Rough start?

[DeeDee1›]

I have a 2023 Bronco Sport 2L Limited Edition Heritage model. Despite the weather or season, the car chugs a bit when first started if the engine is cold. It only does it for probably less than 1 minute. Is this normal!? I have tried 2 tanks of high octane gas with no effect. Thanks for any input anyone can provide. DeeDee

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[BLUEOVALRACER]

I have a 2023 Bronco Sport 2L Limited Edition Heritage model. Despite the weather or season, the car chugs a bit when first started if the engine is cold. It only does it for probably less than 1 minute. Is this normal!? I have tried 2 tanks of high octane gas with no effect. Thanks for any input anyone can provide. DeeDee

Not normal it's under warranty take it to the Ford Dealership.

 

[Bucko]

I'd say no. A trip to the dealer (assuming its still under warranty) would be in order.

 

[Mark S.]

Did you happen to look at the exhaust while the engine is misbehaving? If so, did you notice anything peculiar about the color/odor of the exhaust gas?

 

[Ford Motor Company]

I have a 2023 Bronco Sport 2L Limited Edition Heritage model. Despite the weather or season, the car chugs a bit when first started if the engine is cold. It only does it for probably less than 1 minute. Is this normal!? I have tried 2 tanks of high octane gas with no effect. Thanks for any input anyone can provide. DeeDee

Good morning, DeeDee. Can you send over a message with your VIN and estimated mileage? I would like to take a closer look at your chugging concerns.

 

[DeeDee1›]

Did you happen to look at the exhaust while the engine is misbehaving? If so, did you notice anything peculiar about the color/odor of the exhaust gas?

Haven't noticed anything unusual about the smell or color of exhaust gas.

 

[wireman]

I have a 2023 Bronco Sport 2L Limited Edition Heritage model. Despite the weather or season, the car chugs a bit when first started if the engine is cold. It only does it for probably less than 1 minute. Is this normal!? I have tried 2 tanks of high octane gas with no effect. Thanks for any input anyone can provide. DeeDee

Does it do it every time on a cold start? Plan on leaving the BS with the dealer so they can do a cold start the next morning and scan for codes.

 

[DeeDee1›]

thank you

 

[NMhunter]

Are you using Top Tier gasoline? It apparently has more detergents in it to keep the injectors clean. I'd try a gasoline additive.

 

[DeeDee1›]

I have run about 1 and 1/2 tanks of high octane gas thru. So far no difference. Before though I was using regular octane gas. I do think when it chugs initially, it sounds like the fuel injectors (although I know next to nothing about engines)! Thank you for the input. How many tanks of high octane do you think it would take to see a difference?

 

[Bucko]

I have run about 1 and 1/2 tanks of high octane gas thru. So far no difference. Before though I was using regular octane gas. I do think when it chugs initially, it sounds like the fuel injectors (although I know next to nothing about engines)! Thank you for the input. How many tanks of high octane do you think it would take to see a difference?

Zero. These engines are designed to run fine on 87 octane. Running higher octane nets you a bit of performance perhaps, plus the benefits of having some fuel cleaner additives. You can however buy a small container of fuel additive from your local parts store or Walmart, and pour it into the tank before a fill-up. Works the same, and cheaper. I do this on the 3rd or 6th tank fill.

If you tow, then higher octane can help with better engine performance. Otherwise, no need to run the high octane stuff just to get your issue to clear. There is something wrong. Take it to the dealer.

 

[DeeDee1›]

Got it and thank you for taking the time to advise!

 

[Bucko]

Got it and thank you for taking the time to advise!

Let us know of the outcome. Thanks for being a member here.

 

[sajohnson]

I have run about 1 and 1/2 tanks of high octane gas thru. So far no difference. Before though I was using regular octane gas. I do think when it chugs initially, it sounds like the fuel injectors (although I know next to nothing about engines)! Thank you for the input. How many tanks of high octane do you think it would take to see a difference?

Welcome DeeDee!

A common misconception is that higher octane fuel has more/better additives. Everything I've read, including from Consumer Reports (CR), and seen (CBC video and others) indicates that is not the case. The type and amount of additives are the same in all grades.

"Top Tier" gasoline (all octane grades) does have more additives than the federal requirement. You might consider trying it. It is only $0.03/gallon more, on average (per CR):
https://stationfinder.toptiergas.com/

Here's a list of brands. Select "USA" up top, and in the bottom right corner drop-down menu, where it says "10" click the arrow and select 100 to get all brands on one page:
https://www.toptiergas.com/gasoline-brands/

As was mentioned` above, there are also fuel system cleaning additives. Some popular brands are Chevron Techron; "BG", and Sea Foam. There are dozens. I've had good luck with Techron (their "Fuel System Cleaner"). They also sell a cheaper "Fuel Injector Cleaner" (Costco carries it) but I can't vouch for it.

As with oil, oil filters, etc., there are some strongly held beliefs/opinions about fuel additives. The others I mentioned may be as good or better. I do know from personal experience that that Techron works.

Of course at this point we don't know what the problem is, and if it is related to the fuel system, let alone whether a fuel additive will correct it.

Good luck, let us know what the dealer says.

 

[DeeDee1›]

Had the car to the dealership today for a recall involving reprogramming of the body control and powertrain control modules. They checked for the chugging I complained about but couldn't find anything wrong, probably because that problem has largely been resolved since I added the fuel injector cleaner one of you recommended — so many thanks for all the helpful suggestions!!

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