Powerboost - cold engine, like always?
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Lead Driver
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 6,951
Likes: 512
From: Foothills, CA
Powerboost - cold engine, like always?
We're considering an order for a Powerboost, but one thing that is troubling (to me) is how the gas engine gets no time to warm up before being called into use...
Anyone else see this as a problem? Or, is it a problem?
I warm up, especially turbo'd motors, before ever asking for full power, but the Powerboost can often have the 3.5 EB in off mode...
Or maybe we just keep the truck we have - color is no longer available is one reason...
Anyone else see this as a problem? Or, is it a problem?
I warm up, especially turbo'd motors, before ever asking for full power, but the Powerboost can often have the 3.5 EB in off mode...
Or maybe we just keep the truck we have - color is no longer available is one reason...
Mountain Pass
Joined: Jul 2020
Posts: 122
Likes: 44
From: Weatherford
They are ways to make the motor start such as using the a/c, heater or even switching on the generator. For morning cold starts, by the time I pull out of my garage and wait for the door to close behind me, the engine is already running. I just sit there and wait about 2 minutes. Enough time for the oil to circulate. I also leave it in drive to keep the transmission pump going just for grins. After that, i just go easy for about 2-3 miles and then drive as normal. I do the same thing with my 450 diesel. The engine will generate more heat and reach optimal operating temps quicker with a load which is better overall. AND I am by no means **** about it, sometimes I forget and just go after my garage door closes.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 1,634
Likes: 72
I don't see it as an issue in the sense that Ford engineers have obviously taken this into consideration.
Hybrid vehicles have been out for a long time, so there is info out there for Ford to consider when designing the operation of the battery vs cold engine.
I'm not worried about it at all...zero amount of concern to me....and I'm strongly considering the powerboost model for my next truck.
Hybrid vehicles have been out for a long time, so there is info out there for Ford to consider when designing the operation of the battery vs cold engine.
I'm not worried about it at all...zero amount of concern to me....and I'm strongly considering the powerboost model for my next truck.
Lead Driver
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 8,475
Likes: 728
From: Calgary Canada
In truly cold weather, the engine will start up immediately based on a few parameters. In moderate outdoor temps, it may or may not start right away, but it will within the first couple minutes of normal driving, and if you feel like taking it easy for another few minutes, that's not going to hurt anything.
Really, of all the things to like and dislike about the PowerBoost drivetrain, I think this should be pretty low on the list.
Really, of all the things to like and dislike about the PowerBoost drivetrain, I think this should be pretty low on the list.
FTE Legend
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 31,930
Likes: 1,499
From: Ottawa, Ontario
Warmup hasn't been a technical requirement for engines since EFI first appeared sometime in the mid '80's, as soon as there is sufficient oil pressure a motor is good to go.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Dec 2016
Posts: 780
Likes: 188
From: Knightstown Indiana
OP, why don’t you want to drive it more? Superduty life is good!!!
on edit
I picked up a Maverick a couple years ago to keep miles off my Superduty. I put about 150k on a couple different ones, ultimately though I figured no sense in keeping it a garage queen, I bought it to drive that’s what I’m gonna do.
on edit
I picked up a Maverick a couple years ago to keep miles off my Superduty. I put about 150k on a couple different ones, ultimately though I figured no sense in keeping it a garage queen, I bought it to drive that’s what I’m gonna do.
Last edited by Superdave71; Dec 9, 2025 at 06:13 AM.
Lead Driver
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 8,475
Likes: 728
From: Calgary Canada
I'll repeat that in proper cold tems, the gas engine will start up even if the battery has enough power to "drive away" in pure EV mode. The gas engine does warm up automatically based on multiple sensors. That part of hybrid operation is handled really well by the computer.
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More Turbo
Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 684
Likes: 84
From: Green Bay Wi
Unless they are using something other than the engine to heat the cab, the engine has to run when it’s cold.
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From: Calgary Canada
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