Symptom Chart: Turbocharger

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2013 Ford Explorer. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Diagnostics in this service information assumes a certain skill level and knowledge of Ford-specific diagnostic practices. Refer to DIAGNOSTIC METHODS for information about these practices.

NOTE: This information provides mechanical diagnosis of the turbocharger assembly. If there is a MIL illuminated, or DTCs are present, these should be diagnosed prior to performing turbocharger mechanical diagnosis. Refer to ENGINE CONTROLS - INTRODUCTION (EXCEPT DIESEL & HYBRID) (SECTION 0) .

Verify the customer concern and then inspect the components of the entire turbocharger system for obvious signs of damage or other mechanical concerns using the following chart.

SYMPTOM DESCRIPTION - TURBOCHARGER

Mechanical
Oil inlet pipe and connection Oil outlet pipe and connection Compressor housing inlet circuit and piping Compressor housing outlet circuit and piping Turbine housing inlet circuit and piping Turbine housing outlet circuit and piping Turbocharger actuator tubing or linkage Wastegate actuator rod

If the concern(s) remains after the inspection, GO to the SYMPTOM CHART below. If a driveability condition still exists, refer to the ENGINE CONTROLS - INTRODUCTION (EXCEPT DIESEL & HYBRID) (SECTION 0) .

SYMPTOM DESCRIPTION - TURBOCHARGER

Condition	Possible Sources	Actions
Loss of power/performance	Clogged ACL element	INSTALL a new ACL element. REFER to INTAKE AIR SYSTEM COMPONENTS - EXPLODED VIEW . TEST the system for normal operation.
Loss of power/performance	Loose connections or damage to air intake hoses and tubes	TIGHTEN the hose clamps. INSPECT for damage and REPAIR as necessary.
	Malfunctioning fuel system	REFER to the ENGINE CONTROLS - INTRODUCTION (EXCEPT DIESEL & HYBRID) (SECTION 0) .
	Poor fuel quality	DRAIN and FILL with fresh fuel.
	Engine wear (piston rings, valve guides)	REPAIR as required.
	Turbocharger turbine or compressor wheel damage	INSPECT the turbocharger. Refer to TURBOCHARGER .
	Damaged exhaust or exhaust leaks at turbocharger housing or exhaust manifolds	INSPECT for leaks. Leaks can usually be detected audibly or visually, by a discoloration caused by escaping hot exhaust gases. REPAIR as required.
	Malfunctioning turbocharger bypass valve	REFER to the ENGINE CONTROLS - INTRODUCTION (EXCEPT DIESEL & HYBRID) (SECTION 0) .
	Obstructed wastegate actuator linkage	INSPECT the suspect turbocharger wastegate linkage for obstruction. REPAIR as necessary.
	Damaged wastegate actuator linkage	INSPECT the suspect turbocharger wastegate linkage for damage. INSTALL a new turbocharger.
	Wastegate actuator operation	TEST the wastegate actuator operation. REFER to the ENGINE CONTROLS - INTRODUCTION (EXCEPT DIESEL & HYBRID) (SECTION 0) .
	PCM-DTCs .	REFER to the ENGINE CONTROLS - INTRODUCTION (EXCEPT DIESEL & HYBRID) (SECTION 0) .
Excessive oil consumption	Incorrect type or grade of oil	DRAIN and FILL with specified oil.
Excessive oil consumption	Oil in the cylinder head to turbocharger flange	REPAIR as required.
	Clogged ACL element	INSTALL a new ACL element. REFER to INTAKE AIR SYSTEM COMPONENTS - EXPLODED VIEW . TEST the system for normal operation.
	Blocked or restricted turbocharger oil drain pipe	INSPECT the turbocharger oil drain pipe. REPAIR as necessary.
	Damaged or collapsed air intake hoses and tubes	TIGHTEN hose clamps. INSPECT for damage and REPAIR as necessary.
	Damaged exhaust or exhaust leaks at turbocharger housing or exhaust manifold	INSPECT for leaks. Leaks can usually be detected audibly or visually, by a discoloration caused by escaping hot exhaust gases. REPAIR as required.
	Turbocharger oil seals leaking	Refer to TURBOCHARGER .
	Damaged crankcase ventilation system	Visually INSPECT the crankcase ventilation system.
Excessive noise	Turbocharger compressor air intake pipe leaking	REPAIR or INSTALL a new pipe as required.
Excessive noise	Loose connections or damage to air intake hoses and tubes	TIGHTEN hose clamps. INSPECT for damage and REPAIR as necessary.
	Air leaks at turbine housing, blown joints or damaged exhaust	INSPECT for leaks. Leaks can usually be detected audibly or visually, by a discoloration caused by escaping hot exhaust gases. REPAIR as required.
	Carbon build up in the turbine housing causing contact with turbine wheel	INSPECT the turbocharger. Refer to TURBOCHARGER .
	Turbocharger imbalance due to foreign object/damage	REPAIR as required.
	Turbine bearing failure	INSPECT the turbocharger. Refer to TURBOCHARGER .
	Change to the wastegate nut location	INSPECT the turbocharger paint mark location. If the paint marks are not aligned, INSTALL a new turbocharger.
	Inoperative turbocharger bypass valve	REFER to the ENGINE CONTROLS - INTRODUCTION (EXCEPT DIESEL & HYBRID) (SECTION 0) .
Engine emits excessive smoke (black/blue/white)	Clogged ACL element.	INSTALL a new ACL element. REFER to INTAKE AIR SYSTEM COMPONENTS - EXPLODED VIEW . TEST the system for normal operation.
Engine emits excessive smoke (black/blue/white)	Incorrect type or grade of oil	DRAIN and FILL with specified oil.
	Blocked or restricted turbocharger oil drain pipe	INSPECT the turbocharger oil drain pipe. REPAIR as necessary.
	Damaged/restricted or leaking turbocharger compressor air intake pipe	REPAIR or INSTALL a new pipe as required.
	Engine wear (piston rings, valve guides)	REPAIR as required.
	Plugged crankcase ventilation system	Visually INSPECT the crankcase ventilation system.
	Turbocharger oil seals leaking	Refer to TURBOCHARGER .