6 Signs Your Ford’s Emission Control System Needs Service

Various issues could signal problems in your Ford’s emission system. Learn why strange smoke, odd exhaust smells, and other factors may be a sign that it’s time to visit the service department at our Ford dealership for emission control service.

1. Check Engine Light

The check engine light is often the first indicator of various engine issues. Using an OBD-II code reader, mechanics can determine if the check engine light came on due to an issue with the catalytic converter, an oxygen sensor, or the EVAP system.

2. Failed Emission

A failed emission test may be the clearest indicator that there’s an issue in the emission system. Common causes of a failed emission test are similar to what triggers a check engine light, including malfunctioning oxygen sensors or a faulty catalytic converter. Issues with exhaust gas recirculation valves can also cause a failed emission test.  

3. Rough Idling or Stalling

If you notice that your Ford is idling rough or even stalling, it could be due to vacuum leaks. Like failed emission tests, a faulty EGR valve may also be the culprit in this scenario.

4. Poor Fuel Economy

A variety of reasons could result in reduced fuel economy on your Ford, but a couple are directly related to the emission control system. If your Ford’s oxygen sensor or mass airflow sensor has started failing or failed completely, it can result in your engine creating an incorrect air/fuel mixture. This will lead to your engine burning more fuel than required.

Other signs of a bad air/fuel mixture are black exhaust smoke, rough idling, and a loss of power.

5. Hissing or Ticking Noises

Unfamiliar hissing or ticking noises can be hard to pinpoint, but if you’ve noticed other symptoms of a faulty emission system, start checking vacuum hoses for leaks. This includes cracked hoses within the evaporative emissions system.

6. Excessive Fuel Smell

If you’re noticing a strong gas or diesel smell in your Ford, it could be because of a bad charcoal canister or a failure within the EVAP system. However, excessive fuel odors aren’t always due to malfunctions within the emission system. It can also be the result of damaged fuel lines or fuel injectors.

Incomplete combustion can also cause an excessive fuel smell in your Ford. If you have a faulty spark plug, unburned fuel can end up in the tailpipe, causing the unwanted fuel odor.

When to Visit Our Ford Dealership in Silver Spring, Maryland

If you notice any of the signs mentioned above, and especially if you’ve noticed several of them, stop by our dealership as soon as it’s convenient. Continuing to run your Ford with faults in the emission system could lead to additional problems resulting in costly repairs.

To learn if your Ford’s emission system needs repair, visit Koons Ford Silver Spring in Silver Spring, MD.

Tags: emission control system service, ford car service silver spring md
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