Coughlin Ford of Circleville

TRUCK MONTH!!! See associate for details.

Nov 24, 2023

If your Ford is showing signs of engine trouble, you should visit your Ford dealer immediately for repairs. If ignored, minor engine problems can quickly worsen and lead to costly repairs. You should look out for the warning signs of trouble and bring your Ford to the dealership for a diagnosis.

A woman checking out her over heating engine.

1. Check Engine Light Comes On

Your Ford’s check engine light is designed to alert you when the vehicle’s onboard computer has detected an issue with one of the engine systems. The light could signify various engine issues, such as:

  • Loose or faulty gas cap
  • Oxygen sensor failure
  • Mass airflow sensor malfunction
  • Ignition coil failure
  • Spark plug issues
  • Computer sensor issues


Without professional help, it’s difficult to pinpoint the exact reason your check engine light is on. Ford-trained dealer technicians have advanced diagnostic tools that can read the error codes and pinpoint the exact problem with your engine.

2. Engine Turns Over Slowly

When you start your vehicle, the engine should turn over instantly and smoothly. If the engine is taking too long to turn over, there may be a problem with the starter components. Normal wear on parts like the battery, starter motor, spark plugs, and alternator can lead to delayed ignition.

While it may seem like a minor inconvenience, delayed ignition can strain the entire starter system and cause failure. It’s best to have your dealer test the battery and check the starter components for wear and tear.

3. Overheating Engine

If your Ford’s temperature gauge is creeping toward the red zone, you should get the engine checked immediately. Overheating occurs due to low coolant, coolant leaks, a defective water pump, or a faulty thermostat. If left unchecked, overheating can cause premature wear of metal components inside the engine.

4. Vehicle Keeps Stalling

Stalling usually stems from insufficient fuel to keep the engine running. It can also occur if the spark plugs are faulty and unable to maintain the spark required to ignite the air-fuel mixture in the cylinders. A clogged fuel injector, defective MAF sensor, or failing fuel pump can also cause random stalling in your Ford. Dealer technicians can inspect the ignition parts and fuel system to locate and repair the faulty components.

5. Loss of Power

Is your Ford losing power or struggling to accelerate even when you floor the gas pedal? A loss of power usually indicates problems like cylinder misfires due to worn spark plugs, computer issues, damaged oxygen sensors, or faulty ignition coils. If you don’t fix these defects, your Ford’s fuel economy will be poor.

Address these engine issues before they become major repairs. Contact Coughlin Ford of Circleville to schedule engine repairs with our Ford-certified technicians.