[ranxerox]

It has to be throwing a fault code, What does the fault code say?

 

[npetrack]

It’s not throwing a code. It’s weird I thought it would

 

[kazuo]

So maybe more fuel related? check for a spark.

 

[carringb]

The reason I’m suspecting the TB is because it’s initially starting then stalling. The TB is fully closed at cold starts, then has to open as it warms. If the TB is sticking, it stays closed. A fuel problem would probably not even allow a restart. A spark problem would likely cause a no-start cranking condition.

It probably isn’t throwing codes because of extreme cold. OEMs are allowed to bypass some emissions controls for parameters outside “normal” conditions, and very cold temps is one of those.

OP - did you try giving it some gas pedal? You might just need to command an open throttle position to get it unstuck. Like give the throttle a good jab. You don’t need to hold it there.

BTW this can happen with bad carbon buildup too. And even then it doesn’t always throw a hard code.

 

[kazuo]

Ford has a clear flood mode, hold the gas pedal to the floor and it holds the TB wide open while disabling the fuel injectors, pull the intake tube feeding the TB have some watch as you crank the engine with the gas pedal to the floor.

 

[kazuo]

No electrical problems. Starts, runs, chugs then dies within 1 minute or less. Seems like it’s not getting fuel or a sensor

So it runs for less than 1 minute dies, and then it cranks with no restart? or it repletes the runs for less than 1 minute dies over and over?

 

[kazuo]

Or the TB should move with the key in the run position look in the end of the TB as somebody moves the gas pedal.

 

[kazuo]

Some more info about TB:

Ford Five Hundred & Freestyle Surging No Start: Electronic Throttle Body Replacement

 

[npetrack]

I appreciate everyone’s advice on this. Tried everything, nothing works. It will be towed to dealership and wait for the 3 weeks for its appointment. Crazy times, with delays/waits etc. I did order a block heater to try and eliminate that for the future.

 

[kazuo]

When they solve it, report back with the solution.

 

[EddieZ]

How about blocked gas filler vent?

 

[npetrack]

How about blocked gas filler vent?

I guess I didn’t try that. It got towed. I appreciate the advice. The wait times for service is crazy. 3-4 weeks before a dealer will get it in. Pretty lame

 

[npetrack]

Well, here is the update. All the spark plugs got replaced. This happened at 5000 miles and now 18000. Didn’t throw a code but the mechanic replaced all plugs and recalibrated some electronic fuel thing. He has seen this before in Ecoboosts. Didn’t have a good explanation and I will follow up with Ford. Often times in cold climates, when the dealerships move their vehicles for plowing several days in a row they will have a few vehicles that need to be brought inside and have plugs replaced. Doesn’t make sense to me. At least I have warranty and I’m on the road again. Still searching for why this is happening.

 

[carringb]

Ford has published bulletins previously for vehicles in storage. Specifically for vehicles started up for very short durations. I haven’t seen one for the EcoBoost but for the Econolines there was a minimum warm-up time per startup. Basically to prevent condensation issues.

Anyways… a stuck/frozen throttle body probably would foul the plugs. I’m still sticking with my theory that your TB sucked in the moisture through the filter than froze. Next time out, try the extended idle before shutting things down. And definitely check for a water logged filter next time the windshield is melting snow!

 

[surly Bill]

Plugs?! That sounds like a problem created by the cause of the malfunction, not the malfunction itself.
At least it's under warranty, though, and not your only car.

 

[kazuo]

That's a new one for me, never heard of spark plugs fouling from sitting for long periods. Learn something new.According to John Hoard, an associate research scientist in the mechanical engineering department at the University of Michigan, gasoline direct-injection engines, like diesel engines, have a tendency to produce particulate matter, also known as soot. Maybe if you do a lot of in town driving and short trips your getting a build up on the spark plugs causing them to foul. Maybe once a fortnight get it out on the highway for 30 to 50 miles run, Its good for the vehicle in general, operate the AC and such, keeps the seals from taking a set.

 

[npetrack]

Plugs?! That sounds like a problem created by the cause of the malfunction, not the malfunction itself.
At least it's under warranty, though, and not your only car.

I agree. I hope to figure out what causes it so im not in the same boat next winter. Thanks for all the advice. Much appreciated. I will follow up with Ford

 

[npetrack]

That's a new one for me, never heard of spark plugs fouling from sitting for long periods. Learn something new.According to John Hoard, an associate research scientist in the mechanical engineering department at the University of Michigan, gasoline direct-injection engines, like diesel engines, have a tendency to produce particulate matter, also known as soot. Maybe if you do a lot of in town driving and short trips your getting a build up on the spark plugs causing them to foul. Maybe once a fortnight get it out on the highway for 30 to 50 miles run, Its good for the vehicle in general, operate the AC and such, keeps the seals from taking a set.

Thanks. It gets run on the highway couple times a week but maybe needs more use when it’s frigid out. -30 is not uncommon here for a few day stretch.

 

[kazuo]

Here is more info:

Why Some GM Exhaust Tips Become Blackened With Use

Why Some GM Exhaust Tips Become Blackened With Use

Dirty pipes? Direct-injection might be to blame.

gmauthority.com

 

[kazuo]

Now you know whats causing it, easy enough to pop the spark plugs out, especially on the Ecoboost.