2021 Bronco Sport First Edition - Water Pump or something else?

[Fronzizzle]

Hi all,

Just wanted to jump on here and get some additional information and opinions on an issue I had with my 2021 Bronco Sport First Edition.

About 1.5 weeks ago, the check engine light came on. It set code P1028 Coolant Temperature Below Normal. The temperature gauge is normally at 4 bars and wouldn't go past 2. On Wednesday of last week, I replaced the thermostat and reset the code. The thermostat looked fine, it wasn't stuck open or anything but I ran the car for a solid 2 hours after install and had no issues - temperature gauge was back to 4 bars, the engine light staid off and the cooling fan was working normally. All good.

On Friday, I took the Bronco on a golf trip. I drove 60 miles one-way and had no issues. Over Friday night, Saturday and Sunday I took it for multiple trips with no problem.

On Sunday night, I was returning home when all of a sudden the little Wrench icon lit up and it said see your service manual - I think, it happened quickly. The temperature gauge immediately pegged all the way up, the car didn't shut off but immediately cut all power and a giant overheating warning came on the dash. I drifted over to the shoulder and limped about 1/4 mile to the next exit where it was safe. I immediately shut the car off, got out and popped the hood.

I saw zero evidence of overheating. No steam, no bubbling coolant, normal coolant level in the overflow. Cooling fan was still spinning. I ended up calling a tow truck and got flatbedded to the dealer closest to my house.

Between waiting for the truck and the trip to the dealer, the Bronco was off for about an hour, maybe slightly longer. I started it after arriving at the dealer, the temperature gauge immediately pegged all the way up again and I got the same overheating warning light and it was still in limp mode.

The dealer just called and told me that the water pump is bad and will be replaced under warranty. This makes absolutely no sense to me. Between not seeing any overheating, the gauge still being pegged an hour+ after cooling and the previous issue, I assumed a sensor or maybe computer would be the problem.

I have multiple concerns with this. The first being they had to order the water pump and it won't be in until next week. So the Bronco is going to sit for a week and then might not be fixed. The second is that they put the water pump on but don't fix the problem but reset all the codes, I pick it up and then break down again a week or two later.

My first question is, what are the odds that it really is a water pump issue? If low/nill, then not sure how to handle. I try to be tactful, but calling a dealer you had your car specifically towed to and telling them they are wrong seems...odd at best. Not sure how to proceed.

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[Dude]

You may easily have two issues … water pump and perhaps the temperature sending unit or whatever it’s called on the Bronco Sport
Ask the dealership to check that after replacing the water pump

I see you have the First Edition with the 2.0L Engine and water pumps in that engine appear to be pretty reliable - I’ve read a couple owners that needed to replace the water pump in that engine

 

[RSH]

I've read some other posts where this same type of situation has happened and the overheating condition was caused by the grill shutters not opening, unfortunately you can't check it now, but the dealer can read whatever codes were triggered and address the problem.

 

[Me3]

Yes, if the coolant level is normal and you see no leaks then likely the temperature sensor or the shutters are not working. The next thing would be broken belt or a blockage in the cooling system, which could mean the water pump is locked up. This would damage the belt as well.

 

[Black Horse]

Was your coolant low with the overheat condition?

 

[Fronzizzle]

No. Coolant level was normal and not bubbling.

Quick update: the dealership said everything was under warranty, so I asked about getting reimbursed for towing. I took my receipt up there and the service guy I spoke to said it was the water pump. I told him I was surprised, and he mentioned it had a small leak. I park in my garage every night and never so much as saw a drop of antifreeze so I'm even more confused now. Maybe it started leaking on the trip, they saw it and tied it all together but I'm still not convinced that the water pump is the problem, or at least the only problem. Guess I'll find out when I get the car back next week.

 

[Dude]

Might as well ask dealership to check coolant temp sender unit and the grill shutters

a small undetected water pump leak has been reported by some of the 1.5L model owners .. u have the 2L but a leak like that is possible

 

[R W NORRIS New Mexico]

You should have the "skid plate" under your car, am I right? Even the felt ones I mean? Now if you do have a small leak, the protection plates will in fact catch the drip in your garage so you won't see it. You would need to park without those to see the leak, however if the tech at Ford pressure tested, he could see the drop and note where the coolant comes out with a light. I am on water pump number 3, but I have a 1.5 engine. Ask them to check the sending unit or sensor just to make you feel better. Most Service Dept will do it when they replace the pump. Also, the "code" will in fact indicate the sensor if there is a fault with it. Good Luck and trust the tech. Did I say that, really. LOL

 

[Fronzizzle]

I wanted to make sure to update this post for anyone in the future that deals with the same thing.

I just got the Bronco Sport back, the dealer had it for 15+ days. Why? Because after replacing the water pump, they started it and it was still setting codes. Shocking. They apparently found a second leak on the "ect sensor", replaced the temp housing assembly since the sensor isn't offered separately. Once they finished that, it was still setting a code so they had to order and replace the cylinder head temp sensor. Once that was replaced, the code was cleared and did not come back on.

Now, if the water pump was leaking it definitely needed to be replaced. I question why the sensor wasn't checked to begin with as it should've set that code AND I told them I saw no evidence of overheating. It seems to me a simple check at the same time the water pump was checked could've saved a few days at least.

My second complaint is lack of communication. It took them 4 days to look at the Bronco - which is fine, it was towed in and no appointment - but then I didn't hear from them for 10 days. No call, no update. We are a two person, two vehicle house so knowing how long I'd be without the car was a big deal and I never got an update. When I called, I was told that my service advisor was on vacation and they were waiting for parts *shrug*

And finally, the Bronco has been sitting outside for an hour or so since I got it back, and when I walk around it, I smell antifreeze. At this point, I'm going to assume it's runoff from the repairs that didn't get rinsed away, but my fear is that something is still leaking.

 

[RSH]

Sounds like the dealer just threw parts at the problem too resolve the code issue.
Luckily you didn't have to pay for this service. Also, because the work was performed under warranty and the dealer had your vehicle for an extended time the dealer should have given you a loaner or set you up with a rental vehicle especially in your situation.
Finding decent customer service these days is a chore.

 

[Fronzizzle]

Funny you mention a loaner - when they first called and said I needed a water pump and that it would take a couple of days, they offered me a loaner...and when I said okay, they said they didn't have one in.

So not only did I not get a loaner, I'm now going to have to fight with them because they don't want to reimburse me for towing for an issue that happened under warranty.

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