Max RPMs

[Fish and Dear]

Hello everyone. I was wondering if anyone knows the "Red Line" maximum RPMs for the 2018 F53 V-10. I have had an issue a few times driving in the mountains. When using tow/haul mode and descending a steep grade the engine will, at times, rev to over 4000 RPM. If this happens 3 times the check engine light will come on. After starting and driving two more times the light goes out. Am I over-revving the engine on those grades? I start on the grades slow and try to keep my speed at a reasonable level. I just don't see how to keep it from going over 4000 RPM sometimes.

[16ACE27]

The rev limiter is set at 5500 RPM. That engine can run at 4500-5500 in the mountains easily. The check engine light is set due to a parameter out of normal. You would need a code reader to find out what code is triggering the light.

[Fish and Dear]

Originally Posted by 16ACE27

The rev limiter is set at 5500 RPM. That engine can run at 4500-5500 in the mountains easily. The check engine light is set due to a parameter out of normal. You would need a code reader to find out what code is triggering the light.

Thanks for that info. I bought a code reader, but the light hasn't come on since I got it...of course.

[Miramar Owner]

I had this issue with my Miramar and bought a code reader. It simply said excessive RPM. I cleared the code to reset the light. I try now to drive in a manner to keep from revving so high and haven't had the problem now in 3 years.

[Chateau_Nomad]

The mechanic I use has worked in the "city garage" for years, and worked specifically on those Ford V-10 engines. They're legacy engines with something like a 20 year nearly bulletproof history.

The first trip with our V-10 I experienced the high revving - I thought I was going to blow the engine! He just laughed and said I was used to pedestrian car engines... that V-10 is a proven industrial work horse... it's designed to handle the load of hard use in municipal vehicles and such.

I might suggest practicing modifying your tow/haul method. I often use a blend of tow/haul and occasional light brake use. On very long steep grades, if engine speed picks up too much, I use the brakes to slow down, but never ride the brake. The whole idea is to use tow/haul as a tool to work with the brakes, but not eliminate their use. It's a give and take.

[Dan-sr@perra-us.net]

Does anyone know where to look for the ODB II connector to plug in the code reader?
I have a 2018 ACE 30.3 on an F53 chassis. It is currently in the shop to replace some minor trim bits than have shrunk over the last 4 years.

[Miramar Owner]

Originally Posted by Dan-sr@perra-us.net

Does anyone know where to look for the ODB II connector to plug in the code reader?
I have a 2018 ACE 30.3 on an F53 chassis. It is currently in the shop to replace some minor trim bits than have shrunk over the last 4 years.

From memory... It was under dash just left of the steering wheel... I think.

[Fish and Dear]

Originally Posted by Miramar Owner

From memory... It was under dash just left of the steering wheel... I think.

Yes...it's under the steering wheel.

[Travelin' Texans]

Originally Posted by Chateau_Nomad

The mechanic I use has worked in the "city garage" for years, and worked specifically on those Ford V-10 engines. They're legacy engines with something like a 20 year nearly bulletproof history.

The first trip with our V-10 I experienced the high revving - I thought I was going to blow the engine! He just laughed and said I was used to pedestrian car engines... that V-10 is a proven industrial work horse... it's designed to handle the load of hard use in municipal vehicles and such.

I might suggest practicing modifying your tow/haul method. I often use a blend of tow/haul and occasional light brake use. On very long steep grades, if engine speed picks up too much, I use the brakes to slow down, but never ride the brake. The whole idea is to use tow/haul as a tool to work with the brakes, but not eliminate their use. It's a give and take.

Bullet proof other than spitting out spark plugs, especially the most difficult ones to reach & cam position sensors.
We had 1 ton 4x4 pickups at work with the V10s & those 2 mentioned mechanical issues happened to nearly all of them at some time or another.

[GordSanClemente]

On my 2019 30.3 it is square under the steering wheel.

Should be able to read history codes even if the light is not lit. I would think till someone clears the code.

I freak out when I get to 4,500 RPM.

If it is limited to 5,500 RPM what happens going down a hill? It changes gear? Explodes?

[Lt Keefer]

Originally Posted by Travelin' Texans

Bullet proof other than spitting out spark plugs, especially the most difficult ones to reach & cam position sensors.
We had 1 ton 4x4 pickups at work with the V10s & those 2 mentioned mechanical issues happened to nearly all of them at some time or another.

You are talking ancient history. That was when the engine was new 20 years ago. Ford would have ditched it sooner than they did if it was as bad as you suggest. But the truth be told, it was not as prevalent as the Chevy active fuel management fiasco. Ford settled their class action against the plugs for 2 million but it cost Chevy more than 100 million to settle theirs.

[Jimbo56]

I tow a trailer with a smart car on it. Total weight is about 3000 lbs. if I’m entering an interstate type highway, that if fairly flat, I use tow mode to get up to speed, then put it back in normal. If I’m going up and down ( driving in WV) I’ll use tow more frequently due to the brake assistance. I never try to charge up Black Mountain on I40 at 65 mph. I find a comfortable rpm, get in the RH lane, and enjoy the scenery.

[push toy]

install a 5 star tune it took all of that stuff out of my 2016 v10. made it a much better driver pulling a ford escape.

[Jimbo56]

Originally Posted by push toy

install a 5 star tune it took all of that stuff out of my 2016 v10. made it a much better driver pulling a ford escape.

Not until my drive train warranty is up.

[K. Meckes]

Originally Posted by Chateau_Nomad

The mechanic I use has worked in the "city garage" for years, and worked specifically on those Ford V-10 engines. They're legacy engines with something like a 20 year nearly bulletproof history.

The first trip with our V-10 I experienced the high revving - I thought I was going to blow the engine! He just laughed and said I was used to pedestrian car engines... that V-10 is a proven industrial work horse... it's designed to handle the load of hard use in municipal vehicles and such.

I might suggest practicing modifying your tow/haul method. I often use a blend of tow/haul and occasional light brake use. On very long steep grades, if engine speed picks up too much, I use the brakes to slow down, but never ride the brake. The whole idea is to use tow/haul as a tool to work with the brakes, but not eliminate their use. It's a give and take.

I have experienced the high revving when going down some hills in the mountains, I panicked and thru it into nuetral. I did not have it in tow/haul mode that I know of. How do you know if it is in tow/haul mode?

[Fish and Dear]

Originally Posted by K. Meckes

I have experienced the high revving when going down some hills in the mountains, I panicked and thru it into nuetral. I did not have it in tow/haul mode that I know of. How do you know if it is in tow/haul mode?

A light on the dash shows Tow/Haul mode on.

[K. Meckes]

Originally Posted by Fish and Dear

A light on the dash shows Tow/Haul mode on.

So is it normal to have that revving in normal drive? K.

[Fish and Dear]

Originally Posted by K. Meckes

So is it normal to have that revving in normal drive? K.

Yes. It will downshift and the RPMs will rev up high. The trick is to start out slow on the downhill to keep the revving to a minimum. I would not shift into neutral. You want to use the brakes and the engine to keep you slow on the downhill runs.

[MJC62]

Originally Posted by K. Meckes

I have experienced the high revving when going down some hills in the mountains, I panicked and thru it into nuetral. I did not have it in tow/haul mode that I know of. How do you know if it is in tow/haul mode?

About, throwing a motorhome into neutral coming down the hill, all I can say is wow! better start looking for the runaway truck lane

[K. Meckes]

Originally Posted by MJC62

About, throwing a motorhome into neutral coming down the hill, all I can say is wow! better start looking for the runaway truck lane

It was approx. 1 mile of windy downhill, back road. I was only going 25 miles an hour.