Ford S-Max: DRL Warning Light On – Causes + Fix

Daytime running lights (or DRL) are specialized lights that come on when your Ford S-Max’s regular headlights are turned off. Their purpose is to make it easier for other drivers to see you, theoretically decreasing the odds of getting into an accident. If your S-Max’s DRL warning light is on, the powertrain control module (commonly … Read more

Ford S-Max P1289: Meaning, Causes, and Diagnosis

P1289 is a manufacturer-specific diagnostic trouble code. In the case of Ford-built vehicles (such as the Ford S-Max), it indicates that the cylinder head temperature sensor returned a value to the powertrain control module (PCM) that was greater than the signal should be during a self-test cycle. The most likely cause of P1289 is a … Read more

Ford S-Max P2271: Meaning, Causes, + Diagnosis

P2271 is a generic DTC trouble code that can affect the Ford S-Max. It indicates that the oxygen sensor located on bank 1 in the second position is continuously sending voltage with a value that is too rich. There are oxygen sensors on both sides of the catalytic converter. The “upstream” one is used for … Read more

Ford S-Max P2279 Code: Meaning, Causes, and Diagnosis

P2279 is a generic OBD-II code. It indicates there is a vacuum leak coming from your Ford S-Max’s air intake system. While P2279 is a generic code (it has the same definition for the S-Max as it would any other vehicle made after 1996), repair steps will vary based on model year and engine. The … Read more

Ford S-Max P0605: Meaning, Causes, + Fix

P0605 is a relatively rare OBD-II trouble code that can occur in the Ford S-Max. It indicates that PCM (powertrain control module) is not passing its ROM (read-only memory) self-test when you turn the ignition on. While P0605 is a generic code (it has the same meaning for any car or truck), it is most … Read more

Ford S-Max P0116: Meaning, Causes, + Diagnosis

P0116 indicates that your Ford S-Max’s engine coolant temperature sensor is sending a signal to the PCM (powertrain control module) that is outside of its normal operating range (in terms of voltage). While P0116 is a generic OBD2 code (it has the same definition for any car or truck), it has the same basic causes … Read more

Ford S-Max P0117 Code: Meaning, Causes, and Diagnosis

P0117 is a generic OBD2 code.  It indicates that your Ford S-Max’s PCM (powertrain control module) has detected the signal coming from the engine coolant temp (ECT) sensor has a voltage level below its normal operating range. With the ECT sensor, as the voltage level drops, it will appear that your S-Max is overheating. While … Read more

Ford S-Max P0743: Meaning, Causes, + Diagnosis

P0743 is a generic OBD2 code that can occur in the Ford S-Max. It indicates that your ECU/TCM has found an issue with the torque converter clutch solenoid. It is a generic code (meaning it has the same definition for all cars and trucks). Repair steps are going to vary depending on your S-Max’s model … Read more

Ford S-Max P0776: Meaning, Causes, + Diagnosis

P0776 is a generic OBD2 code that can occur in Ford S-Max’s equipped with an automatic transmission. This code indicates that the pressure control solenoid “B” inside your S-Max’s transmission is having a performance issue, or is stuck in the off position. P0776 Definition: Pressure Control Solenoid “B” – Performance/Stuck Here’s the definition of P0776, … Read more

Ford S-Max P0400: Meaning, Causes, + Diagnosis

P0400 is a standard code that indicates your Ford S-Max’s EGR system is not working. The good news is that this code is not a breakdown risk and should not affect how your S-Max runs (assuming it’s the ONLY code). P0400 is a generic code, which means it has the same definition for the S-Max … Read more