Friday, June 15, 2018

Ecoboost Mustang - How to Prevent an Ecoboom - Lowside Fuel Pressure Sensor Replacement

**Update - July 19th 2018** In one of the forums, a member experienced an EcoBoom after installing the revised sensor.  This may not be the end all, be all answer.  However, I'm still glad to have ungraded it as a precautionary measure. 

Adam Brunson had posted on social media that he had several customers with Low Side Fuel Pressure Sensor Failures.  This caused a lean condition leading to a catastrophic failure of the motor (EcoBoom).  Apparently, there is no warning or fault code thrown when the sensor fails...

As a preventative measure, I replaced the sensor.   The sensor was $23.58 from Tasca Parts and only takes 10-15 minutes to replace.  Fortunately, the sensor is easily accessible at the top/rear of the engine compartment.

The item ordered was BU5Z-9F972-B.  However, the actual part number on the sensor is BU5A-9F972-CA. (New sensor on bottom).   According to some posts, the 2018 Mustangs still have the old sensor.

It appears the part has been revised by Ford.  The revised sensor has an additional hole for atmospheric pressure.

***Perform the following fix at your own risk.  You are working with fuel.  I am not responsible for any damage or injury while performing the steps below***

I let the car sit overnight prior to replacing the sensor.  You will need a 12mm and 24mm wrench to perform this job.  Press the tab marked in red and removed the sensor. 

Place a rag under the sensor and use the 12mm and 24mm wrench to remove the sensor.  Use extreme care when handling the metal on the fuel line.  It appears to be soft.  Since the fuel line is under pressure, remove the sensor SLOWLY.  I had a slight "mist" of gas emitted when removing the sensor.

Replace the sensor and reattached the connector.  Wipe up any gas that may have spilled.  Start up the car to confirm there are no leaks.  I used a mirror to view the back side.

It may be a placebo effect, but I seem to have a smoother idle and acceleration after the swap.  Hope this helps!

Additional precautions I have taken to prevent the dreaded EcoBOOM:

Replace your Evap Purge Valve with part number FR3Z-9G297-H.

UPR catch can installed.
Only top tier gas of the highest octane used.
I change my oil when the maintenance minder is at 55% and 10% with synthetic motor oil. 
I do not accelerate aggressively in 5th and 6th gear at low RPMs.   Low Speed Pre-Ignition (LSPI)