WE HAVE OUR FIX

[mikeo56]

Yep, me to. Driving to work yesterday, downtown DC on Constitution Ave. I pulled up to a light. I was first in line and next to me was a VW Golf. Dude looked over at me, with his hoody on ghetto style like, and gave me the "look". So it was close, but I pulled away after about 1/8 mile. At the next light, when he finally pulls up, he looks over at me and gives me the thumbs up. Yeah, I like my 2.0.

 

 

Ford’s 2.0-Liter EcoBoost Engine Wins Second Consecutive Ward’s 10 Best Engines Trophy; GT500 Engine Also Honored

• Powerful, fuel-efficient 2.0-liter turbocharged, direct-injected EcoBoost^® engine wins for exceptional performance in Ford Taurus and Focus ST
  

• Shelby GT500 5.8-liter V8 –the world’s highest-horsepower regular production V8 engine – also a winner
  

• No competitor has won more 10 Best Engines awards than Ford in the last five years
  

• An EcoBoost engine has won a 10 Best Engines trophy every year since launch
  

2.0-liter EcoBoost^® Four-cylinder Engine | 5.8-liter V8 Engine

Click to download images.

 

DEARBORN, Mich., Dec. 12, 2012 – Ford Motor Company’s fuel efficient 2.0-liter EcoBoost^® four-cylinder engine is one of two Ford engines this year to win a highly coveted 10 Best Engines trophy from the editors of WardsAuto World.

 

The 662-horsepower 5.8-liter V8 – the world’s most powerful production V8 engine – in the 2013 Shelby GT500 has also won a 10 Best Engines trophy.

 

Each fall, Ward’s editors evaluate the latest powertrains from the world’s automakers in rigorous testing to determine which engines deliver the best blend of performance, value, fuel efficiency and refinement.

 

Ford has won eight 10 Best Engines awards in the last five years – more than any other domestic automaker and tied with Germany’s BMW for most wins.

 

The 2.0-liter turbocharged, direct-injected engine, produced in Valencia, Spain, is Ford’s global workhorse EcoBoost engine, powering everything from the rear-wheel-drive Falcon sedan in Australia to vans in Europe and the high-performance Focus ST. Last year, the 2.0-liter won a 10 Best Engines award in the Ford Edge crossover.

 

“The EcoBoost Taurus and Focus ST really show just how versatile and capable the 2.0-liter EcoBoost engine is,” said Joe Bakaj, Ford vice president of Powertrain Engineering.

 

“The Focus ST is the first performance application for EcoBoost, and it really delivers the goods,” he added. “The 2.0-liter EcoBoost in the Taurus replaces a V6 and delivers great all-around performance, along with best-in-class 32 mpg on the highway.”

 

In the Focus ST, the 2.0-liter cranks out 252 horsepower and 270 lb.-ft. of torque. Magazine reviews have shown Focus 0-60 mph acceleration in the mid-six-second range. In Taurus, the 2.0-liter engine has a completely different demeanor. It is exceptionally smooth and quiet and provides outstanding performance and best-in-class large car fuel economy at 32 mpg highway.

 

“There are lots of 2.0-liter turbocharged engines out there now,” said Drew Winter, editor in chief of WardsAuto World magazine. “What impresses us most this year is EcoBoost’s versatility. It is very entertaining as a performance car engine in the Focus ST. But what really amazes us is that it also is a perfect match for the two-ton Taurus family sedan. Even loaded down with passengers, the engine delivers all the power needed and better fuel economy than a V6.”

 

The 5.8-liter V8 engine in the Shelby GT500 impressed Ward’s staff not just with its incredible 662 horsepower, but also its efficiency. The GT500 is not subject to a gas guzzler tax, and is rated at 15 mpg city and 24 mpg highway.

 

“Very few engines deliver the balance of power and fuel efficiency the 5.8-liter does,” said Jamal Hameedi, GT500 chief nameplate engineer. “The team spent countless hours dyno testing, tweaking and calibrating to make sure this engine would deliver the high-level power and performance Shelby customers expect. But they also took into account the reality of today’s volatile fuel prices. All SVT engineers are very proud of the GT500, its engine, and the responsible fuel efficiency it delivers.”

 

Added Winter: “The 5.8-liter V8 in the Shelby GT500 is the world’s most powerful production V8 engine, yet it is so efficient at squeezing power from every drop of gasoline that there is no gas guzzler tax. It actually delivers better fuel economy than many engines with a fraction of the horsepower. Plus it squeaks in under our $55,000 price cap. That’s pretty incredible.”

 

Since launch in summer 2009, Ford has sold more than 520,000 EcoBoost-equipped vehicles globally. Ford’s global family of EcoBoost engines consists of the award-winning 1.0-liter three-cylinder (coming to North America next year in the 2014 Fiesta); the 1.6-liter available in Escape and Fusion; the 2.0-liter available in Focus ST, Fusion, Taurus, Edge, Escape and Explorer; and the 3.5-liter V6 in the Taurus SHO, an engine also available in the F-150, Flex, Explorer Sport and Lincoln vehicles.

 

EcoBoost combines downsizing with turbocharging, direct fuel injection and variable valve timing. Ford holds more than 125 patents for its EcoBoost technologies. This year’s 10 Best Engines award is the third for an EcoBoost engine. Last year, the 2.0-liter in the Edge won, while the 3.5-liter in the Taurus SHO won in 2010.

[theoldwizard]

Gas mileage on our 1.6 isn't much better

Your fuel economy may not be "optimal" because of the cooling system inability to build pressure. Proper operating temperature is required for the best fuel economy.

[theoldwizard]

I called it. Thought it would be software related.

 

Let's not be so quick to point the accusing finger ! A software/calibration "patch" does seem to be the solution (for now) but, in the past, dozens and dozens of calibrations have been released to fix hardware problems.

 

I certainly would not disagree with Escapism - HOWEVER - I think software is only part of the issue. 80+ thousand vehicles, 12 fires. How many did not turn to flame? And it seems you MUST have a pressure issue "... like a loose filler cap or a pinhole-sized puncture in a hose"

 

If it weren't for the pressure issue, I'd be in total agreement, but... I think there's more here. This story ain't over... (and "NO" I'm not being pessimistic - something just doesn't ring true....)

 

Other reporting media make a point of saying that the "failure of the cooling system to build pressure" (because there is a leak) in combination with the software/calibration not taking the appropriate "failure mode" action that ultimately caused the fire.

 

Coolant at very high temperature (> 500F?) will burn. My understanding is some of the coolant is getting on the catalyst.

 

 

So, IMHO, the problem is the cooling system leak. I'll bet that the TSB, in addition to reflashing the PCM, will have specifics about checking the cooling system for leaks. If those leaks are not addressed, there will be a lot of 1.6L EcoBoost running is "limp home mode" because they are overheating !

[mikeo56]

Let's not be so quick to point the accusing finger ! A software/calibration "patch" does seem to be the solution (for now) but, in the past, dozens and dozens of calibrations have been released to fix hardware problems.

 

 

 

Other reporting media make a point of saying that the "failure of the cooling system to build pressure" (because there is a leak) in combination with the software/calibration not taking the appropriate "failure mode" action that ultimately caused the fire.

 

Coolant at very high temperature (> 500F?) will burn. My understanding is some of the coolant is getting on the catalyst.

 

 

So, IMHO, the problem is the cooling system leak. I'll bet that the TSB, in addition to reflashing the PCM, will have specifics about checking the cooling system for leaks. If those leaks are not addressed, there will be a lot of 1.6L EcoBoost running is "limp home mode" because they are overheating !

Why are people losing faith in the 1.6?

I read some do not trust the cooling system and would rather own the 2.0.

But dosnt the 2.0 have the same type of cooling system and is seems to reason the exact same thing can happen to the 2.0.

It was a software glitch thats it, right?

And why trust the 2.0 more than the 1.6 if that is the case?

[Escapism]

Why are people losing faith in the 1.6?

I read some do not trust the cooling system and would rather own the 2.0.

But dosnt the 2.0 have the same type of cooling system and is seems to reason the exact same thing can happen to the 2.0.

It was a software glitch thats it, right?

And why trust the 2.0 more than the 1.6 if that is the case?

 

I can only assume that the folks at Ford are intelligent enough to realize that if the 1.6 and 2.0 share any cooling system similarities that are attributed to this specific recall that they would be contacting 2.0 owners post-haste.

 

If they are withholding information because they don't want sales to tank........

Edited December 13, 2012 by Escapism

[ffdemoss]

 

Why are people losing faith in the 1.6?

I read some do not trust the cooling system and would rather own the 2.0.

But dosnt the 2.0 have the same type of cooling system and is seems to reason the exact same thing can happen to the 2.0.

It was a software glitch thats it, right?

And why trust the 2.0 more than the 1.6 if that is the case?

 

Totally different cooling system between the two.

[rscalzo]

Looks like no one is immune..

 

Mercedes-Benz has become the latest automaker forced to order a recall due to a potential fire risk on almost 6,000 of its luxury sedans, coupes and crossovers.

 

Seems the general public has a less chance of dying in a fiery plane crash than their own car lately.

[Escapism]

Totally different cooling system between the two.

 

Whew!! :fear:

[gafry]

Just called my Ford Dealer and they said they shoulld get the fix next week. Hope to get my Escape back late next week before Christmas.

[Tazzel]

"Totally different cooling system between the two. "

 

 

All the more reason why the 1.6L engine owners are running in to Ford to Trade. I went in today to look at the numbers for a possible trade and they told me I was the 12th person in 3 days. He told me that people are really dumping them fast.

[ffdemoss]

"Totally different cooling system between the two. "

 

 

All the more reason why the 1.6L engine owners are running in to Ford to Trade. I went in today to look at the numbers for a possible trade and they told me I was the 12th person in 3 days. He told me that people are really dumping them fast.

 

I would guess these same 12 people dumped all their stock in 2009 after the crash. Why dump something now that is STILL under warranty? Why not wait until your powertrain warranty is almost up...by then all these issues will be a distant memory and a dealer won't care if you are trading a1.6 or 2.0.

 

[Tazzel]

hummm let me guess you have a 2.0?

[akirby]

hummm let me guess you have a 2.0?

 

Not necessarily. He's just more rational than some people.

[Tazzel]

....

Edited December 14, 2012 by NickF1011
not necessary.

[transitman]

<redacted>

Ouch...

The fact is, the sky is not falling. Other than the vehicles that caught fire, there are no reports of engines that were damaged due to this software issue. After the fix, 1.6L engines will work as designed. Yes, there's a chance that there could be another issue, just like there can be potential issues with the 2.0L, 3.5L, Subaru Boxer or the Mazda SkyActiv engines. Have your dealership perform the software update and drive the car like you did on the day you bought it. Don't forget, you have a warranty.

Edited December 14, 2012 by NickF1011

[vincep5]

my dealer said they started to apply the fix to some Escapes and would start on mine next week. He said they have over 90 to fix and would repair them based on the date customers brought them in. Has anyone else here heard that info?

[ajcomputer]

Yes, the update is released for the Escapes only right now. The Fusion update will be released next week.

[mikeo56]

Just came back from my dealer, service manager said they will try to get to my car today

still got 3 hours left to go. I have yet to put 1 mile driving in my new Escape.

 

Myself, the salesman, and the service mananger spoke at length about the fix,

and I am sure that FORD has taken care of the problem.

 

Will there be another problem ? I dont care FORD will fix it. :stats:

 

 

Taking it 1 mile down the street is not a problem for me.

I believe its not the end of the world that my Escape that has not seen my garage yet,

after a 7 week wait to have it delivered and a 2 week wait to have a fix because of the recall.

Its all good.

 

Tri Coat White SEL

Light Stone Leather

Technology Package

Edited December 14, 2012 by mikeo56

[ffdemoss]

hummm let me guess you have a 2.0?

 

I own a 1.6l...wife has been driving a Nissan Sentra for 2 weeks.

[inswva]

Picked up my Escape yesterday afternoon. It's nice to have it back. Hasn't spontaneously combusted yet. No mention of any concessions by Ford for the inconvenience. Whatever, I'm just glad I'm no longer driving a Kia Sedona.

Edited December 16, 2012 by inswva

[ffdemoss]

Picked up my Escape yesterday afternoon. It's nice to have it back. Hasn't spontaneously combusted yet. No mention of any concessions by Ford for the inconvenience. Whatever, I'm just glad I'm no longer driving a Kia Sedona.

 

you should've gotten a free tank of fuel and a car wash. that is what the bulletin said to the dealers.

[inswva]

It was washed but certainly not fueled up. Do I have a legitimate gripe with the dealer? Link to the bulletin?

[ffdemoss]

It was washed but certainly not fueled up. Do I have a legitimate gripe with the dealer? Link to the bulletin?

 

I can't link the dealer bulletin but it clearly states to wash and fuel.

Edited December 17, 2012 by ffdemoss

[rhummer]

Damn, I filled up the day before I dropped it off. If I knew that I would of taken it in as is!

[inswva]

I noticed they also upgraded my car to MFT 3.5.1. I didn't get an invoice listing all the services performed. I surely hope they didn't just simply update MFT. I'm going back on Saturday to get my tank full of gas and will request a detailed invoice of all the work performed. The owner.ford.com site doesn't show that the vehicle has been serviced. Not sure how that gets updated or how often.

 

A couple of curious things I also noticed... my turn signal chime is different now. It used to be much louder and, I *think*, a different, higher pitced tone. It is much more subdued now. Also, on the Trip 1 and Trip 2 screens on the dash information display, I now have a screen that shows MTE, MPG, trip miles, and trip timer in a quadrant format. I don't remember that being there before. Do MFT updates affect the dash information display? I'm 99.9% sure it wasn't there before.