Symptom Chart

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2018 Ford F-550 Super Duty, 2018 Ford F-450 Super Duty, and 2018 Ford F-350 Super Duty. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Symptom	Possible Sources	Action
Loss of power/performance	Clogged Air Cleaner (ACL) element	INSTALL a new Air Cleaner (ACL) element. TEST the system for normal operation.
Restriction upstream of the turbocharger compressor		REMOVE the restriction.
Partially blocked CAC (charge air cooler) (engine oil)		REPAIR or INSTALL a new CAC (charge air cooler). Refer to: Charge Air Cooler (CAC) Cleaning . Refer to: Charge Air Cooler (CAC) . TEST the system for normal operation.
Damaged CAC (charge air cooler)		INSTALL a new CAC (charge air cooler). Refer to: Charge Air Cooler (CAC) . TEST the system for normal operation.
Low compression		REPAIR as needed.
Turbocharger compressor air intake hoses leaking		REPAIR or INSTALL a new hose or clamps as needed.
Loose connections or damage to air intake hoses and tubes		TIGHTEN the hose clamps. and REPAIR as needed. INSPECT for damage. REPAIR as needed.
Malfunctioning fuel system		Refer to Engine Controls - Symptom Charts (Diesel) .
Poor fuel quality		DRAIN and FILL with fresh fuel.
Engine wear (piston rings, valve guides)		REPAIR as needed.
Turbocharger turbine or compressor wheel damage		INSPECT the turbocharger. REFER to Check For Free Rotation - Off Vehicle .
Turbocharger bearings seized		INSTALL a new turbocharger. Refer to: Turbocharger . TEST the system for normal operation.
Damaged exhaust or exhaust leaks at the turbocharger inlet pipes		INSPECT for leaks. Leaks can usually be detected audibly or visually, by a discoloration caused by escaping hot exhaust gases. REPAIR as needed. Refer to: Turbocharger Inlet Pipe LH . Refer to: Turbocharger Inlet Pipe RH .
Turbocharger actuator not functioning		TEST the turbocharger actuator operation. Refer to Engine Controls - Symptom Charts (Diesel) .
PCM (powertrain control module) - DTC (diagnostic trouble code)		REFER to: Electronic Engine Controls .
Restricted flow through the EGR cooler due to coolant intrusion		REMOVE the EGRT cooler outlet temperature sensor. Refer to: Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) Temperature Sensor . INSPECT for signs of coolant. If coolant is present, REMOVE the EGR cooler and pressure test. Refer to: Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) Cooler Leak Test . INSPECT for blockage or coolant intrusion. REPAIR as needed.

Symptom	Possible Sources	Action
Excessive oil consumption (blue or gray exhaust smoke)	Incorrect type or grade of oil Excessive oil level	DRAIN and FILL with specified oil.
Extended oil change intervals		CHANGE oil as recommended.
Oil in exhaust manifold		REPAIR as needed.
Clogged Air Cleaner (ACL) element		INSTALL a new Air Cleaner (ACL) element. TEST the system for normal operation.
Restriction upstream of the turbocharger compressor		REMOVE the restriction. INSPECT the closed crankcase ventilation (CCV) system. REPAIR as needed.
Blocked or restricted turbocharger oil drain		INSPECT the turbocharger oil drain. REPAIR as needed.
Damaged or collapsed air intake hoses and tubes		TIGHTEN hose clamps. INSPECT for damage. REPAIR as needed.
Damaged exhaust or exhaust leaks at the turbocharger inlet pipes		INSPECT for leaks. Leaks can usually be detected audibly or visually, by a discoloration caused by escaping hot exhaust gases. REPAIR as needed. Refer to: Turbocharger Inlet Pipe LH . Refer to: Turbocharger Inlet Pipe RH .
Turbocharger oil seals leaking		REFER to Turbocharger Internal Oil Leak Test .
Turbocharger top oil plug leaking		REPAIR as needed.
Turbocharger actuator oil leak		INSTALL a new turbocharger actuator. Refer to: Turbocharger Actuator .
Turbocharger-to-pedestal gasket failure		INSTALL a new turbocharger-to-pedestal gasket. Refer to: Turbocharger . TEST the system for normal operation.
Damaged or restricted crankcase ventilation system		Visually INSPECT the crankcase ventilation system. REPAIR as needed.

Symptom	Possible Sources	Action
Excessive coolant consumption (white exhaust smoke) or leaks	Turbocharger coolant tube seals and/or coolant tube leaking	Visually INSPECT the turbocharger coolant return tube and the turbocharger coolant tube seals/gaskets, hose and clamps. REPLACE the turbocharger coolant return tube and the turbocharger coolant tube seals/gaskets, hose and clamps as needed. REFER to: Turbocharger Coolant Return Tube .
Turbocharger side cup plug failure		INSTALL a new turbocharger. Refer to: Turbocharger . TEST the system for normal operation.
Turbocharger-to-pedestal gasket failure		INSTALL a new turbocharger-to-pedestal gasket. Refer to: Turbocharger . TEST the system for normal operation.

Symptom	Possible Sources	Action
Noise or vibration	Loose connections or damage to air intake hoses and tubes	TIGHTEN hose clamps. INSPECT for damage. REPAIR as needed.
Air leaks at intake manifold or CAC		REPAIR as needed.
Leaks at turbocharger inlet and outlet connections		REPAIR as needed.
Exhaust leaks at turbocharger housing, exhaust manifolds, turbocharger inlet pipes		INSPECT for leaks. Leaks can usually be detected audibly or visually, by a discoloration caused by escaping hot exhaust gases. REPAIR as needed.
Turbocharger imbalance due to foreign object/damage		REPAIR as needed.
Turbine bearing failure		INSPECT the turbocharger. REFER to Check For Free Rotation - Off Vehicle .
Turbocharger compressor housing seals		INSTALL a new turbocharger. Refer to: Turbocharger . TEST the system for normal operation.
Leak in exhaust system before DPF		REPAIR as needed.

Symptom	Possible Sources	Action
Engine emits excessive smoke (black/blue/white)	Clogged Air Cleaner (ACL) element	INSTALL a new Air Cleaner (ACL) element. TEST the system for normal operation.
Incorrect type or grade of oil		DRAIN and FILL with specified oil.
Blocked or restricted turbocharger oil drain		INSPECT the turbocharger oil drain. REPAIR as needed.
Damaged/restricted or leaking turbocharger compressor air intake pipe		REPAIR or INSTALL a new pipe as needed.
Engine wear (piston rings, valve guides)		REPAIR as needed.
Plugged crankcase ventilation system		Visually INSPECT the crankcase ventilation system. REPAIR as needed.
Turbocharger oil seals leaking		REFER to Turbocharger Internal Oil Leak Test .

Symptom	Possible Sources	Action
High boost	Leak in exhaust system before DPF	REPAIR as needed.

Symptom	Possible Sources	Action
Turbocharger coolant leaks	Turbocharger coolant tube seals and/or coolant tube leaking	Visually INSPECT the turbocharger coolant return tube and the turbocharger coolant tube seals/gaskets, hose and clamps. REPLACE the turbocharger coolant return tube and the turbocharger coolant tube seals/gaskets, hose and clamps as needed. REFER to: Turbocharger Coolant Return Tube .