How to Fix Powertrain Fault in Ford Fusion? We Explain

Ford Fusion is one of the well-known Ford Motors models. The 4-door mid-sized sedan has been around since 2006. It is a vehicle that has impressed even discerning car critics. It boasts a wide range of engine variants, from the 1.5L EcoBoost I4 to the 3.5 L Duratec 35 V6. It is a car that gives convenience, comfort, and style to those riding in it.

Today, we look at the powertrain fault light that many Ford Fusion owners have encountered. We explore the possible causes of the powertrain fault in your car. We also look at how best to handle the warning light and a few tricks on how you can avoid seeing it in the first place. 

To understand the powertrain fault in your Fusion, we start by looking at what powertrain really means. This will help you appreciate the powertrain fault warning when it appears on your instrument cluster.

What is the powertrain in a car?

The powertrain is a combination of components that puts a car into motion. Powertrain generates power from the engine and transfers it to the ground via the axle. The assembly of these components includes the;

1. The axle - Axles are a combination of parts that lies between the wheels of the car, and the main function is to transmit power to the wheels by rotating. It also holds the weight of the vehicle.
2. The transmission - This is the main component in your car that ensures the proper amount of power is transferred from the engine to the wheels. It takes the torque power from the engine, adjusts it to suit the driving conditions, and thereafter transfers it to the wheels.
3. The engine - This can be called the heart of the vehicle. The engine generates torque power that is eventually used to propel the car. An engine is a block of metal that comprises many parts such as pistons, bearings, spark plugs, cylinder head, and crankshaft.
4. The driveshaft - This is a component responsible for the transfer of torque from the transmission to the wheels.
5. Differential - Differential is a system found in all modern vehicles that allow such vehicles to take corners safely and efficiently. Differential goes to the wheels that move the vehicle and allows the outer wheel to rotate more than the inner one when the vehicle is taking a corner. This helps avoid skidding.

The powertrain is what makes your Ford Fusion move forward or backward. Every component is crucial, and non is less important than the other.

What does the powertrain fault warning light mean?

When your car's powertrain encounters a problem, the powertrain control module (PCM) records the error and sends you a warning light on the instrument cluster. The warning light is usually yellow and accompanied by a "See Manual" message. Other warning messages that can accompany the wrench include "Power Reduced," and "Overheat."

The powertrain fault light indicates there is a problem with the powertrain. This could mean the air pump sensor could be faulty, the throttle has an issue, or any of the tens of components is faulty. The fault light can come on because of a simple or complicated fault. It is advisable that whenever you see this warning light, you pull over and have the car towed to your mechanic.

The powertrain wrench light can appear solid on the dashboard. If this happens, the powertrain issue in question is not severe. When the wrench light is blinking, then you have a serious powertrain issue in your hands. Depending on the severity of the problem, you can drive home or to the nearest mechanic or call a towing company.

What causes the powertrain fault in Ford Fusion?

1) Bad or low-level engine oil

Failure to regularly change engine oil causes many problems for your engine. Oil deteriorates with time, so it is recommended that you change the oil as per the manufacturer's advice in the user manual.

Old oil becomes heavier and forms a sludge. That kind of engine oil will not move as efficiently across the engine as required. This means the moving engine parts are forced to work much harder, making the car consume more fuel. Other issues arising from this problem include engine overheating, failure, and blowing the head gasket.

2) Using water as coolant

This is a problem that many people don't appreciate until they fall victim to it. Adding water to the radiator or the coolant container causes the internal radiator metal material to rust. The water with rust starts by damaging the radiator, the water pump, the engine block, and the cylinder head.

The rust accumulates and blocks the pathways of the engine and the water system, making the engine work inefficiently. Engine overheating is one of the many primary symptoms to notice when rust has accumulated.

3) The differential

The differential, whether slip, locked, or open, plays a critical role in ensuring your vehicle performs as intended when turning corners and preventing wheel slippage. A fault in the differential area will cause torque to be delivered inappropriately to the shafts making the vehicle inefficient. Moreover, a faulty differential can be dangerous since it can cause understeering or oversteering. A problem with the differential will make the PCM throw the wrench light onto the dashboard.

4) Faulty throttle

The throttle of your Food Fusion is part of the car's transmission. The throttle body controls the amount of air getting into the engine. When you push the accelerator, a signal is sent to the throttle position sensor telling it where your foot is. The sensor then relays this information to the computer, which adjusts the fuel system accordingly.

The throttle body can have grime accumulation, disruptions of airflow, or electrical issues, which causes the vehicle to have poor or high idling.

5) Faulty catalytic converter

The catalytic converter is also part of your car's transmission system and plays a critical role in ensuring the transmission works efficiently. Things that cause problems in the catalytic converter include overheating, structural damage, or oil-fouled substrate, such as internal coolant leakage.

A faulty catalytic converter will make the wrench light pop up on the dashboard. Characteristics that go with a faulty catalytic converter include; the smell of sulfur or rotten eggs, unfamiliar noise, burning smell, reduced acceleration, extreme heat coming from under the car.

Indeed, there are numerous reasons why the powertrain fault light can appear on the instrument cluster. Others include;

• Faulty sensors
• Transmission is dying
• Loose or cut wiring
• Low transmission fluid
• Faulty solenoids

How to fix the powertrain fault in your Ford Fusion

The powertrain fault has caused many Fusion owners sleepless nights. Many drivers report being on the highway at speeds of around 70 MPH, then the car suddenly downshifting, and the RPMS staying below 2000. The car, in some instances, switches to crawl mode to allow you to drive to the nearest dealership.

Fixing this issue is not easy, as more than the wrench light is needed. You will need a diagnostic device to help you get the PCM and ECM codes. Other times, the wrench light can be accompanied by a check engine light, a check brake light, or any warning light.

When the OBD II scanner is connected to the car, the mechanic can read the PCM error codes, which will help them properly diagnose the issue. Many drivers report that the OBD can't read any codes yet the wrench light stays lit.

Depending on the symptoms and the possible cause of this problem, you can have an easier time diagnosing the problem. Start by checking whether there are any leakages, unusual sounds, or smells. Check the engine oil condition, level, and transmission fluid.

An expert should solve the powertrain fault light with the proper diagnostic scanner. This is necessary because a powertrain comprises many parts, systems, and components. At times, the PCM may not even give you the exact code causing the problem; this is where expertise is required.

What to do when the powertrain fault light pops up?

The first thing to do when the wrench light shows on your dash is to pull over. Call a mechanic or a towing company and deliver it to a garage. If the vehicle can still drive, take it home or to the mechanic but make sure to get it worked on soon.

At times, cars throw error codes by mistake. To confirm that this is not the case:

• Turn off the engine when the warning light appears.
• Start the engine again and observe whether the light goes away. The second step will involve you disconnecting the battery cables.
• Leave the cables disconnected for about half an hour.

This allows the car's computer to reset when you connect the battery again. If the light persists, have a mechanic look at the vehicle.

Conclusion

The powertrain fault light issue is not very common. Most people are accustomed to seeing the check engine light and other warning lights. When the powertrain fault light appears, check the car as soon as possible. Avoid driving the car before the issue is fixed to avoid further damaging engine or transmission parts. Regular maintenance of your car can help avoid this problem.