“Powertrain Malfunction: Reduced Power” Ford Escape. What’s Going On?

Your Ford Escape is one of the most successful budget-friendly SUVs on the American market. It's really good in terms of comfort, overall durability, design, and price-to-quality ratio. But sometimes, the Escape will still get on your nerves with some minor (and not only minor) problems that need your immediate reaction.

Powertrain malfunction, reduced power message highlights

• Common reasons:fault codes in various electronic control modules
• How to fix:hook up the scanner, read the codes, make conclusions
• Possible consequences:vehicle has low power, it may eventually stall
• Priority level:Medium
• Can you drive?Carefully
• DIY repair:Impossible
• Repair price range:$150-$1,000

What are the consequences of the Powertrain Malfunction message?

Ford Escape is equipped with a lot of electronic modules that are aimed at controlling how the engine works. Once something goes wrong and the engine is in danger, the limp-mode system kicks in and limits the abilities of your vehicle to avoid different issues like overheating or excessive rotation with possible damage to the engine or other powertrain units.

When you see the "Powertrain Malfunction: Reduced Power" message in your Escape, you may be sure that the vehicle has gone to limp mode. It means it will have a limited power supply and other restrictions. It doesn't mean the engine or some other modules are heavily damaged, but it means that the diagnostic system detects some danger.

Here's what actually happens:

• first of all, you'll hear the noise that should draw your attention to the dashboard where a message should light up immediately;
• the message will say "Powertrain Malfunction: Reduced Power", sometimes, other instructions are possible below that;
• right after that, the ECU will turn to a special program that limits the power and torque of your engine to quite low performance;
• also, the engine RPMs are limited, you will not be able to rotate high to speed up on the road and overtake someone;
• all other functions should be working, the vehicle will not turn off the AC or other important modules allowing you to drive further;
• of course, there is nothing good in driving a vehicle in limp mode given there is no power and the message is blinking all the time.

Powertrain problems are pretty common to Ford Escape of two recent generations. Most likely, you'll see these messages more often in a 1.5 EcoBoost version. The 2.5-liter engine is much more reliable and is equipped with a decent automatic transmission that can live a long life. Also, the hybrid powertrain is not without its share of problems.

But still, we've talked to a dozen of owners of the Escape and we've learned that if it's a 1.5L turbo engine, it starts bombing you with all sorts of problems and malfunctions after it reaches 100K miles or even earlier than that. This is a disappointing engine in the long run, but it's really fun to drive, so people still love it.

Why is the error bombarding you in your Ford Escape?

Well, if you see the message saying that the powertrain in your vehicle malfunctions, put jokes aside. This may be a serious issue with whatever module you take. First of all, what is a powertrain? This includes your engine, transmission, axles, and even differential. So, it embraces everything that sets your car into motion.

Problems usually happen with engines or transmissions. These modules are equipped with numerous sensors and other systems that can diagnose problems and send messages to the dashboard. It doesn't mean the AWD system cannot be the reason for the problem.

Here's what you should do to understand the nature of the issue:

• DIY diagnostics. You can use a code scanner that can read codes in the ECU and interpret them into more detailed messages pointing to certain parts or modules of your vehicle. This is the cheapest way to understand what's going on with the vehicle.
• Going to a specialized shop. Repair shops that deal with Ford vehicles usually have more professional tools than just code scanners. They can immediately read the ECU and understand which part is malfunctioning. Also, they will be able to repair the vehicle quite fast if no bad damages have happened.
• Going to a dealer. Ford dealers have official diagnostic systems that help them quickly find all possible problems without taking your vehicle apart. The only disadvantage of this kind of diagnostics is that you have to pay a lot.

Unfortunately, there is no other way to diagnose your Ford Escape and understand where the problem is hidden. Actually, a lot of modules and units can trigger the "Powertrain Malfunction: Reduced Power" message in the vehicle.

Here are just some of the most common ones:

• engine sensors;
• throttle body;
• injectors;
• fuel pump;
• turbocharger (for the 1.5L engine);
• transmission;
• AWD system;
• catalytic converters;
• oxygen sensors;
• ECU;
• PCM.

We don't think any DIY methods are really good for your Escape unless you have optimal tools and experience. Otherwise, better go to professionals and have your car checked - this won't cost you a fortune.

Can you keep driving with this message on the dash?

Unfortunately, we can't tell you that it's absolutely safe to drive. Yes, if the question is in an oxygen sensor or throttle position sensor, for example, you can keep driving for days before you go to the shop. But if the issue is with oil pressure, fuel supply, cooling system, turbocharger, etc., you should immediately have your car checked and repaired.

Yes, you can still drive the vehicle in limp mode, but you should avoid driving long distances or accelerating too hard. Make sure you drive in a calm way and are not creating more problems for your vehicle.

Here's what we would do in this situation:

• First: read the message carefully and see whether your Escape tells you to stop or continue driving.
• Second: turn off everything that takes additional power like AC, not necessary lights, music, etc.
• Third: stop where safe and don't turn off the engine because it may not start again.
• Fourth: Use your phone to navigate your way to the nearest dealer or repair shop.
• Fifth: Take the right side of the road and drive carefully using the shortest way to the chosen repair shop.
• Sixth: Have your car checked and see if you need to repair it right on the spot or you may do it later.

Of course, the first thought you may have in your head is to turn the engine off for five minutes and then turn it on again. This may work, but if the problem is with the starter motor, battery, or some electronic systems, the engine may not start anymore and you'll have to pay for the tow truck.

We hate it when the car goes into limp mode. But what can you do? Just remember some simple rules that will help you avoid any bad problems with the car.

What can happen if you drive long with the error on the dash?

First of all, you'll be irritated because every time you turn on the engine, you will see this annoying message. Also, your vehicle will become sluggish like hell - it's very annoying to drive an Escape that has gone to limp mode.

One more thing - you will have a very high chance to destroy something in your Powertrain. For example, the limp mode may have been activated because of the low fluid level in the transmission. But you don't know the actual code, so you don't care and keep driving. Most likely, your transmission will just need replacement after 100 miles of such driving.

Also, you may turn off and then on the engine and the error disappears. But after some time, it will reappear. It means some sensor is glitching and the repair may cost you as little as $50. So, just let someone check the vehicle and find the problem!

Final words

We don't think that the Ford Escape is a bad vehicle. Even with the least reliable 1.5L EcoBoost engine, this SUV is good and durable. Sometimes though it can throw some problems at you and expect you to solve them as soon as possible. If you see the Powertrain Malfunction message in your Escape, please just have the vehicle checked to save it from problems.

Although this message doesn't mean immediate problems for your vehicle, it may mean that in a mile or two the engine or any other powertrain module can be broken. Don't ignore such messages because ignoring them will be one of the key factors of total breakdowns and the need for big investments.