stranded in winter
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Senior User
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stranded in winter
Coming back from being on National TV my 2011 f-250 diesel had the 60 second shutdown in the middle of nowhere. Minus 21 outside and stranded. Had a tow truck come within an hour luckily but no truck since Friday (4 days) Turns out it was a diesel exhaust sensor #4 and cost me $174. Looked it up on line and seems a problem is there. Ford was thinking of recalling over 200,000 trucks as they are failing quite regularly. One poor guy had his family and children with him and 5 horses and this Ford shut down in the desert in 109 degree temps. Didn't even know about this problem. Luckily I could pull off to the side as high snow banks but found a spot. That could put driver's in some serious danger. My truck got slower and slower until it just shut off. Talk about quick with no warning. Luckily I had cell service, otherwise could be very dangerous.
Lead Driver
Joined: Jan 2008
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From: Georgia
This scenario has been happening quite a bit since 2008. That's the reason most of us here carry extra EGT sensors, a 13mm flare wrench, code reader of some kind and a list of the codes to be able to change them ourselves. We all agree this is dangerous. While you are reading up on the forum here, there are Youtube videos on how to change them yourself. Also, while you are at it, look up the NHTSA website and file a complaint. The more complaints, the sooner a fix. Sorry this happened to you, but has happened to quite a bit of us.
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Yea, having extra parts might be good but on the narrow highway in the winter at minus 21 is not something I would do. My life is too valuable. And I am new to a diesel engine and learning as I go. I have 192,000 kms or 119,000 miles. Thx for the reply
Lead Driver
Joined: Jan 2008
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From: Georgia
I agree totally! That is why all that have been affected by this need to file a complaint. It is utterly ridiculous that our trucks shut down in GOD knows where because of a $37 sensor that could be made to make the truck "limp" to a safe location to stop! Hope your 119k miles have been mostly trouble free.
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Hotshot
Joined: Nov 2000
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From: Pflugerville, tx
that is one of the words in the explanation, also 'driveability', whatever that means to the author(s)
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stranded in freezing winter
I agree totally! That is why all that have been affected by this need to file a complaint. It is utterly ridiculous that our trucks shut down in GOD knows where because of a $37 sensor that could be made to make the truck "limp" to a safe location to stop! Hope your 119k miles have been mostly trouble free.
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stranded in winter
It is a sensor issue in the Diesel exhaust. There are four sensors there and sensor #4 went. I don't think there has been a recall for that issue. Thx
Hotshot
Joined: Nov 2013
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From: Hempstead, TX
The wording on the recall is somewhat vague, but there is speculation due to the wording, that it will offer a "limp" mode when a sensor fails (it says "improved driveability"). So far, I haven't read where anyone has been able to confirm or disprove that. If your truck was taken to a Ford dealer for the repair of the #4 sensor, theoretically they performed the recall while there. Check your paperwork.
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stranded in winter
The wording on the recall is somewhat vague, but there is speculation due to the wording, that it will offer a "limp" mode when a sensor fails (it says "improved driveability"). So far, I haven't read where anyone has been able to confirm or disprove that. If your truck was taken to a Ford dealer for the repair of the #4 sensor, theoretically they performed the recall while there. Check your paperwork.
I got a bill for $179 for that work only, replacing the #4 sensor so no recall or I would not have been charged. Even had a $3.50 disposal fee if you can believe it. Luckily I had tow service with CAA in Canada.
Hotshot
Joined: Nov 2013
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From: Hempstead, TX
I believe the recall would only cover the updated flash for emissions. The recall wasn't actually on the sensor itself, so you would still have an out of warranty cost for that repair.
Back in the 7.3 days, people would carry a spare CPS with them. These days, people seem to carry a spare sensor, flare wrench and a scanner due to the potential for this issue. Changing the sensor out yourself on the roadside may not be appealing, but in some instances, it is the best option (such as stuck in the middle of nowhere with no cell signal).
Back in the 7.3 days, people would carry a spare CPS with them. These days, people seem to carry a spare sensor, flare wrench and a scanner due to the potential for this issue. Changing the sensor out yourself on the roadside may not be appealing, but in some instances, it is the best option (such as stuck in the middle of nowhere with no cell signal).
Elder User
Joined: Sep 2004
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From: Northern VA
I'm curious (systems engineer - always thinking too much) to know if the computer tracks regen time/duration alongside the time/error logging of a sensor failure such as this. This would make it easy to trace the problem if, for example, a truck was always in regen when these sensors go bad.
My May 2014 must already have the "good" software since I don't have the recall on mine. I had a sensor go bad but it didn't leave me stranded and never went into limp mode. I just got the CEL and took it in. They fixed it under warranty. Truck only had about 3500 miles at the time.
My May 2014 must already have the "good" software since I don't have the recall on mine. I had a sensor go bad but it didn't leave me stranded and never went into limp mode. I just got the CEL and took it in. They fixed it under warranty. Truck only had about 3500 miles at the time.
Lead Driver
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I'm curious (systems engineer - always thinking too much) to know if the computer tracks regen time/duration alongside the time/error logging of a sensor failure such as this. This would make it easy to trace the problem if, for example, a truck was always in regen when these sensors go bad.
My May 2014 must already have the "good" software since I don't have the recall on mine. I had a sensor go bad but it didn't leave me stranded and never went into limp mode. I just got the CEL and took it in. They fixed it under warranty. Truck only had about 3500 miles at the time.
My May 2014 must already have the "good" software since I don't have the recall on mine. I had a sensor go bad but it didn't leave me stranded and never went into limp mode. I just got the CEL and took it in. They fixed it under warranty. Truck only had about 3500 miles at the time.
And I believe only one of the four sensors will cause a shutdown, it was sensor 1-3 on my truck, the rest just set a code.