Powertrain malfunction/reduced power

[emiantan]

The Powerboost does not have an alternator.
I can understand the term being used by someone that is not well versed in the Powerboost, but it's a bit worrisome if it's the technician using the terminology.
And I admit that Ford is very guilty of brutalizing the English language with their poor wordsmithing in their official documentation. ??

The traditional belt driven alternator is not present on the 3.5 Ecoboost engine in the Powerboost. Instead, there is a electronic converter that converts the ~300V Hybrid battery current to low voltage current for the 12V system.
You do not even have to start the truck to enable the "digital alternator". Accessory Mode enables it and so we KNOW the engine isn't even running, yet the necessary current is being provided.

20 seconds later

Thanks for sharing your knowledge on this one. I was told alternator as well, but I appreciate the correction of the terminology and the info you shared. This is great and helps me understand a little more why it has an adverse impact on powertrain or reducing power. Honestly, I am more excited to know that this "alternator" will be replaced which will hopefully improve performance. Thanks @Snakebitten!

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[emiantan]

It is indeed both a starter and also an alternator. Here’s a printout from my dealer with the part number (it’s on a national backorder with no ETA from the supplier per a call with Ford CS this morning)

Thanks for sharing the part number. This is very helpful.

 

[emiantan]

No problem. The Ford CS rep was very nice and helpful on the phone and reached out to the dealership to assist them in marking the part “priority/emergency” and said that she would give me weekly updates.

We will see…..best of luck to you guys also having the same issue!

I was told February 19th availability and to expect delivery one week later. Best of luck to you as well.

 

[Snakebitten]

It is indeed both a starter and also an alternator. Here’s a printout from my dealer with the part number (it’s on a national backorder with no ETA from the supplier per a call with Ford CS this morning)

I would love to see definitive evidence that on the Powerboost it is used for anything beyond a BIS, if you know what I mean.

In the traditional use of a BISG, it IS the alternator on the vehicle.
On the Powerboost, it most certainly is not. So if it is ever used as a source for current, rather than a consumer of current, I can't figure out what circumstance it would be.

 

[Snakebitten]

That's exactly what I mean by Ford butchering the English Language

The 3.5 Ecoboost in the Powerboost only has 2 components with a belt. And each component has its own belt connected to the crankshaft pully.

1 is the water pump (#4 in image)
The other is the Belt starter motor (BISG) to start the ICE. (#3)
(The traditional bendix/flywheel starter is only for coldstart/remote start)
The extraordinary idler mechanism for the belt on the BISG is necessary for the belt to transfer the necessary torque to the crankshaft to spool the ICE up.

 

[M.R.F.O.R.D.]

Do you have the TSB Number?

 

[Ffdlt371]

Do you have the TSB Number?

I think it's this one..

 

[22MYPowerboostXLT]

Sn

I meant no disparagment of you or anyone who posted here. I assure you.
And I really would like to know what component(s) are being ordered and replaced.

The BISG (Ford's acronym for the "Belt Integrated Starter Generator) has been being mentioned in various threads as being replaced on folks trucks.
I personally believe that the warning Stop Safely Now, or Power Train Malfunction, are both generic in the sense that multiple things can trigger those alerts. Neither the remedy or the cause will always be the same.

Snke your awesome! Love passing this knowledge around.

 

[PB2021]

I looked up the part number ML3Z-11A213-B at fordpartsonsale.com
Of note this part with final letter B according to their website is for the powerboost truck and replaces the same part with final letter A.
I wonder if this change from part ending in A to part ending in B signifies a change to design?
This isn’t the Ford direct site which says they are back ordered but according to this site they have them in stock. Not sure if that helps you.

 

[vaeyedoc]

Guess I am on this bandwagon. Got same message as OP. They have had it for 15 days. Called today and said it was the “starter generator”. On back order. Have a date of March 6. They gave me a 2023 XLT to drive.

 

[Ffdlt371]

Why are the dealerships holding your trucks? They can be driven with this issue. It comes and goes, but the only indicator of a momentary issue is the wrench light. Are they finding something else? What are they telling you the reason is for not driving it?

 

[vaeyedoc]

Why are the dealerships holding your trucks? They can be driven with this issue. It comes and goes, but the only indicator of a momentary issue is the wrench light. Are they finding something else? What are they telling you the reason is for not driving it?

In my case, they said it would not let electric motor charge and could damage other electrical components.

 

[Ffdlt371]

The issue is intermittent. I wasn't told anything like that. I get the message once every few weeks or so and it goes away after driving and a restart. I would check with Ford and see if it's okay to drive. Having them keep it until the parts are available is ridiculous.

 

[vaeyedoc]

The issue is intermittent. I wasn't told anything like that. I get the message once every few weeks or so and it goes away after driving and a restart. I would check with Ford and see if it's okay to drive. Having them keep it until the parts are available is ridiculous.

I think it is that the message is general and could be for several reasons. Some may not be serious and others could. They gave me a loaned and will repair under warranty. Doesn’t bother me that they have the truck. Better than the truck being dead on side of the road.

 

[Snakebitten]

Supplying the warranty customer with alternative transportation makes a huge difference to me regarding issues that the dealership is waiting on parts.
In fact, it's the determining factor between me being an alligator to deal with vs a fairly patient customer.

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