P0521 is an OBD2 diagnostic code that is triggered when your Ford S-Max detects that the value being sent from the oil pressure sensor is out of its normal operating range. It is typically caused by a bad oil pressure sensor or an issue with the oil system, and should be diagnosed and fixed right … Read more
P0562 is a common OBD-II trouble code. It’s a general code, which means that it means the same thing for any vehicle, including the Ford S-Max. P0562 indicates that the system voltage is below 10 volts for a solid minute. With the engine running, the system voltage should be 14.1-14.4 volts, and it’s typically caused … Read more
Your Ford S-Max’s water pump is one of the most crucial parts of the engine. If it doesn’t pump water through the engine, it’s going to overheat and do a lot of damage. Typical signs of a bad water pump include overheating, white smoke, a bad smell, rough idle, and more. A water pump works … Read more
If your Ford S-Max is running hot, it is a serious problem. If it gets too hot, it leads to overheating. A hot engine is usually caused by a few different things, such as the thermostat, water pump, radiator, or outside conditions. Ford S-Max Running Hot Symptoms Obviously, the main symptom of running … Read more
A rod knock is a very serious problem. If your Ford S-Max has a knocking rod, it’s almost always going to be caused by a failure of the rod bearing or the rod caps (leading to a spun bearing) or lack of oil. If you do have a rod knock, don’t ignore it for … Read more
Your Ford S-Max’s torque converter is responsible for converting the energy generated by the engine at the flywheel and transferring it to the transmission, creating a bridge between the engine and the transmission. In the Ford S-Max, a bad torque converter is often caused by bad transmission fluid, worn clutches, bad seals, or loose … Read more
If your Ford S-Max’s battery light is on, it is trying to warn you that there is an issue with the charging system. The charging system itself is relatively simple. The battery light comes on because the voltage level at the battery is too low. Quick Facts Common Causes Faulty Battery, Bad Alternator, Battery Cables, … Read more
One of the most common problems that can happen with a vehicle over time is it’ll begin leaking power steering fluid. Without the power steering system, your S-Max would be very difficult to drive. Most of the weight of the vehicle is absorbed by the power steering system, making it feel much lighter than it really … Read more
A burning smell is one of the most troublesome problems you can experience in a vehicle. If your Ford S-Max has a burning smell, there are many potential causes. Typically, the smell is caused by some type of fluid (oil, trans fluid, etc…) hitting the exhaust or other hot parts of the engine or … Read more
The engine burning oil is one of the most common problems that a vehicle can encounter, particularly one with high mileage. If your Ford S-Max is burning oil it is typically caused by piston rings or valve guides. How Much Oil Consumption is Normal? Most auto manufacturers are hesitant to tell you … Read more