Visit our Popular Forums

mojo · 01-23-2016, 08:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by OARfan

2014 Only issue for me is when driving in rain on the interstate for prolonged periods of time it has gone into limp mode while accelerating. Once while accelerating onto the interstate and once while passing a semi that was losing his tire. Dealership couldn't find anything wrong. Truck shutters and maintains speed while in limp mode though.

If still under warranty, find another dealer or independent shop. The 2011-12 ecoboost had issues with condensation build up in the charge air cooler, and that moisture would get sucked into the turbos when accelerating, causing the shutter. Ford offered a deflector to fix the problem and made changes on 2013+ models. The shutter can also be caused by a bad ignition coil/boot and/or spark plug. You can google this info and the Ford TSB's for these problems.

I have experienced both issues and dealer says nothing wrong if they can not replicate problem. Found independent turbo mechanic who diagnosed and resolved all issues. Aside from that have around 60,000 towing miles and it handles the load just fine.

overlander63 · 01-23-2016, 08:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by OARfan

2014 ecoboost crewcab with 18,000 miles. Only about 1000 miles towing a 23d FC. Tows great. Only issue for me is when driving in rain on the interstate for prolonged periods of time it has gone into limp mode while accelerating. Once while accelerating onto the interstate and once while passing a semi that was losing his tire. Dealership couldn't find anything wrong. Truck shutters and maintains speed while in limp mode though. So it's not a sudden deceleration or anything. Probably opt for the 5.0 next time. Still like my truck though. Getting about 17 all around and 20 highway.

Does Your EcoBoost Shudder? Here's the Problem

OARfan · 01-23-2016, 09:08 AM

I've read the internet as to why it shudders. I thought the 2013 plus had been fixed as well. That's why I bought the 2014 and was disappointed after experiencing it. I received a flashing check engine light while it was shuddering and assumed the computer would have recorded that. Dealership said they found nothing recorded. I even mentioned the TSB. They know it exists and play dumb when you bring it in I'm convinced. I've also read that putting a deflector in drops your MPG a lot. Never considered a turbo mechanic. Might try this.

Airstreamer67 · 01-24-2016, 06:01 AM

My question is, if it's moisture from humid air causing a water buildup in the radiator, is this only a problem with the ecoboost, or do all engines with a CAC radiator have this problem?

overlander63 · 01-24-2016, 06:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Airstreamer67

My question is, if it's moisture from humid air causing a water buildup in the radiator, is this only a problem with the ecoboost, or do all engines with a CAC radiator have this problem?

I don't think any non-turbo engines have an aftercooler.

overlander63 · 01-24-2016, 06:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by OARfan

I've read the internet as to why it shudders. I thought the 2013 plus had been fixed as well. That's why I bought the 2014 and was disappointed after experiencing it. I received a flashing check engine light while it was shuddering and assumed the computer would have recorded that. Dealership said they found nothing recorded. I even mentioned the TSB. They know it exists and play dumb when you bring it in I'm convinced. I've also read that putting a deflector in drops your MPG a lot. Never considered a turbo mechanic. Might try this.

A flashing MIL indicates a catalyst-damaging engine malfunction. It should store the code, as well as a freeze-frame of the conditions causing the light.

Hiho Silver · 01-24-2016, 06:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mojo

If still under warranty, find another dealer or independent shop. The 2011-12 ecoboost had issues with condensation build up in the charge air cooler, and that moisture would get sucked into the turbos when accelerating, causing the shutter. Ford offered a deflector to fix the problem and made changes on 2013+ models. The shutter can also be caused by a bad ignition coil/boot and/or spark plug. You can google this info and the Ford TSB's for these problems.

I have experienced both issues and dealer says nothing wrong if they can not replicate problem. Found independent turbo mechanic who diagnosed and resolved all issues. Aside from that have around 60,000 towing miles and it handles the load just fine.

I have a 2011 Ecoboost with 60,000 miles, half while towing a 27' FC. I have had both problems, condensation, and have replaced 2 ignition coils and spark plugs. The deflector shield was installed years ago and the ignition coils in the last year. I just returned from a 5000 mile trip, (from Key West where it was very humid) and no problems. I started using premium fuel, and changed my driving habits while passing and other times of rapid acceleration by not accelerating to the max. Of course when absolutely necessary for safety, I would have had the pedal to the metal.
I do like the EcoBoost when it is not shuddering, so much I ordered a 2016 F150 with the EcoBoost and am picking it up in a couple of days. Also I had thought since 2011 was the first year the EcoBoost was in the F150, that Ford had solved this problem, from what I had read. Now I'm not so sure after reading this thread, hoping I get a good one.

ROBERT CROSS · 01-24-2016, 07:14 AM

SNIP.....
"I know on my truck, yes a GM, if I use the Driver Information Center for the mileage, even at the end of the tank, it is wrong....always on the high side. So, when on a trip, I manually calculate the mileage at the end of every tank, and it's always lower than the DIC."

Jim,

Mine was too....always high.

Re-programmed the PCM with the correct tire diameter, result...speedo dead-on and DIC usually within .5mpg.

POI..Measure tires & check PCM after every new tire install. (inflated to towing psi)

Bob

dznf0g · 01-24-2016, 11:37 AM

I've read this several times on various threads. I now have a scangauge installed and guess what. It's reading are within .1 - .2 mpg of the DIC. I guess the conspiracy goes all the way to the aftermarket.

RamblinManGa · 01-24-2016, 11:48 AM

Hi from AZ. . . my '11 Ecoboost F150 had that shudder/limpmode thing twice early on, both in driving rainstorms. I had to take copy of the TSB with me & sort of demand they fix it. They did with that piece in front of the intercooler, & hasn't happened again. 80k on it now & it's still going strong. I'll proably buy another, although the sticker has gone to $63k from my $45k when new. . . oh well,

regards, Craig

Kittyfeet · 01-24-2016, 12:03 PM

I have a 2013 150 Eco Boost. Love the truck. Great pulling capability. Without the trailer, I ran for about 2500 miles without resetting the mpg setting. Was a lot of road and town miles. It showed 19.8 Lots of people ask me what mileage I get, and my first response wants to be-I don't care and would not have bought this truck if my concern was gas mileage. That thought usually does not translate into spoken word, but over nearly 3 years, 28,000 miles, i figure I get about 13.5 in town and around 21 on the road. The only problem is that when a fellow backed into my rear side panel, the Ford did not fix itself. Need to learn from Christine. Have not pulled enough to get a good reading.

rodsterinfl · 01-24-2016, 12:13 PM

Hey Greg,

There is an "old" documented issue regarding rain or water being sucked into the intakes. Ford changed or added something. I remember because I hang on the F150 forum and eco owners were having something done. The 2015 ones have a baffle. Dealers have to know about this as it is a TSB.

Oh, another thing on F150 comparison(s) to remember, the 2015 and newer model is a different animal from the 2013 and 2014 payload-wise. Ford removed a lot of weight and payloads are, in may cases, way up. So, a half-ton Ford F150, properly equipped, can tow any current model Airstream. 16-30 feet. with anywhere from 700-1000# of cargo/people to spare after #1000 tongue weight is subtracted.

You say you want to know about ecoboosts. I am a research nerd and went crazy digging up info on the ecoboost before buying one. Here is one BIG ah ha for towing that is easily overlooked when shopping- TORQUE AT HWY SPEED. I charted highway RPM using an online RPM calculator for the RAM, Chevy, GMC, Ford, etc and found that Ford has around 74% of its torque available at 70mph compared to Chevy/GMC with about 40% and RAM a bit more. This means, looking at their torque curves that they have to shift down to get to their torque sweet spot. GM uses higher RPM engines due to their design which means they have to race up to get to the power or, shift down more often to pull. This makes sense if you consider that GMs are turning around 1700 RPM at 70mph with 40% of torque available. Their torque peak is at 3900-4000 RPM compared to Ford's 2500 RPM. This makes for a totally different towing experience. It brings the diesel-like towing ease to the gas segment- not all that shifting back and forth and roaring engine, etc.

That said, there is another set of issues related to engine design though there is little choice.

GM has acknowledged a problem with their cylinder defeat technology as has Honda who also uses the technology. That once broken in and around 30K miles or so, (GM actually calls this high mileage) the engines start using more oil. In some write-ups, this is noted as excessive oil. Apparently oil starts blowing passed the inactive cylinders or some such- the technical description is on a link I posted a few months back. Again, this is not Ford propaganda but actually statements have been released by GM.

Meanwhile, Ford is not without issue. The ecoboost has an inherent problem of direct injected engines that, oil builds up around the back of certain valve stems causing rough idle and when pieces of build up fall off, it can be sucked into the turbo blade and cause damage. The work around is to have a drip can or some such, use synthetic oil, and use the "Italian blow out" drive every so often (get on it hard to blow out stuff).

Don't you just love modern engines? At least the Ford has some work arounds.

BoldAdventure · 01-24-2016, 01:21 PM

I installed one of these catch cans on our truck. So you have to empty it every now and then. No big deal. I had one on both of my previous V8 cars. My G8 GXP and my Corvette. With the amount of oil that fills up in there, it's pretty amazing to think that was getting sucked back into the intake.

I'm really excited about the 2017 Ford Raptor which is suppose to have an ecoboost variant.

Question, is it true the Ecoboost needs premium fuel? My Audi S4 had a turbo and it was loads of fun, but the premium got old fast. Granted this was back in 2012 when prices were much higher.

rodsterinfl · 01-24-2016, 06:37 PM

Nope 87 octane is good. No premium requirement.

mojo · 01-24-2016, 07:05 PM

Yes it runs fine on regular, however, Ford suggests using a higher octane when towing for better performance. It does seem to perform better and actually get better mileage with the higher octane, especially in the mountains. But there are so many variables when towing with grades and wind that I really do not concern myself with analyzing mpg.

jcl · 01-24-2016, 07:40 PM

Above comments re regular apply to existing production of the 3.5 litre Ecoboost with 320 to 365 hp. Next year the Raptor gets a new version with significantly more hp, so premium is more likely to make a difference. The GT gets even more hp (600?) so premium will almost definitely be required. The 4 cyl 2.3 Ecoboost at up to 350 hp has a much higher specific output than the current 3.5, so it gives us some idea of the potential of the basic design.

Jeff

Beaerman · 01-24-2016, 08:40 PM

Well, I own a 2016 extended van with the eco boost. I do have a problem and that is I forget I a towing a trailer in 30 + winds. I also forget that I am well over the speed limit occasionally. I was a diesel mechanic for 20 years and knew this is the way to go.
25 AS and van fully loaded even with full size washer and 7000 generator.
This puppy will stand up to anything from the start. I have had much fun with it. Will use cruze control from now on so not to kill myself.
When I back it up to do laundry, it looks like one unit.

rodsterinfl · 01-24-2016, 09:11 PM

Quote:

Mojo: Ford suggests using a higher octane when towing for better performance. It does seem to perform better and actually get better mileage with the higher octane, especially in the mountains.

From the 2015 Ford F150 Manual:

2.7L and 3.5L EcoBoost Engines
We recommend regular unleaded gasoline with a pump (R+M)/2 octane rating of 87. Some stations offer fuels posted as regular with an octane rating below 87, particularly in high altitude areas. We do not recommend fuels with an octane rating below 87.
To provide improved performance, we recommend premium fuel for severe duty usage, such as trailer tow.

Yes, recommended but not required.

HeadWest · 01-24-2016, 11:04 PM

We have a 2013 F150 with the 3.5l Ecoboost. I love the engine and the power along with the transmission. Fuel mileage sucks with towing but that is in part because I don't have to slow down due to a lack of power.

We have had a lot of brake problems as has my son with his similar '13 F150. This is not because of towing but bad calipers, crappy dealers and Ford Motors nonexistent customer service. Very frustrating after dealing with good auto companies and dealers in recent years.

The other big negative with our F150 has been Sync. I'll take BMW's iDrive or similar any day of the week over a touch screen based system. As others have said, the voice command system is like playing a game of 20 questions with a drunk toddler. Sad.

ROBERTSUNRUS · 01-25-2016, 01:30 AM

Hi, my 2014 F-150 Ecoboost has about 25,000 so far and no drivability issues. Out of that, over 13,000 miles was towing. This was all in one trip. I believe that some of the shuddering was on the longer wheel base models. Mine is a 145" model with a single drive shaft and the 157" wheel base models have a two piece drive shaft. To date, I haven't tried Premium fuel yet. Supposed to add 20 horse power and 10 lbs torque.