I dread going up my driveway

[Gatrhyde]

I LOVE my 2023 OBX BUT more frequently than not it feels like it’s going to stall out going up my steep driveway, especially when I have to slow down for the right curve and accelerate again. I literally have to put the pedal ALL the way down and it feels like it’s going to die, then the tires will squeal and it will go up the driveway. I’m going to eat up my tires. Sometimes it’s great, other times it does this. Doesn’t seem to matter what GOAT mode I use or if I put it in low. It doesn’t happen on regular mountain roads, but driveways required slow speeds.

Is this because of the 3cyl engine or does it sound like there’s a problem? There is no check engine light on.

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[rocks]

I've read of other members here having trouble going up steep hills. I'm not happy about that. Though, I haven't hit any hills yet.

 

[Elegance]

I've got a pretty steep driveway here in the mountains of western NC. The 2.0L doesn't mind it at all, but I do recall taking my 1.5L BB up a huge mountain when I lived in AZ. Every time I'd slow down for a switchback curve, the engine would hesitate to kick back up to gear. That experience was originally what made me distrustful of the 1.5L and want to trade up (along with some other issues). It wasn't as severe as your problem, but a little worrisome nonetheless. I'd definitely take yours in to get looked at if you're literally spinning out to get ilup your own driveway.

 

[dh3117]

I have the 1.5L and have experienced something similar, what you need to do on steep approaches is to click the “L” button so it stays in first gear. Otherwise there’s a weird lag between 1/2 gear and when the turbo kicks on. Also, using premium fuel gets rid of the turbo lag generally.

 

[ohiooutdoors]

Throw it in low and put it in sport you should be fine.

I’ve been through the mountains, up steep drives and went throw some pretty sketchy and I found those two things to work.

It has the power I know it doesn’t seem like a lot but people have been able to do it with much less in the past. It’s gearing and those two things will help.

 

[Robink]

Throw it in low and put it in sport you should be fine.

I’ve been through the mountains, up steep drives and went throw some pretty sketchy and I found those two things to work.

It has the power I know it doesn’t seem like a lot but people have been able to do it with much less in the past. It’s gearing and those two things will help.

I tota

Throw it in low and put it in sport you should be fine.

I’ve been through the mountains, up steep drives and went throw some pretty sketchy and I found those two things to work.

It has the power I know it doesn’t seem like a lot but people have been able to do it with much less in the past. It’s gearing and those two things will help.

I absolutely agree with this!! I do the same.

 

[Gatrhyde]

I've got a pretty steep driveway here in the mountains of western NC. The 2.0L doesn't mind it at all, but I do recall taking my 1.5L BB up a huge mountain when I lived in AZ. Every time I'd slow down for a switchback curve, the engine would hesitate to kick back up to gear. That experience was originally what made me distrustful of the 1.5L and want to trade up (along with some other issues). It wasn't as severe as your problem, but a little worrisome nonetheless. I'd definitely take yours in to get looked at if you're literally spinning out to get ilup your own driveway.

I’m in WNC too. Beautiful place to live!! I’ve lived in the same house for over 20 years and never had a vehicle that couldn’t get up our driveway easily.

 

[Gatrhyde]

Throw it in low and put it in sport you should be fine.

I’ve been through the mountains, up steep drives and went throw some pretty sketchy and I found those two things to work.

It has the power I know it doesn’t seem like a lot but people have been able to do it with much less in the past. It’s gearing and those two things will help.

Ok, I will try this combo. Honestly it is the only thing I haven’t tried. Thanks so much for the recommendation. I’ll let you know!

 

[ohiooutdoors]

I’m in WNC too. Beautiful place to live!! I’ve lived in the same house for over 20 years and never had a vehicle that couldn’t get up our driveway easily.

Actually heading down to Whittier in a couple weeks to look at some property!

 

[NMhunter]

The 1.5 (and even the 2.0) are pretty wimpy without the turbo, and the turbo doesn't kick in until around 1700 rpm. Once it kicks in you have tons of power. I suspect you need to be in a lower gear to keep the rpm's up above 1700.

My turbo went out in my 2.8L diesel Jeep Liberty and it was pretty gutless. I can imagine what a 1.5 is before the turbo kicks in.

 

[Gatrhyde]

I've read of other members here having trouble going up steep hills. I'm not happy about that. Though, I haven't hit any hills yet.

Someone told me to put it in Sport mode AND low gear. That has fixed it, no trouble at all. Just FYI. Also, I’ve not had any issues except on our steep driveway with a right hand curve at the steepest part, so, don’t worry too much

 

[rocks]

Someone told me to put it in Sport mode AND low gear. That has fixed it, no trouble at all. Just FYI. Also, I’ve not had any issues except on our steep driveway with a right hand curve at the steepest part, so, don’t worry too much

Thanks, G. Sport mode and low gear in that order?

 

[Gatrhyde]

Yes.
I did, however, call the service department since it only has 1400 miles on it and described what’s happening. They said “that’s a problem” and want to check it out so I have an appointment.

 

[Ford Motor Company]

Yes.
I did, however, call the service department since it only has 1400 miles on it and described what’s happening. They said “that’s a problem” and want to check it out so I have an appointment.

Hi there! Will you send us a message with your VIN and your local Ford dealer? I can look into things on my end.

 

[Gatrhyde]

How do I know you’re legit & I’m not somehow getting scammed? ?

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