Ford Dealerships - Engine Light - Symptoms - A few quetions for adive

[spawnosuk]

So its all related to one thing but also with advice. Some may recall that I impoted my 2017 EB into the UK last year. It had a full service before it left Canada in March.

Last week I get the engine light whilst on the Motorway. I checked a few readings but could see not issues. I could have called for the AA but the car was performing normal. Not all engine lights are serious. I also noticed that I had accidently left my fuel cap open. I have heard this can cause issues.

The drive I was doing was to move to Windermere. So I am up in the lake districts now. I called Ford to book a check up. They man was saying their diagnostic equipment might not be able to deal with an import. I questionsed this as EB's were sold in the UK and apart from being RHD they are the same. Same engine etc. He said " lets hope so" which made me feel uncomfortable. I used my car the other day for a short drive. Again, all good. But I did stop to re-fuel. And it was horrible at re-start. But since then. no problem. Google told me this is an issue with a bad purge valve. Seems its happened to others. So in short. My car is running and starting well. Unless I put fuel in.

So a few questions:

1. Do you guys trust Ford here? and am I correct in assuming my EB is the same as a UK spec and will be able to run of their diagnostic tool? he has quoted me £140 just to run the diagnostic.

2. Do anyone know of good independent Mustang Services in the north?

3. And does anyone regognize the symptoms I am describing and maybe as the part looks cheap I could maybe just change it myself.

Thanks for any help in Advance,

Wayne

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[Gregs24]

Err no, it is not the same as UK spec. Hopefully they can read any codes OK but some parts will be region specific. If nothing else we don't have fuel caps in the UK as they have the Easyfuel system.

 

[spawnosuk]

I dont have a fuel cap either. Just the exterior panel door. I beleive the main difference between US and UK spec during that time was the uk version was de-tuned for emissions. But the parts should be the same.

 

[Gregs24]

I dont have a fuel cap either. Just the exterior panel door. I beleive the main difference between US and UK spec during that time was the uk version was de-tuned for emissions. But the parts should be the same.

You would be amazed how many differences there are between RHD and LHD never mind Europe and US

 

[spawnosuk]

so that makes me feel Ford are going to mess me around. The rest of the European sales would of course be LHD. UK is the outlier not the other way around.

I am just wondering if its best to go to a specialist and not Ford. someone like Morstang. So I was hoping for opinions on Ford in general as well.

 

[spawnosuk]

AI says this:


The 2017 Ford Mustang EcoBoost (S550 generation) sold in the UK has several key mechanical and specification differences compared to its USA counterpart, largely driven by European homologation, right-hand drive (RHD) constraints, and standardizing high-trim features.
Key Mechanical & Structural Differences

• RHD Engineering Constraints: The UK Mustang is right-hand drive. To accommodate this, the steering shaft interacts with the engine bay differently, requiring a modified exhaust manifold. While this is a major factor in the 25 hp loss in V8 models, the 2.3L EcoBoost in the UK still saw slightly different power tuning to suit European tastes.
• Standard Performance Package: UK EcoBoost models generally come with the "Performance Package" as standard. This includes a stiffer suspension, larger radiators for better cooling, a different final drive ratio (3.55:1), and upgraded, stronger brakes.
• Unique Power Figures: Due to calibration for emissions regulations, the 2017 UK EcoBoost model is rated at 317PS (313 horsepower) and 432 Nm (318 lb-ft) of torque. The US model is typically rated at 310 horsepower and 320 lb-ft of torque.
• Cooling System: UK models are fitted with an upgraded radiator as standard to handle higher sustained speeds on motorways.
• Side Mirrors: The UK Mustang features "elephant ear" style, larger, power-folding, and heated mirrors to meet European visibility regulations, which differ from the sleeker US design.
• Lights and Indicators: UK models feature clear rear taillight lenses with red bulbs and Amber (orange) turn signals. They also have additional side repeater indicators on the front fenders. The DRLs (Daytime Running Lights) are integrated into the lower fog light housing, rather than the headlight housing as in the US.

Key Feature and Component Differences

• Standard Equipment Level: In the UK, the Mustang is only offered in "Premium" form. It comes standard with leather heated/cooled seats and the SYNC 3 infotainment system, while US buyers can opt for a cheaper, cloth-interior base model.
• No Spoiler Option: UK EcoBoost models, in 2017, typically did not come with the low-profile rear spoiler standard on US models.
• No Hood Vents: The 2015–2017 UK models do not feature the functional hood vents present on the US Performance Package models, due to pedestrian safety regulations.
• Recaro Seats: The option for Recaro seats was generally not available on RHD UK models in 2017 due to homologation costs, whereas they were a common option in the US.

Summary Table of 2017 Model Year Differences

Feature	UK EcoBoost	USA EcoBoost
Steering	Right Hand Drive (RHD)	Left Hand Drive (LHD)
Power	~313 hp / 318 lb-ft (Metric 317PS)	~310 hp / 320 lb-ft
Performance Pkg	Standard	Optional
Radiator	Upgraded Standard	Base (unless Perf Pkg)
Mirrors	Large/Foldable	Slim/Fixed
Rear Lights	Clear with Amber signals	Red with Red signals
DRL Location	Fog light housing	Headlight housing
Spoiler	Not standard	Optional/Standard
Interior	Premium Leather only	Cloth or Leather

 

[jheissjr]

Ford IDS software is used for a 2017. I'm not aware of different country or regional versions of IDS. In fact you can download it from Ford yourself and you'll see just one download file. On the other hand maybe there are license differences for different regions. Let us know what happens.

 

[spawnosuk]

i have looked into getting my own diagnostic. I just dont trust mechanics or dealserships at all until I get a rapport with them. So the tool and software is about £25. So ill do it and check myself before my appointment.

I am quite sure what it is now. All symptoms point towards an evap issue. On the sensor or the can. And a switch out of two relatively cheap parts at about £20 each and the time it takes should not cost more than around £100 as its a 5 minute task to change the parts. Lets see how much they try to scrape me for.

I am tempted to try it myself. But I want to see that they can deal with my car in case I need other things done. So this is like a trial run to test.

 

[Gregs24]

i have looked into getting my own diagnostic. I just dont trust mechanics or dealserships at all until I get a rapport with them. So the tool and software is about £25. So ill do it and check myself before my appointment.

I am quite sure what it is now. All symptoms point towards an evap issue. On the sensor or the can. And a switch out of two relatively cheap parts at about £20 each and the time it takes should not cost more than around £100 as its a 5 minute task to change the parts. Lets see how much they try to scrape me for.

I am tempted to try it myself. But I want to see that they can deal with my car in case I need other things done. So this is like a trial run to test.

Just try to be a bit more trusting or you will find life very hard work. Most people are not out to scam you. A relationship is based on trust not the conversion of distrust.

They need to diagnose the problem (they will take your comments on board but they need to be sure for themselves) You will be lucky to get it diagnosed and fitted for £100 when the parts alone are £40. £100 minus the VAT is £80 so you are leaving £40 for time and overheads of running a business - no chance.

 

[spawnosuk]

oh they have already quoted £140 for just running the diagnostsic.

 

[Kristian87]

so that makes me feel Ford are going to mess me around. The rest of the European sales would of course be LHD. UK is the outlier not the other way around.

I am just wondering if its best to go to a specialist and not Ford. someone like Morstang. So I was hoping for opinions on Ford in general as well.

I think it's well known on this forum that as a general rule, you should avoid Ford UK, especially for anything that's not routine maintenance. I had a horrible experience with one of the major Ford stores (long story) on a warranty issue.

Modurstang or GT101 down south are highly recommended all round. A few good reviews of motorsport and performance up north, but I've not used them myself.

Don't hesitate to get on the phone with one of the specialists. It will be worth it, even if it involves a long drive.

 

[Gregs24]

I think it's well known on this forum that as a general rule, you should avoid Ford UK, especially for anything that's not routine maintenance. I had a horrible experience with one of the major Ford stores (long story) on a warranty issue.

Modurstang or GT101 down south are highly recommended all round. A few good reviews of motorsport and performance up north, but I've not used them myself.

Don't hesitate to get on the phone with one of the specialists. It will be worth it, even if it involves a long drive.

But then I have had a very good experience with two Ford dealers, so generalisations don't apply

 

[spawnosuk]

I am going to try them to see if they are bad. They are local and I am very far from most independent garages. Also this is a very very easy fix. So im not to worried about them messing anything up.

But what bothered me was when I spoke to their Rep on the phone. he said "I am not sure if our diagnostic kit will work as its an import" but also its £140 to do a diagnostic. So I get this feeling they will try, it wont work and they will charge me the full amount anyway. But my main point is that a quick google seach shows me I can get a diagnostic. After all its a ford. Where do they think they get them from? they certainly dont build them in the UK. They are at the same plant in the USA. They will change as little as possible in them

 

[WD Pro]

If you are at Windermere, Micks auto repairs at Leyland (Chorley) might be worth a call :

Probably only about an hour from you ?

I haven’t used him myself, but I know others on here have, and I have heard his name mentioned (spoken about positively) at the local meet.

Other than that, I’m jealous of you being at Windermere - I have spent a lot of weekends (and week nights) there in my past water skiing, pre speed limit …

WD

 

[spawnosuk]

Thanks for that, I really appreciate knowing there was a specialist closer to me. I will ring them tomorrow and talk to them.

I am new to windermere. So its weird to move at Xmas time and its just dark and rain all the time. I will spend all my summer on the lake kayaking I hope and swimming in the water is clean enough.

Thanks again.

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