| TSB 17-0063 | 3.5L GTDI – BLUE OR WHITE SMOKE FROM EXHAUST WHILE DRIVING AFTER EXTENDED IDLE |
| Publication Date: August 28, 2017 | |
:
ISSUE:
Some 2013-2015 Explorer/Police Utility/Taurus/Police Sedan/MKS/Flex/MKT vehicles equipped with a 3.5L Gasoline Turbocharged Direct Injection (GTDI) engine may exhibit blue or white smoke from the exhaust while driving after extended idle.
ACTION:
Follow the Service Procedure steps to correct the condition.
SERVICE PROCEDURE
- Remove the engine appearance cover, if equipped. Refer to Workshop Manual (WSM) Section, 303-08.
- Inspect the color of the positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) hose to valve cover adapter. Is the adapter black in color? (Figure 1)
Figure 1 – 17-0063- Yes – proceed to Step 3.
- No – this article does not apply. Refer to the Powertrain Control/Emissions Diagnosis (PC/ED) manual for diagnosis.
- Disconnect the PCV hose to valve cover adapter quick connect fitting from the valve cover adapter. Refer to WSM Section 310-00.
- When the valve cover adapter is removed, damage will occur to the valve cover adapter locking mechanism. Make sure detached pieces of the valve cover locking mechanism do not fall into the open valve cover port during removal. Rotate the adapter counterclockwise and remove from valve cover.
- Lubricate the new valve cover adapter O-ring seal with clean engine oil.
- Install the new green valve cover adapter.
- Connect the PCV hose to the valve cover adapter.
- Install the engine appearance cover if equipped. Refer to WSM, 303-08.
- Check the engine oil level on the engine oil level indicator. Refer to WSM, Section 303-01. Is the oil level within the minimum and maximum marks on the indicator?
- Yes – proceed to Step 9.
- No – add engine oil as needed to achieve correct oil level on indicator.
- Drive the vehicle for 15 minutes or a minimum of 8 Km (5 miles) to clear the exhaust of residual oil.
Tool List
| Number | Description |
| Slip Joint Pliers |
| HL2Z-6762-A | PCV Valve Cover Adapter |
XO-5W30-QSP
MOTORCRAFT - Oil - Engine (XO5W305Q3SP)
Last update on 2026-06-09 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API | Motorcraft SAE 5W-30 Synthetic Blend Motor Oil (Max 6 qts) |
| OPERATION | DESCRIPTION | TIME |
| 170063A | 2013-2015 Explorer, Flex, MKS, MKT And Taurus 3.5L GTDI: Inspect And Replace The Valve Cover Adapter Includes Time To Drive The Vehicle To Clear The Exhaust (Do Not Use With Any Other Labor Operations) | 0.5 Hr. |
WARRANTY STATUS
Eligible Under Provisions Of New Vehicle Limited Warranty Coverage And Emissions Warranty Coverage.
Warranty/ESP coverage limits/policies/prior approvals are not altered by a TSB. Warranty/ESP coverage limits are determined by the identified causal part and verified using the OASIS part coverage tool.
DEALER CODING
| BASIC PART NO. | CONDITION CODE |
| 6762 | 42 |
17-0063
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Last update on 2026-05-31 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
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