2011 f150 ecoboost Check engine light
02-07-2012, 07:44 AM
#21
Senior Member
Unless the fuel was very contaminated (or leaded), I don't see how this is possible. There certainly are plenty of urban-legends about "I used discount gas, it killed my catalytic converter", but I just don't see how that is possible just from inexpensive or low octane gas.
Sure, an incorrect fuel mixture can kill a cat, but as mentioned, you would surely be getting 02 sensor OBD codes if the computer wasn't able to provide a good air/fuel mixture for whatever fuel you had.
Of course I've heard service writers (not just Ford) spout all kinds of completely ridiculous stuff. I think they are so used to dealing people who know nothing about cars/trucks that they just say whatever they want and expect it will not be questioned.
Of course maybe I'm wrong about this, so if anybody actually has documented info on how discount-brand gas might adversely affect a cat, I'd love to hear it!
Sure, an incorrect fuel mixture can kill a cat, but as mentioned, you would surely be getting 02 sensor OBD codes if the computer wasn't able to provide a good air/fuel mixture for whatever fuel you had.
Of course I've heard service writers (not just Ford) spout all kinds of completely ridiculous stuff. I think they are so used to dealing people who know nothing about cars/trucks that they just say whatever they want and expect it will not be questioned.
Of course maybe I'm wrong about this, so if anybody actually has documented info on how discount-brand gas might adversely affect a cat, I'd love to hear it!
02-07-2012, 03:27 PM
#22
Seconded. I don't know how much you drive or what your financial situation is but $50-$75 is all it costs for me to use Exxon/Shell/Chevron/Conoco/Phillips for a whole year versus grocery store gas. That is cheap insurance.
02-08-2012, 10:11 PM
#23
Senior Member
I have CEL P0430 also. I have been filling both of mytrucks at the same gas station but only one has an issue. P0430 (Catalyst Efficiency below threshold bank 2). CEL comes on and stays on for a few days and then goes away. I can not tell any difference in the way the truck runs. No shaking or anything. Scared the dealer will give me the same sob story about the gas also but that is not it just a preprogrammed notion to tell Ya. I know If I was the service advisor I would tell my customer the same thing.
'Use quality fuel". But anyway I have not gotten around to taking it in yet because of the intermittent problem. But will soon. I am afraid since the light goes away they will say it does not have an issue now and "You must have got some bad gas but now it is ok" song and dance and not actuall fix anything.
'Use quality fuel". But anyway I have not gotten around to taking it in yet because of the intermittent problem. But will soon. I am afraid since the light goes away they will say it does not have an issue now and "You must have got some bad gas but now it is ok" song and dance and not actuall fix anything.
Last edited by HankHill; 02-08-2012 at 10:14 PM.
03-04-2012, 05:20 PM
#24
My 2011 Eco had the CEL come on today. Didn't drive any different but it ticks me off. Going to the dealer first thing in the morning. Hoping it is the cat and nothing major.
03-04-2012, 09:48 PM
#25
I have CEL P0430 also. I have been filling both of mytrucks at the same gas station but only one has an issue. P0430 (Catalyst Efficiency below threshold bank 2). CEL comes on and stays on for a few days and then goes away. I can not tell any difference in the way the truck runs. No shaking or anything. Scared the dealer will give me the same sob story about the gas also but that is not it just a preprogrammed notion to tell Ya. I know If I was the service advisor I would tell my customer the same thing.
'Use quality fuel". But anyway I have not gotten around to taking it in yet because of the intermittent problem. But will soon. I am afraid since the light goes away they will say it does not have an issue now and "You must have got some bad gas but now it is ok" song and dance and not actuall fix anything.
'Use quality fuel". But anyway I have not gotten around to taking it in yet because of the intermittent problem. But will soon. I am afraid since the light goes away they will say it does not have an issue now and "You must have got some bad gas but now it is ok" song and dance and not actuall fix anything.
12-2-10 3.5L GTDI CALIBRATION UPDATE - VARIOUS ISSUES - BUILT ON OR BEFORE 2/7/2012
ISSUE:
Some 2011-2012 F150 vehicles built on or before 2/7/2012 and equipped with a 3.5L gasoline turbocharged direct injection (GTDI) engine may exhibit a malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) with various diagnostic trouble codes (DTC) and driveability concerns.
SERVICE PROCEDURE
The calibration update contains improvement actions and enhancements to address the following conditions: Intermittent engine surge during moderate to light loads at cruise. Enhancements to misfire monitor detection.
Powertrain control module (PCM) DTC P0430 and/or P0096.
NOTE: INSURE ALL HARD FAULT POWERTRAIN DTCS ARE ADDRESSED PRIOR TO PERFORMING THE CALIBRATION UPDATE.
If the vehicle exhibits DTC P0430 replace the left bank catalytic converter. Refer to WSM section 309-00. Proceed to Step 2.
Reprogram the PCM to the latest calibration using IDS release 77A.03A or higher. This new calibration is not included in the 2012.1A DVD. Calibration files may also be obtained at www.motorcraft.com.
05-03-2012, 12:00 PM
#29
Just a quick note guys...i work in refineries all over the U.S. and the refiners supply gasoline to all different brands (Shell, Chevron, Valero, etc.). Valero refineries supply Shell stations, Shell refineries to Valero stations, Exxon to Kroger and on and on it goes. It has more to do with supply logistics than anything else.
05-04-2012, 06:19 AM
#30
My '11 Ebscrew FX4 did the same thing in February with 20K miles on it. Code said bad cat or O2 sensor. I drove it another 3000 miles before the CEL came on again. I went back to the dealer who changed the left cat. All good now with 34K miles. Mileage has always been very good. Overall is 19.7mpg since build date and over 1700 gallons of gas. This includes towing a large trailer about 2500 + miles. I can count on 22mpg on all long trips I take.
I love the truck but you need to be very gentle driving it if you want good gas mileage. If I drove it like a teenager I would not get over 17mpg.
I love the truck but you need to be very gentle driving it if you want good gas mileage. If I drove it like a teenager I would not get over 17mpg.