Hello Scotty and Friends!
My 2013 Ford Escape 2.0L Ecoboost is a great SUV. Recently, under low load acceleration, it is starting to rev up and down about 500 to 750 RPM. If I accelerate hard, no issue, Idle no issue. Why, under low load, would it do this? How can I fix it? I did run a scan tool and didn't find any error codes.
Thank you for your help!
Dave
It's most likely LSPI (Low Speed Pre-Ignition) that is taking place when you accelerate at those low engine speeds. When the ECU detects LSPI, it will actually turn off the injectors on those cylinders it detects it on for a few cycles to prevent it from re-occurring. That's why your engine is revving like that, and I bet it feels like it's misfiring too. You need a dealer level scan tool to see the code stored for the LSPI injector shutdown.
I've experienced this before on my turbocharged BMW. LSPI is a common problem on turbocharged engines. I fixed my problem (well not completely fix, but reduced it SIGNIFICANTLY) by switching to an API SN+ rated oil. SN+ was specifically made to address LSPI in modern turbocharged engines by removing the calcium-based additives in the oil. From the research I've done on this (and I've done A LOT when I began experiencing it), the calcium inside the oil increases the oil vapor's flashpoint under high heat and compression and, therefore, pre-igniting the air-fuel mixture in the cylinder during compression (this is pretty dangerous for the engine, hence the injector shutdown). You might be wondering...why is there oil getting inside the combustion chamber? This is because of the PCV system, which is why most GDI owners install oil catch-cans to prevent oil from getting inside the intake and combustion chamber.
For your next oil change, switch to an API SN+ rated oil and see if that helps solve your issue.
Thank you, Razmig! I am due for an oil change and will have the Ford dealer perform the oil change and confirm your great advice! I will post back with my findings 🙂
Great! I'd love to hear what the dealer says about LSPI, and whether there were any codes stored for it.
The Ford dealer changed the oil and said they always use the type of oil you suggested. They scanned the car and found no errors. I also asked them to perform a Transmission service. They recommended NOT to do this since it was never done. And that they believed I needed a new transmission. I am bringing my Ford to a transmission specialist to perform the changing of transmission fluid and filter. UGH! Apparently, the Ford Escape 2013 is a great SUV with a poor transmission. This year in particular.