SureTrack Community Fix: Ecoboost Loses Power

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Real Fixes from the SureTrack® expert information resource are documented issues from actual shop repair records and community discussions. Read on to see how SureTrack can help you correct issues that are not easily diagnosed using OEM information alone. SureTrack is available at no additional cost in our ProDemand product.

Modern turbocharged engines provide a lot of power to their owners but can be quite complicated. When you have an issue with lack of power, don’t forget the basics that apply to all engines. SureTrack community member bmaples had a Ford F150 3.5L EcoBoost in the shop that just didn’t have the power it should. They posed their question to the community, and with the help of fellow community member CBriggs and others, they were able to resolve the issue quickly.

The following Community Fix summarizes the interaction between members of the community that led to the solution.

Vehicle
2013 Ford F-150 3.5L Ecoboost

Title
Lack of power, replaced spark plugs and cleaned fuel injection system.

Complaint
Customer concern is lacks power when accelerating.

Diagnostic Steps Performed/Parts Replaced
Test drove to confirm customer concern and found vehicle was pretty gutless, even when on the highway and wanting to pass. If you give it enough gas it’ll start misfiring and set P0300, P0301 and P0306. CEL will come on and start blinking. Had my general service guy swap coils and look at plugs. Truck has 89k miles on it so close for a tune-up, but the factory plugs looked ok and gap was ok. Still misses on hard acceleration and same codes. I put some RXP in fuel tank because customer has never had an FI/Intake/Induction service done. I drove it Friday to get the RXP into the fuel system and let it sit over the weekend. Didn’t resolve all issues.

Best Answer from Community Member CBriggs
Put plugs in it. If its misfiring and has more than 60k miles on the plugs change em, then recheck condition. I’m betting its gone.

Cause
Bad spark plugs and dirty fuel injection system.

Correction
New spark plugs fixed misfire. A fuel injection cleaning service corrected the lean condition.

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About the Author

Nick Taylor

Nick Taylor is the SureTrack Community Administrator and a Senior Applications Specialist at Mitchell 1 with over 25 years of experience with electronic repair data systems. Nick previously worked in the automotive dismantling and engine rebuilding industries.