6 bad 6.0 powerstroke eBP sensor symptoms (Fixes!)

Backpressure sensors on 6.0 work pretty well given that you take proper care of the engine. But sometimes, certain issues can still affect it. And as the device starts failing, it leaves us with different troubles. Some inform us digitally while some through practical messes. But how to get that if it’s the sensor error?

Here is a list of the most common 6.0 powerstroke eBP sensor symptoms that you should be aware of:

1. PM, Foul Smell, And Black Smoke
2. Power Drop And Outage 
3. Poor Gas Mileage
4. Check Engine Light On
5. Overheating
6. Engine failure

It can stop working due to different problems. I’ve found some common ones and added how you can deal with them. 

6 common Failing 6.0 Powerstroke EBP Sensor Symptoms

Faulty exhaust backpressure sensor on 6.0 Powerstroke can result in several symptoms. The common one is poor performance. However, I’ve included some more signs that show 6.0 EBP sensor errors. 

1. PM, Foul Smell, And Black Smoke

The combo of residues, smell, and smoke is one of the most prominent 6.0 Powerstroke EBP Sensor Failure Symptoms.  

A bad sensor can make ECU send wrong commands to the system. One of them is improper ignition timing which causes incomplete combustion and leaves a lot of particulate matter. All the debris, especially carbon deposits accumulate in the Diesel Particulate Filter and exhaust pipe. Up to 6g/l is fine as its max. allowable soot level. However, the overload can create excessive gas and backpressure. 

When fuel surpluses get trapped in the cylinder, it prevents exhaust from driving the gas out. This causes the PM to start burning in the DPF which in turn gives off a strong foul smell and black smoke.

To prevent this, I suggest you keep the filters clean. Make sure to replace it whenever it’s necessary. 

2. Power Drop And Outage 

EBP sensor failure on 6.0 Powerstroke can affect the entire performance. 

The mechanism works with Engine Control Unit to check the backpressure and decide when to regenerate Diesel Particulate Filter. If damaged, chances are high that ECU will get incorrect info or signals from the sensor. This error can initiate excessive pressure in the exhaust system trapping exhaust gases inside the cylinder. 

When engine can’t throw out the gases, piston puts in extra pumping work to do so. Due to these strains, the engine may face sudden drop in power and hesitations that can even lead to outage. 

In such a case, I recommend you avoid driving at higher speeds. Instead, take it to service spot to find out the main issue while maintaining a steady acceleration. Because higher speed makes the piston and engine work harder to remove gases. And this may damage the system. 

3. Poor Gas Mileage

Decreased mileage due to high fuel consumption is quite a common sign of bad 6.0 EBP sensor. 

This mainly comes from the previous indicator. As I mentioned, both the engine and piston put extra energy to remove gas surpluses which limits the net power. This triggers the pump to supply more fuel to the engine so it compensates for the fall-off. Since a lot of diesel is consumed and “wasted”, it results in reduced efficiency and poor mileage.  

We can blame the clogged sensor for the issue. The blockage makes it send inaccurate information to ECU causing engine to use excess fuel.  

4. Check Engine Light On

Any issue with the 6.0 exhaust backpressure sensor can trigger Powertrain control module to illuminate Check Engine Light. 

It lights up with diagnostic trouble codes. You just have to use OBD2 scanner to identify them. Among several, P0470 is common. It means that the signal from the EBP sensor didn’t match manifold or ambient air pressure due to malfunction. 

However, you may get one code or a bunch based on the problems. 

Let me give you some more DTCs related to EBP sensor errors.

1. P0470: Exhaust Backpressure Sensor Malfunction
2. P0471: Exhaust Backpressure Sensor Range/Performance
3. P0472: Exhaust Backpressure Sensor “A” Circuit Low
4. P0473: Exhaust Backpressure Sensor High
5. P0474: Exhaust Backpressure Sensor Intermittent 
6. P0475: Exhaust Backpressure Control Valve Malfunction
7. P0476: Faulty Exhaust Backpressure Valve
8. P0478: Exhaust Backpressure Control Valve High

5. Overheating

This is a hidden aftermath but quite a common indicator of faulty EBP sensor on 6.0 Powerstroke. 

Sometimes leftover high-temperature gases make engine generate more power to remove them. This triggers the engine to run hotter and causes overheating of the exhaust valves and turbine. Once they are affected, it further results in damage to the engine components. 

The rise in temperature deteriorates Exhaust Gas Recirculation cooler too. It mainly works to keep the temp stable. But if the sensor fails, it can make EGR cooler mishandle the situation and stop working. And because of the distorted commands, it leads the heat to get trapped inside. 

However, decreased coolant level makes the system overheat too. So, I advise you to check it. If it’s low, calm it down by adding antifreeze fluid first. In case it’s not, then analyze the main problem. 

6. Engine failure

Defects in 6.0 Exhaust Backpressure sensor can cause engine failure. 

When pressure surpluses fail to exit the exhaust system due to bad sensor, it results in poor circulation. This makes the engine choke which can even lead to sudden deaths. Even if it regains power after some time, the outage may occur repeatedly. 

The main culprit here can be corrosion and blockage that weaken the sensor. Particles also make the fuel impure and lead to engine failure. Such impurities can further affect the catalytic converter causing the tailpipe to be loaded with more pressure. And we already know what excess pressure means- engine doing overwork and ending up with more damage.

how to fix 6.0 powerstroke eBP sensor symptoms?

Physical damage, contamination, clogging, and loose connections are the common culprits of Ford 6.0 Exhaust Back Pressure Sensor Problems. Let me tell you how they affect EBP sensors. 

#1. Mechanical Damage – Repair the weak parts or replace the sensor

Our exhaust backpressure sensor can collapse for a lot of reasons. One of the most common causes of 6.0 EBP sensor failure is worn-out wires on the sensor to ECU. The wiring may get damaged from extreme heat, cracks, and/or severe vibrations. Plus, it can melt under high temp. 

Another is bad tubes or hoses that can weaken our backpressure sensor. This mostly happens when moisture, condensation, or liquid gets into the system. However, corrosion can be at fault too. Then again, I found the connectors can get crushed or kinked for different reasons and impair the sensor. 

Although indirectly, defective components associated with exhaust system can cause damage to the EBP sensor too. If emission control devices, resonators, or mufflers don’t work properly, it can generate backpressure surpluses affecting the sensor. 

Sometimes, EBP sensors can fail due to severe operation conditions, high heat, wear and tear over time, and/or design defects. 

What To Do?

1. Identify the bad mechanism and check how serious it is. 
2. Repair them if severely corroded. 
3. Replace the part be it sensor, wires, or other mechanisms if they aren’t reparable. 
4. When it comes to faulty hoses, make to get them replaced and rerouted so they don’t get affected similarly. 

#2- Contamination And Blockage – Clean up the parts.

Both contamination and blockage are individual factors but I combined them just because they are correlated. 

It all starts with excess PM buildups. In case they get piled up in the exhaust pipe, DPF, and after-treatment devices, this works to contaminate and block up the system. And when clogged, our 6.0 Powerstroke EBP sensor can’t send right signal to the ECU. As a result, we see a lack of backpressure circulation for that. 

However, the particles can also travel to the sensor through the hoses and cause damage to it. 

Here, I suggest you find out whether the contamination and clogs have damaged the sensor or not. If it did, then you have to replace the sensor. In case it didn’t, then it’s time for a thorough 6.0 EBP sensor cleaning. 

What To Do? 

1. To clean DPF, use high-pressure cleaning cabinet. It shoots compressed air into the filter and helps clear the debris and ash. I suggest you let the expert do the job since it’s a complex cleaning procedure. 
2. To clean exhaust pipe, scrub it using a brush soaked in a solution of dish soap and water. I found vinegar or baking soda solution useful too. 
3. To clean after-treatment devices like catalytic converters, pour specialized cleaners into the reservoir. I always recommend to re-fill the tank with catalytic converter additive every 3 months or 3,000 miles. Not only will it lessen contaminates but prevent blockage risks. 

#3. Loose Connection – Tighten them

Loose wiring, tubes, or connector can be another possible cause of 6.0 EBP sensor problems.

When the connection is loose, the device will not communicate with other sensors and control modules properly. Not only will it result in backpressure overloads but affect the PCM and engine too. 

One possible reason can be poor fittings made by the technician in case they wiggled around the surrounding parts of the sensor. Sometimes, the connectors may shake themselves loose over time causing problems in the sensor. 

What To Do

1. Check out the wiring, tubes, or connectors surrounding the sensor.
2. Tighten them accordingly. 

Easily Diagnose a Faulty EBP Sensor on Your 6.0L Powerstroke >> Check out this video below:

How Much Does It Cost To Replace 6.0 Powerstroke EBP Sensor?

6.0 Powerstroke EBP Sensor replacement cost may range from $100 to $800 including labor fees. 

The rate varies by the price of sensor and labor fee. OEM 6.0 EBP sensor costs around $45 to $80 at online sites and $130 to $160 from physical stores. It may take from 5 minutes to 1 hour to change the sensor. If you get it done by Ford dealership, they may take around $700. But you can lower the cost by going to a local mechanic spot that has a pro tech. They will charge around $35 to $150 for the job. 

Here’s a table to help you understand the replacement charge. 

6.0 powerstroke eBP sensor symptoms – (FAQs)

verdict

To recap, here are the 6 most common 6.0 Powerstroke EBP Sensor Symptoms:

1. PM, Foul Smell, And Black Smoke
2. Power Drop And Outage 
3. Poor Gas Mileage
4. Check Engine Light On
5. Overheating
6. Engine failure

I suggest you start the analysis with a backpressure gauge to check the 6.0 Powerstroke EBP sensor readings. It should read between 1 to 2PSI which indicates good circulation. If it exceeds, then this signifies the surplus of back pressure. 

Once identified, then find out the main source of the problem. Make sure to clear the clogs, keep the connection well-tightened, repair the weak parts, and replace the damaged ones. 

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Iyul Nasruddin

Nasruddin is a passionate car enthusiast with a love for troubleshooting and diagnosing all sorts of vehicle problems. With years of experience in OBD diagnostics, Nasruddin, has become an expert in identifying and solving complex automotive issues.