Ford's experiences problems with new diesel; 6.0 Power Stroke is important test - Ford Forums

Stacy94PGT · 03-04-2003, 05:32

By AMY WILSON | Automotive News

DETROIT - Ford Motor Co. is acknowledging that some of its crucial new 6.0-liter diesel engines have a defective sensor, leading to bucking and stalling in cold weather.

Since November, the company has sold more than 18,000 trucks with the engine, which Ford calls the Power Stroke, at prices that can reach $40,000 or more.

The engine, which is produced by International Truck and Engine Corp., is available in F-250 and F-350 full-sized pickups and in the Excursion SUV.

"A small percentage of Power Strokes have been experiencing a variety of different problems," Ford spokeswoman Becky Bach says. "But we've been working with our dealers, and we think we have a way to address most of the issues."

She wouldn't specify the number of trucks affected. The most common problem seems to be a defective injection control pressure sensor. That has caused such problems as bucking, lurching, black smoke and stalling in cold weather.

A new sensor went to the factory and to service departments during the first week in February, Bach says, and that seems to be fixing those problems.

Dealers, customers and suppliers have reported a variety of other problems, including oil leaks, fuel injector failures and turbocharger failures, but it's not clear how prevalent those glitches are.

Ford didn't comment on those reports.

The 6.0-liter Power Stroke is an important test for Ford in the competitive light-duty diesel market. Ford has led that segment in recent years, but General Motors and Dodge have been gaining ground with recent engine introductions. Buyers of diesel trucks, often used as work vehicles, are among the most loyal customers in the market.

Ford predicts that it will sell more than 200,000 trucks with the 6.0-liter Power Stroke annually.

Executives have said they expect annual sales to be about 40,000 higher with the new engine than with the previous 7.3-liter Power Stroke.

At the Chicago Auto Show, Jim Padilla, Ford North America president, said Ford expects to increase

F-series sales to more than 1 million with the help of the new Power Stroke.

Ford says the engine has better fuel economy, lower emissions, less noise and more power than the 7.3-liter diesel.

One dealer who has been plagued with 6.0-liter Power Stroke problems says Ford has responded more quickly to this problem than to any glitch in the past. But it still has been a rough introduction, says Randy Fuller, dealer partner at Fullers' White Mountain Motors in Show Low, Ariz. Of 12 trucks at his dealership, eight have been affected, he says.

Says Fuller: "Once they get the bugs worked out, this thing is just a powerhouse engine. But the launch has been less than sterling."