Intense cold problem

[Fortz]

Howdy everyone!

I start up the car this morning (-29?C on the dashboard). It took an extra turn to start up the engine but this is not a problem. I went inside for 5 minutes, time to let the car warms a little. When I came back, I notice the exhaust was spitting black ''chunks'' (maybe iced condensation mixed with carbon?) and was very rough on idle (sounded like an intermitent cylinder misfire). I also had this wrench light on the dash... I stopped the car and restart it 1 minute later and the problem was gone, everything ok. I should've check with the AP for any CEL code but I didn't think to do it on the moment. And now there's no code.

Do anyone ever had this ''problem''?

 

[CanadianST]

I imagine something was just frozen up from the cold. Happens all the time with the trucks at work, seeing the black through the exhaust definitely is scary though

 

[Fortz]

Well I hope it didnt break something internal.
I've read on a another forum that the black stuff could be unburnt gas passing through the catalytic converter... Not sure if it can happen on a new car, mine has 12 000km.

 

[derfernerf]

I work for Ford's Technical Assistance Center, there is an announced Technical Service Bulletin for this. It is actually a characteristic of a turbo vehicle under extreme cold conditions, and it is perfectly normal according to Ford. No sweat!

If you would like I can try to post some more info tomorrow, I cant remember the exact details off the top of my head. But I do know it is perfectly okay for it to happen when in cold conditions. You may also experience a slight "rough" idle, it's just the engine trying to adjust for the cold!

 

[Fortz]

Thanks derfernerf. Yes I would like to have more info on what is the cause of that if you can.

 

[derfernerf]

It's a Direct Injection thing. Basically the engine runs rich and creates excess carbon which ends up chunking out the exhaust. On cold startups it's completely normal.

 

[Fortz]

Alright thank you

 

[derfernerf]

No problem! Also from what I've seen on other forums and such, A tune will make more "soot" come out on cold starts. And I see you have a Cobb AP, so it could be partially due to that. I'm sure it's plenty cold in Canada right now!

 

[FordServiceCA]

Howdy everyone!

I start up the car this morning (-29?C on the dashboard). It took an extra turn to start up the engine but this is not a problem. I went inside for 5 minutes, time to let the car warms a little. When I came back, I notice the exhaust was spitting black ''chunks'' (maybe iced condensation mixed with carbon?) and was very rough on idle (sounded like an intermitent cylinder misfire). I also had this wrench light on the dash... I stopped the car and restart it 1 minute later and the problem was gone, everything ok. I should've check with the AP for any CEL code but I didn't think to do it on the moment. And now there's no code.

Do anyone ever had this ''problem''?

Let me help, Fortz! Has your dealer been able to reproduce, and in turn, diagnose this concern? Send over the current odometer and preferred dealer; I'll look further into this.

Nikki
Ford Service CA

 

[Fortz]

PM sent