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TSB
10-2-6
  • AFTERMARKET POWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULE CALIBRATION, NON-FACTORY MODIFICATION OR AFTERMARKET COMPONENTS
Publication Date: January 28, 2010

FORD:
2010 Taurus, Flex
LINCOLN:
2010 MKS, MKT

ISSUE:

Some 2010 Taurus, Flex, MKS and MKT vehicles equipped with an EcoBoost engine may have unauthorized aftermarket modifications to the powertrain hardware and/or calibration which may result in exceeding component design limits. Such modifications could cause damage to the powertrain and/or void the factory powertrain warranty.

ACTION:

Review Service Procedure

SERVICE PROCEDURE

Unauthorized calibration modifications may or may not be detectable using standard tools (Integrated Diagnostic System (IDS), Portable Diagnostic Software (PDS), NGS+ VCM). Changes can be made to the calibration and flashed to the PCM through the OBD port. Physical modifications to the hardware may or may not be present. If aftermarket power/torque-increasing modifications are suspected, care should be taken to record and store the following items: Permanent Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs), Pending DTCs, Freeze Frame Data, Mode 6 and Mode 9 data. The data should be printed and attached to the repair order for later reference.

The DTCs, freeze frame data, Mode 6 and 9 data can be obtained by using the IDS, PDS or NGS+VCM under tool box selection. The Powertrain tab will provide the OBD Test Modes tab and Mode 6 and 9 data selection after the vehicle has been identified.

Attempting to increase the engine output via recalibrating the PCM may result in poor drivability, DTCs, or component failures. A partial list of calibration induced component failures is given below:

Excessive Cylinder Pressure:

Over-Speed:

Over-Temperature/Melting:

Hardware Modifications:

The following list contains items that are frequently modified in an effort to increase the engines torque/power output. Modifying these items may, or may not improve the performance, but can lead to drivability issues, DTCs and possibly component failures:

The system may be particularly susceptible to flexible air ducts between the air filter and the compressors. Restrictions on either side of the compressor can result in over-speeding the turbo (Figures 5-6).

The full load output of some turbocharged engines will increase if the wastegate spring pre-tension is increased. This is not the case with the EcoBoost engine. Adjusting the wastegate pre-tension out of the specified range can result in DTCs. A tamper evident paint dot has been applied to the wastegate actuator adjustment mechanism to make modifications more apparent.

These sensors and the associated wiring should be inspected to verify they have not been modified.

The high pressure fuel system used for the EcoBoost engine will not support additional fuel flow beyond what the factory calibration requests. Inspect the engine for an additional aftermarket injector(s) located somewhere in the induction system to provided increased fuel flow.

If the PCV system is modified (vented to atmosphere being the most common modification) it can result in a condition where oil gets past the turbine seal even on an undamaged, fully functional turbocharger. Oil in the exhaust system may not be sufficient evidence to identify a failed turbo if the PCV system has been compromised.

It is common to modify these components so they make more noise. If the aftermarket devices fail to seal properly when closed, elevated turbo speeds and compressor outlet temperatures will occur.

Removal of catalysts or mufflers/resonators to reduce exhaust backpressure may result in over-speeding the turbo(s).

Blocking open the thermostat may reduce the coolant flow to the turbo chargers.

Wastegate Tamper Evident Paint Dot




Figure 1 - Article 10-2-6

Review Engine Damage:

Piston Damage

Top ring delaminating and top ring land pitting caused by excessive spark advance.




Figure 2 - Article 10-2-6

Light Knock Damage




Figure 3 - Article 10-2-6

Heavy Knock Damage




Figure 4 - Article 10-2-6

Turbo Over-Speed Failure

Turbine wheel after an over-speed event.




Figure 5 - Article 10-2-6

Compressor Damage After An Over-Speed Event




Figure 6 - Article 10-2-6

Reviewing Transmission Or Driveline:

Damaged C1234 Clutch, Warped Separator Plates




Figure 7 - Article 10-2-6

Normal Torque Converter (Left Side) Compared To An Overheated Torque Converter (Right Side)




Figure 8 - Article 10-2-6

Damaged C456 Clutch




Figure 9 - Article 10-2-6

Modified Thermostat Opening




Figure 10 - Article 10-2-6

FCSD Trouble Shooting Guidelines Chart




Figure 11 - Article 10-2-6

WARRANTY STATUS:

Information Only - Not Warrantable


NOTE: The information in Technical Service Bulletins is intended for use by trained, professional technicians with the knowledge, tools, and equipment to do the job properly and safely. It informs these technicians of conditions that may occur on some vehicles, or provides information that could assist in proper vehicle service. The procedures should not be performed by "do-it-yourselfers". Do not assume that a condition described affects your car or truck. Contact a Ford, Lincoln, or Mercury dealership to determine whether the Bulletin applies to your vehicle. Warranty Policy and Extended Service Plan documentation determine Warranty and/or Extended Service Plan coverage unless stated otherwise in the TSB article. The information in this Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) was current at the time of printing. Ford Motor Company reserves the right to supercede this information with updates. The most recent information is available through Ford Motor Company's on-line technical resources.

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