2022 2.3L Getting Sluggish

[skhubbard93]

Do we know whether these engines are a type that "learn" driver behavior? I thought I remembered reading somewhere that some engines start anticipating what you're going to ask for when you do certain things, and tune themselves accordingly to e.g. reduce emissions or fuel consumption. Since you're driving stick, it obviously isn't the transmission doing anticipatory shifting and power modulation, but perhaps it's gating the throttle somewhat for some other reason. You could also try Baja mode with some manual adjustments to off-road settings.

I find in mine that in "standard" mode, I need to goose the throttle quite a bit when starting out, or it looses too much power getting going as the clutch comes out.

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[Chrome_Pony]

Troubleshooting 101: It's almost always a layer 8 problem.

That's Taco Bell, not McDonald's

 

[userdude]

Troubleshooting 101: It's almost always a layer 8 problem.

I would say if you're having trouble with the gas and your giddy-up, it might be a 7-layer problem. Just sayin'!

Edit: Ahh, squirreled! Great minds think alike.

 

[Aut-Lin]

I'm leaning towards stock but has anyone tired the NGK ltr6bhx ruthenium?

I replaced my stock plugs with these and there was definitely a noticeable improvement when I did. Bronco sounded a little different at idle, and was more responsive to throttle input. Replaced stock plugs at the interval specified in the manual.

 

[fuesting]

Troubleshooting 101: It's almost always a layer 8 problem.

OSI model? Maybe I'm the only nerd here that thought of that.

 

[23OBX2.7]

Definately need new OE plugs

 

[fuesting]

Do we know whether these engines are a type that "learn" driver behavior? I thought I remembered reading somewhere that some engines start anticipating what you're going to ask for when you do certain things, and tune themselves accordingly to e.g. reduce emissions or fuel consumption. Since you're driving stick, it obviously isn't the transmission doing anticipatory shifting and power modulation, but perhaps it's gating the throttle somewhat for some other reason. You could also try Baja mode with some manual adjustments to off-road settings.

I find in mine that in "standard" mode, I need to goose the throttle quite a bit when starting out, or it looses too much power getting going as the clutch comes out.

I understand what you're saying but I really hope that's not the case. I too have to goose my throttle, but I didn't have to do that when I first bought the car.

 

[fuesting]

Definately need new OE plugs

Well I ordered 4X of these from Rock Auto. NGK 90495. I will report back as soon as they're in. Probably Friday.

 

[23OBX2.7]

Well I ordered 4X of these from Rock Auto. NGK 90495. I will report back as soon as they're in. Probably Friday.

I would only use OE plugs many have issues with aftermarket...

 

[fuesting]

I would only use OE plugs many have issues with aftermarket...

I'll be quick to change them out with any problems. These are not colder plugs but rather OE replacements. Thank you.

 

[zyglyrox]

I do suggest checking the valves. 60-65k was usually the starting point for surging idle / crummy performance with the BMW / VW guys. Crusty valves are no good.

I also have the one step colder plugs offered by Panda but I have the panda tuner as well. I didn’t notice a huge difference honestly.

 

[Pnuu]

I'm a big NGK plug fan, and 70k on any turbo engine is probably overdue for plugs.

I don't have a 2.3 in front of me, but looking at this pic I found, the hose on the intake manifold at cylinder 4 looks like it can be removed.

Look inside that hole with an endoscope/inspection camera (cheap on Amazon and insanely useful) and you can probably see the intake valves.

 

[rblume73]

Be careful with the fuel additives. Most create a higher exhaust temperature which the turbos can't handle. I read a few years ago that Ford was not recommending additives due to turbo damage.

 

[ScottyC]

If you do use a fuel additive - I recommend a bottle of Chevron Techron....I will dump one into the tank at oil change interval. Also, it cannot hurt you to get it up to temp and "blow it out" (some refer to it as an "Italian tuneup") on the highway. In that same vein, after said "tuneup" - a plug change would def help too since you have them coming in by Friday.

 

[Bronco-Mania]

OSI model? Maybe I'm the only nerd here that thought of that.

Definitely not the only nerd here. Layer 8 = it's always the end user's fault.

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