The most accurate and simple approach to identifying a damaged exhaust pressure sensor is by observing a decrease in smoothness and fuel consumption. Even though it is simple to notice both of these changes, they are not the only ones.
6.0 Powerstroke exhaust back pressure sensor symptoms include:
- Overheating issues on the engine will be seen
- Uncontrollable fumes
- Smell of burns
- Excessive soots on the pipes
- Continuous engine shutdown
- Puff out parts as they can no longer hold the pressure
- The check engine light will turn on
Due to the malfunctions caused by a dirty sensor, the pressure on the engine slowly builds up and reaches a point where it cannot withstand it. As a result, a faulty engine also adds up to the list.
However, when it comes to solutions for faulty sensors, there are only two. One of them is taking out the sensor and cleaning it out. The other one involves replacing the sensor with a new one.
Nevertheless, let’s dig in deep with the indicators and how you can easily fix them!
6.0 Powerstroke EBP Sensor Symptoms
As an auto-technician, I have faced a lot of problems, and a malfunctioning exhaust sensor is certainly a serious one. So, today I am going to share with you guys the top five signs that can mean a checkup on the sensors.
Let’s get started!
1. Overheating
Your engine will start to heat up sooner than expected if there is a defecting back pressure sensor involved. In Powerstroke 6.0, EGR which is also called exhaust gas recirculation, plays an important role. The EGR is there to keep the temperature under control, and the faulty sensors will only interrupt it.
In effect, the EGR coolers stops functioning properly as the commands got malfunctioned by the sensor. The heat gets trapped and is unable to get out of the engine.
2. Sudden Power Loss
When your engine stops running proportionally with your accelerator is a great symptom. You will be able to tell instantly after riding your Ford for a few minutes.
The engine power decays over time with constant pressure hovering over it and have successfully ruined your engine. From my experience, while you will be trying to accelerate your Ford, the more the engine’s left out with the fumes. Thus, sudden relief of the engine is seen, and you won’t accelerate as much as expected.
On a side note, if the power of your engine concerns you, then you should also consider the engine oil. Check out our article on 6.0 Powerstroke 5w40 vs 15w40.
3. Loss of Fuel Efficiency
Another how to tell if the exhaust back pressure sensor is bad in 6.0 Powerstroke is by observing mileage. A significant change in fuel is the third trait that explains a jammed-back pressure sensor. The sensor sends signals that are certainly not right to the engine control unit.
Consequently, the engine control unit releases the oil to be used up, which will end up with very low mileage.
4. Excess Soot and Burning Smells
The soot and burning smell are all interconnected with one another. As a result of not being able to process the engine combustion properly, soots are formed in the exhaust pipe.
After a good amount of soots is stored in the pipe, the hot gases that need to out slowly burn the soot and result in a burning smell.
5. Engine Failure
The last thing you want to come across in symptoms of 6.0 Powerstroke exhaust back pressure sensor is engine failure. Unfortunately, blockage in the sensors can do that.
The engine reaches a point where it starts to choke and can no longer take the inadequate circulation. Thus, leaving out the engine in sudden deaths and then coming back to life again after some time.
Additionally, cars are smart nowadays and will show you the problem on the dashboard. The “Check Engine” light will come on and notify you that something fishy is going on.
How to Check If The Exhaust Back Pressure Sensor Is Actually Faulty?
Now that you know the signs of a malfunctioning sensor, it is time that you learn how to conduct the testing of exhaust back pressure sensor. You will only need a pressure measuring instrument for this method.
- Remove the oxygen sensor and insert the pressure gauze with it.
- Start the engine and see if it sits on 0 or not. In idle mode, there might be small changes but being close to 0 is a good sign.
- Keep increasing the accelerator and keep track of the pressure gauze. If the pressure is proportional to the acceleration, then you are not in trouble. On a faulty one, the scale will not move according to the acceleration.
NOTE: if you’re facing other symptoms, then you can always check out our article on 6.0 Powerstroke weak fuel pump symptoms.
Causes For A Faulty Exhaust Back Pressure Sensor
The reason why you might have a faulty sensor isn’t rocket science. If you take care of your Ford and take it on a regular checkup, then these types of problems can be easily avoided.
Anyhow, what causes a faulty sensor? Here they are;
- Your technician made a poor fitting after tinkering with the sensor’s surrounding components.
- Some waste has got inside the pipes and needs to be taken out as the sensor is unable to process it.
- The pipes are just too dirty and haven’t been cleaned for a very long time.
- Other parts in the vehicle might have leaks and cause too much pressure on the sensor.
How To Fix An 6.0 Powerstroke Exhaust Back Pressure Sensor?
As mentioned before, there are only two ways you can get your back exhaust sensor fixed. The first one is by cleaning up the mess that is around your sensor and in your sensor. If you’re not good at this stuff and have almost no experience at all then it’s better not to get your hand on here.
The second one is straight-up replacing the sensor as they are not something to be micro-fixed.
Changing exhaust back pressure sensor Powerstroke 6.0 >> Check out the video below:
6.0 Powerstroke Exhaust related (FAQs)
I’ve gathered some of the frequent inquiries concerning back exhaust pressure sensors. Moreover, I tried to answer them with my experience in the technical field.
Is It Expensive To Replace A 6.0 Powerstroke Exhaust Back Pressure Sensor?
The sensor itself doesn’t cost much, but if you need to buy other parts that are related to it, then it’s going to be a bit expensive.
Where is the exhaust gas pressure sensor located?
It can be found attached to the bottom side or firewall in the engine’s rear engine bay.
Can exhaust back pressure damage an engine?
They are capable of decreasing the lifespan as well as the performance of your engine. Additionally, it increases emissions to the environment.
Take Away
To conclude, the exhaust sensors are certainly something to be taken seriously. You need to fix it as soon as you come across a noticeable drop in functioning or those filthy soots and burning smell. Yet, if you’re not sure, then confirm it using pressure measuring equipment.
However, you need to clean your sensor if you’re having trouble. It’s also necessary to make the technician aware when he lays his hands on the surrounding parts of the exhaust sensors.
As long as your other components connected to the sensor are fine, the Powerstroke sensor replacement isn’t going to be costly.
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