2.3 Powertrain Malfunction / Reduced Power (coupled with Malfunction Indicator Lamp - turbocharger outputting lower boost)

[Cryztus]

For context:

• 2.3 auto Badlands
• Received September 27
• 4,065 miles
• Followed suggested 1,000 mile break-in (at least to the best of my knowledge)
• Light off-roading 4 times (mostly light mud and sugar sand)

I am having an issue with power loss, I received a few alerts on the Fordpass app but the signals on the dash tend to go away and reappear. I recently started experiencing some power loss on the highway with and without using cruise control. The first alert I got was a powertrain malfunction for reduced power. This message continues to appear and disappear (good thing all instances are logged in the Fordpass app). Recently, I started seeing the check engine light pop on and off with the message on the app saying it is a Malfunction Indicator Lamp - Regulatory. Under what is happening it shows that "The engine control system has detected that the turbocharger/supercharger is outputting lower boost than expected". I have it scheduled for the Dealer to take a look at it, but has anyone else experienced the same issue. I am wondering if it is a production flaw.


12/8/2021 Update: The shop found that "the cat tube, which is a rubber line that goes into a plastic line, had a metal strap that was too tight from factory. This metal strap cut an inch hole in the rubber line." Parts are being ordered and it'll be a 6 business day estimate.

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[Cryztus]

I have not noticed any change besides the power loss at high speeds. Nothing is leaking or lose either.

 

[HBTFD]

Or wastegate sensor/actuator.

 

[Tricky Dick]

Nooooo, there goes the perfect 2.3 track record.

Hopefully it's a simple fix.

 

[mrnoodley]

I'm having the exact same issue in our 2.3. Check engine light was on at 40 miles with codes for cat efficiency, exhaust pressure sensor, and turbo output lower than expected. I now have 2100 miles and am still waiting for my appointment for the dealer to get it in for repair.

It's definitely down on power compared to other 2.3 Broncos I've driven. I'm getting 12lbs of boost max, and have had it go into limp mode on the highway making 0 boost.

I'm sure they'll get it taken care of, but in the meantime it's very frustrating having a Bronco that hasn't ever made the power it should...

 

[Cryztus]

I'm having the exact same issue in our 2.3. Check engine light was on at 40 miles with codes for cat efficiency, exhaust pressure sensor, and turbo output lower than expected. I now have 2100 miles and am still waiting for my appointment for the dealer to get it in for repair.

It's definitely down on power compared to other 2.3 Broncos I've driven. I'm getting 12lbs of boost max, and have had it go into limp mode on the highway making 0 boost.

I'm sure they'll get it taken care of, but in the meantime it's very frustrating having a Bronco that hasn't ever made the power it should...

You mean it was supposed to have more power!! LOL...
Quite frankly, I was suspicious about how weak it was in acceleration. I would've never questioned it until these alerts started popping up. I agree it is very frustrating. I already had to have it serviced because the interior plastic panels were coming off.

Don't get me wrong people!! I got one, and I am sure enjoying the shit out of it. But to have the dealer take it for weeks at a time and driving an explorer while I wait is not an awesome experience. I love the attention I get from driving this beast around town lol

 

[SPITmadFIRE]

Nooooo, there goes the perfect 2.3 track record.

Hopefully it's a simple fix.

*remembers I just took my RS into the dealer for its 10th round of warranty work*

 

[Tornado_735]

I don't see any OASIS broadcast messages about this, but I will keep my eyes out for it.

 

[CharetteL]

I have not noticed the same power loss issues, but my BD with 2,100 miles on it popped the check engine light this AM and I got this message in FordPass. Edit - Should have added, I have the 2.3 with an automatic transmission.

 

[Cryztus]

Update: They finally took my car in the shop yesterday, but they were not able to get the "Bronco Specialist" to see it until I asked today why it took two days for the car to even be seen. 30 minutes after I asked I got an update saying that the specialist went through the car and they found that "the cat tube, which is a rubber line that goes into a plastic line, had a metal strap that was too tight from factory. This metal strap cut an inch hole in the rubber line." Parts are being ordered and it'll be a 6 business day estimate.

 

[smrpilot]

Update: They finally took my car in the shop yesterday, but they were not able to get the "Bronco Specialist" to see it until I asked today why it took two days for the car to even be seen. 30 minutes after I asked I got an update saying that the specialist went through the car and they found that "the cat tube, which is a rubber line that goes into a plastic line, had a metal strap that was too tight from factory. This metal strap cut an inch hole in the rubber line." Parts are being ordered and it'll be a 6 business day estimate.

Could've been worse news. Think of the bright side, you had nice moderate power to allow for a proper break-in, now you'll have a whole new beast! Hopefully Santa will be delivering mine by Christmas! Can't wait!

 

[balucipher]

Glad they found the problem and will have you back in your bronco soon enough

 

[FirstFord]

Same code, on the (60 mile) drive home from the dealer. First noticed when I turned off the cruise and then it wouldn’t switch back in.

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