What happens if the engine should die unexpectedly?

[BerndM]

My last vehicle before this '17 Exlporer Platinum was a venerable 2003 Expedition EB 4WD with the Triton 5.4 V8 that I drove for 14 years.
I never had it happen but I knew exactly what to expect if the engine should stall or die while driving as it pertains to the steering and brakes. No big deal at all other than requiring some more muscle input.
I am clueless as to what would happen to the steering and brakes if this Ecoboost 3.5 V6 twin turbo should suddenly decide to take a nap on me while driving.

Your comments would be appreciated.

 

[blwnsmoke]

Steering will be extremely difficult as it is electric assist and will not operate if engine is not running. I have had the pleasure of driving many times without it and although I can manhandle the steering wheel with 2 hands, my wife could never. As far as brakes, you would have 1 or 2 full pumps of the brakes before you get a stiff pedal.

 

[613GT500]

If you can pull over safely that would be best, otherwise, you just have to put on the hazards and coast to a complete stop wherever it may be.

 

[KayGee]

Assuming you have push button start, you should be able to push it while driving and shut the engine off (not sure if it is a single push, long push, multiple pushes, check your owners manual). If you do that in a safe/controlled environment, you would get to experience firsthand what will happen when you are driving and your engine "dies".

Those with keyed ignitions can simply turn the ignition key and shut off the engine while driving for the same experience.

Just have to "explore" a little -> Push button start can be turned off while driving!,,

 

[Napalm]

So as far as I know from the logic tree back when we used EPAS 1.

If the car has been started, and the engine was running - electrical power is still full active but now on battery. EPAS will still provide assist. so you will have power steering for a limited time. (driven right off the battery it is a bit weaker than normal but still there)

Brakes - work like any other car you will have 2-3 presses with some boost assist provided the engine failure wasn't something like a blown apart manifold. (IE loss of any vacuum in the lines.

and you should still be able to move the stick to N - and attempt restart.


Now I know on the EPAS bit there have been changes and updates and other logic. I think still today however - had the engine quit on it's own while still "active" steering assist should still function.

there are many a thread on other ford vehicle forums talking about how bad EPAS is when start/stop is active - and the complete loss of power steering. Thing is - that's not tied to the engine running as much as it is tied to the power saving - and assuming you are still on the brake with velocity = 0.

That is not the case in the OP's question. To be fair - like said above - drive out somewhere and test it. I forget exactly but there is a paragraph in the book for this. Long press the button while driving and the engine should shut down. Along with warnings and complaints. It is in the book though so read that before you try it

 

[BerndM]

Thanks for the comments. Much appreciated.
I will check further thru the book and try that intentional engine shut off and see what happens.
I'll find a big empty parking lot and try it there.
Thanks again.

 

[RhinoQuartz]

Thanks for the comments. Much appreciated.
I will check further thru the book and try that intentional engine shut off and see what happens.
I'll find a big empty parking lot and try it there.
Thanks again.

Did you manage to find that parking lot?