The EBP sensor is an important component of your 6.0 Powerstroke engine because it monitors back pressure, combustion, and expulsion of gasses from the exhaust system. However, if you have a bad EBP sensor, you’ll start getting engine problems.
Symptoms that the EBP sensor on your 6.0 Powerstroke engine is bad include overheating, losing power, longer start times, or complete malfunction. You may also notice fuel inefficiency, a decline in acceleration, damaged pipes, excessive soot, a burning smell, or loud noises from your engine.
Let’s discuss the symptoms that will help you detect a bad EBP sensor on a 6.0 Powerstroke. I’ll also offer some tips about what you can do when you notice these symptoms, so read on.
1. Your Engine Overheats
When the exhaust pressure moves through the exhaust gas regulation (EGR) process, it usually loses most of the pressure.
If this happens, your diesel engine’s exhaust back pressure (EBP) will generate more power to increase the pressure. However, the increase in power causes the engine to heat up, and, in some cases, the engine may overheat.
If the temperature rises to dangerous levels, the EGR system will stop working, and your engine will have no way of cooling. If the hot gasses aren’t expelled from your engine, the heat will result in severe problems and even a complete engine breakdown.
The EGR is an important system that can stop working if you have a bad EBP sensor. If you notice that your engine is heating up quicker than usual and it’s not cooling down effectively, it usually means you have a faulty EBP sensor.
So, if you don’t want a bad sensor to cause wear and tear, you should replace it when you notice that your engine is overheating.
2. The Engine May Lose Power
If your EBP sensor doesn’t work properly, it can cause your engine to lose power completely. This happens when the Engine Control Unit (ECU) doesn’t receive accurate signals from the bad EBP.
Sometimes, the engine may overwork itself and suddenly lose power. At other times, your engine may work slower than usual and lose its power completely.
In either case, whether the engine runs faster or runs slower, the end result will always be the unexpected loss of power, and the reason behind it may be the bad EBP sensor.
To ensure that the ECU works effectively, you need a working EBP sensor that sends the correct signals for the engine to work at an ideal speed. Otherwise, your engine may break down completely, and fixing it will be costly.
3. Engine Takes Time To Start
If the EBP sensor isn’t working properly, the exhaust gasses won’t leave your engine, and it will weaken the combustion process. You may also notice that your engine is stalling while trying to start it.
Remember that your engine should start immediately if all the systems work properly. If there’s a delay in the engine’s starting time, don’t ignore it because it’s a sign that one of the internal systems is faulty. In most cases, it’s the EBP sensor.
You may think of removing your EBP sensor from your vehicle altogether, but this is only a temporary remedy. You’ll need a new EBP sensor; otherwise, your engine’s overall performance will decline and develop exhaust and combustion issues.
4. Engine Malfunction
A bad EBP sensor on a 6.0 Powerstroke can result in all sorts of engine problems simultaneously. The worst-case scenario is that your engine will malfunction and stop working completely.
An EBP sensor ensures optimal pressure in the exhausting process, but if it doesn’t do that, the pressure of the gasses will choke the engine. The gasses may also get clogged, and your engine may get prematurely damaged.
The improper circulation of exhaust gasses will also result in complete engine failure.
If you’ve been ignoring issues like an unchecked exhaust back pressure and overheating, you should take action immediately, or the faulty EBP will cause irreversible damage to your engine.
5. Fuel Inefficiency
Your 6.0 Powerstroke engine may also eat more fuel if the EBP sensor doesn’t work properly. You should keep an eye on your engine’s mileage because any changes will indicate that you have a bad EBP sensor.
A malfunctioning EBP sensor forces the engine to push through the increased pressure and deal with improper combustion due to the exhaust gasses blocking the EGR or the ECU.
Your vehicle will also have lower fuel efficiency at higher speeds and even in cruise mode. So, if you don’t want to spend a fortune on fuel and start noticing a lower fuel average, fix or replace the EBP sensor immediately.
A faulty ICP sensor may also cause fuel inefficiency, so check the exact problem before replacing anything.
6. Excessive Soot on the Exhaust Pipes
A bad EBP sensor also affects the exhaust passageway. Due to improper circulation of gasses, soot will collect in your engine’s valves and pipes.
A 6.0 Powerstroke engine won’t work properly if carbon deposits and debris block the exhaust valves and pipeline. Soot will also reduce the engine’s efficiency and may cause damage to other parts of the engine.
Worse still, soot is a combustible substance that can start a fire in your engine, which is potentially life-threatening.
If the soot isn’t cleaned, it will form a thick substance known as sludge, which will cause damage to both inner and outer engine components. Sludge can also reduce your engine’s lifespan and produce dirty combustion gasses.
If you notice soot on your diesel engine’s components or the exhaust gasses are dirty, you’ll have to call a mechanic for a thorough servicing and to inspect the EBP sensor for any faults.
Check out this video on how to look for engine soot problems:
7. Burning Smell From the Engine
A burning smell or smoke from the exhaust system is also a symptom of a bad EBP sensor.
If your car smells like burning rubber and gas or an exhaust smell in the seating cabin, it means there’s improper gas combustion in the engine.
In some cases, smoke may come out of your car engine. A burning smell and smoke are caused by trapped exhaust gasses in your engine that burn because the coolant isn’t working. These indicate that the EBP sensor is sending incorrect signals to the EGR.
Avoid sniffing the burning smell or smoke directly because it can damage your health.
8. The Engine Makes Loud Noises
If your engine makes loud, clunky noises, it could mean the EBP is not working properly. This symptom is also related to excessive gasses in the exhaust system.
Your engine is making noises because it is forcing out the gas from the exhaust system. The loud, clunky noises indicate that the gasses aren’t escaping as smoothly as they should.
If the gasses leave the exhaust system with too much intensity, they will damage the engine’s pipes, cylinders, and pistons.
Of course, there could be other causes of engine noise besides a bad EBP sensor, but it’s usually a sign of a major problem, so check your engine on priority. In fact, it’s best not to use the engine if it’s too noisy.
9. The Pipe or Converter Shell May Burst
A bad EBP sensor restricts gas flow from the exhaust system, increasing exhaust back pressure. When the exhaust system can’t bear the pressure any longer, the pipes will get crushed, causing severe damage to the engine’s components.
An increase in the back pressure leading to pipe and converter shell damage is one of the worst things that may happen to your engine and will require costly repairs.
If you notice any damage to the pipes or converter shells, immediately inspect the EBP sensor of your 6.0 Powerstroke engine to prevent damage to the more delicate engine parts.
10. Decline in Engine Acceleration
A distorted flow of gasses from the exhaust causes a decline in the engine acceleration, which may affect your vehicle’s performance, especially in acceleration.
A bad EBP sensor may also cause the internal combustion chamber to get damaged as gasses will mix with the air causing damage to the air filter. If the oil in your engine is clogged with soot because of the restricted airflow, your vehicle won’t accelerate properly.
If you notice a decline in acceleration while driving, you’ll need to call a mechanic for repairs.
Solutions To Fix a Bad EBP Sensor
If you notice any of the above symptoms that indicate a bad EBP sensor, conduct a thorough inspection of your 6.0 Powerstroke engine. Measure the exhaust’s back pressure in particular. If it’s not optimal for your vehicle, check your EBP sensor.
In some cases, the EBP sensor may be displaced. Fortunately, this isn’t a major problem; you only have to fit it in place. If it’s still not working, you’ll have to replace the EBP sensor with a new one.
If there’s any damage to your engine, pipelines, exhaust system, or converter shells, then call a mechanic to thoroughly check, repair, or replace these parts.