5.0L 32V Ti-VCT (359kW/486PS) (WU)/5.0L Ti-VCT V8 (343kW/466PS) (MF). ; REFER to: Cylinder Head LH - 5.2L 32V Ti-VCT - Supercharged. REFER to: Cylinder Head RH - 5.2L 32V Ti-VCT - Supercharged. Refer to the appropriate Engine article(s) for the procedure. TEST the system for normal operation after the repair. |
| 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 Engine article(s) for the procedure. Refer to ENGINE CONTROLS - POWERTRAIN DTC CHARTS & DESCRIPTIONS (EXCEPT DIESEL & HYBRID) . |
| Turbocharger turbine or compressor wheel damage | INSPECT the turbocharger. REFER to the Check for Free Rotation. 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 - POWERTRAIN DTC CHARTS & DESCRIPTIONS (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: Accessory Drive - 2.3L EcoBoost (231kW/314PS)/2.3L EcoBoost (257kW/350PS) - MI4. ; REFER to: Accessory Drive - 5.0L 32V Ti-VCT (359kW/486PS) (WU)/5.0L Ti-VCT V8 (343kW/466PS) (MF). Cooling system : REFER to: Engine Cooling - 2.3L EcoBoost (231kW/314PS)/2.3L EcoBoost (257kW/350PS) - MI4. REFER to: Engine Cooling - 5.0L 32V Ti-VCT (359kW/486PS) (WU)/5.0L Ti-VCT V8 (343kW/466PS) (MF). | |
| Fail-safe cooling invoked (if equipped) | Refer to ENGINE CONTROLS - POWERTRAIN DTC CHARTS & DESCRIPTIONS (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: Identification Codes . | |
| Dragging brakes | REFER to: Brake System . | |
| Slipping transmission | Refer to the appropriate appropriate Automatic Transmission article for the procedure. | |
| Slipping clutch | Refer to the appropriate Manual Transmission, Clutch, Transfer Case and Power Transfer Unit for the procedure. | |
| Incorrect valve clearance | ADJUST valve clearance. Refer to the appropriate Engine article(s) 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. REFER to: Cylinder Head - 2.3L EcoBoost (231kW/314PS)/2.3L EcoBoost (257kW/350PS) - MI4. ; REFER to: Cylinder Head LH - 5.0L 32V Ti-VCT (359kW/486PS) (WU)/5.0L Ti-VCT V8 (343kW/466PS) (MF). REFER to: Cylinder Head RH - 5.0L 32V Ti-VCT (359kW/486PS) (WU)/5.0L Ti-VCT V8 (343kW/466PS) (MF). ; REFER to: Cylinder Head LH - 5.2L 32V Ti-VCT - Supercharged. REFER to: Cylinder Head RH - 5.2L 32V Ti-VCT - Supercharged. 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. REFER to: Camshafts - 2.3L EcoBoost (231kW/314PS)/2.3L EcoBoost (257kW/350PS) - MI4. ; REFER to: Camshaft LH - 5.0L 32V Ti-VCT (359kW/486PS) (WU)/5.0L Ti-VCT V8 (343kW/466PS) (MF). or REFER to: Camshaft RH - 5.0L 32V Ti-VCT (359kW/486PS) (WU)/5.0L Ti-VCT V8 (343kW/466PS) (MF). REFER to: Camshaft LH - 5.2L 32V Ti-VCT - Supercharged. or REFER to: Camshaft RH - 5.2L 32V Ti-VCT - Supercharged. TEST the system for normal operation after the repair. | |
| Damaged head gasket | INSTALL a new head gasket. REFER to: Cylinder Head - 2.3L EcoBoost (231kW/314PS)/2.3L EcoBoost (257kW/350PS) - MI4. ; REFER to: Cylinder Head LH - 5.0L 32V Ti-VCT (359kW/486PS) (WU)/5.0L Ti-VCT V8 (343kW/466PS) (MF). REFER to: Cylinder Head RH - 5.0L 32V Ti-VCT (359kW/486PS) (WU)/5.0L Ti-VCT V8 (343kW/466PS) (MF). . REFER to: Cylinder Head LH - 5.2L 32V Ti-VCT - Supercharged. REFER to: Cylinder Head RH - 5.2L 32V Ti-VCT - Supercharged. TEST the system for normal operation after the repair. | |
| Cracked or distorted cylinder head | INSTALL a new cylinder head assembly. REFER to: Cylinder Head - 2.3L EcoBoost (231kW/314PS)/2.3L EcoBoost (257kW/350PS) - MI4. ; REFER to: Cylinder Head LH - 5.0L 32V Ti-VCT (359kW/486PS) (WU)/5.0L Ti-VCT V8 (343kW/466PS) (MF). REFER to: Cylinder Head RH - 5.0L 32V Ti-VCT (359kW/486PS) (WU)/5.0L Ti-VCT V8 (343kW/466PS) (MF). ; REFER to: Cylinder Head LH - 5.2L 32V Ti-VCT - Supercharged. REFER to: Cylinder Head RH - 5.2L 32V Ti-VCT - Supercharged. 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: appropriate Fuel Charging and Controls article TEST the system for normal operation after the repair. | |
| Engine emits excessive white smoke | Damaged cylinder head | INSTALL a new cylinder head. REFER to: Cylinder Head - 2.3L EcoBoost (231kW/314PS)/2.3L EcoBoost (257kW/350PS) - MI4. ; REFER to: Cylinder Head LH - 5.0L 32V Ti-VCT (359kW/486PS) (WU)/5.0L Ti-VCT V8 (343kW/466PS) (MF). REFER to: Cylinder Head RH - 5.0L 32V Ti-VCT (359kW/486PS) (WU)/5.0L Ti-VCT V8 (343kW/466PS) (MF). ; REFER to: Cylinder Head LH - 5.2L 32V Ti-VCT - Supercharged. REFER to: Cylinder Head RH - 5.2L 32V Ti-VCT - Supercharged. TEST the system for normal operation after the repair. |
| Damaged head gasket | INSTALL a new cylinder head gasket. REFER to: Cylinder Head - 2.3L EcoBoost (231kW/314PS)/2.3L EcoBoost (257kW/350PS) - MI4. ; REFER to: Cylinder Head LH - 5.0L 32V Ti-VCT (359kW/486PS) (WU)/5.0L Ti-VCT V8 (343kW/466PS) (MF). REFER to: Cylinder Head RH - 5.0L 32V Ti-VCT (359kW/486PS) (WU)/5.0L Ti-VCT V8 (343kW/466PS) (MF). ; REFER to: Cylinder Head LH - 5.2L 32V Ti-VCT - Supercharged. REFER to: Cylinder Head RH - 5.2L 32V Ti-VCT - Supercharged. 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. REFER to: Engine Cooling - 2.3L EcoBoost (231kW/314PS)/2.3L EcoBoost (257kW/350PS) - MI4. ; REFER to: Engine Cooling - 5.0L 32V Ti-VCT (359kW/486PS) (WU)/5.0L Ti-VCT V8 (343kW/466PS) (MF). ; REFER to: Engine Cooling - 5.2L 32V Ti-VCT - Supercharged. 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. 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. 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. TEST the system for normal operation after the repair. | |
| Transmission fluid burning on exhaust | INSPECT the transmission for a leak. Refer to the appropriate Automatic Transmission article for the procedure. 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. |