Been below zero here for a few days. When I first start my truck I get a "whirring" sound for about 30 sec to 1 min which comes from the center of the dash area.

Also when I drive it feels as if I'm towing a big trailer. I know things are sluggish when it's really cold, but never experienced anything like this.

Anybody else have the same?

 

The ECM limits engine power by 50% until the engine reaches 50% of operating temperature in order to protect internal components from excessive wear. That's why it's sluggish

 

Yep! Same thing here. and just moving to Colorado from California its quiet a shocker for me. Its amazing how stiff the truck seems at these temps. This is some cold like I've never felt.

 

Mine makes some funny noises too and runs like a 73 pinto till its been driven a mile or two when its really cold. I didn't know about the ECM, but figured something was intentionally not allowing it to run quite right till it warmed up a bit.

 

one morning when i was getting off work it was -11 temp and it did the whining noise you described. but i was happy with that b/c i didn't think it was going to start. turned over extremely slow.

 

never experienced any loss of power or strange noises after cold start. Where did you get the info about the 50% reduction in power?

 

My 2010 is a little slower to start with the extreme cold here in Denver, and it does make a whirring noise for about 20 seconds. It is definitely not good weather to just turn the key and drive, the truck definitely needs a few minutes to warm up.

 

ford rep at NAIAS

 

I heard that whirring sound this morning which was the coldest its been since I had the truck. It seemed to last about 5 seconds, but it was not as cold as others have described. I will pay attention to this more tomorrow morning as it is supposed to be around 17 degrees. The truck does run a lot more sluggish and seems to be louder too.

 

I'd have to of raised the BS flag on that one.

 

i dont know for sure, because ive never heard of it documented anywhere else, but its not unreasonable. BMW does it on all of their engines, especially the M series. they wont even allow you to let the engine rev past 3000 RPMs untill the engine reaches operating temperature.

 

Usually not this cold here. Winters on the slopes are typically on the mild side. Remember one new years day it was 70 degrees.

Thanks all for the info.

 

I noticed the whirring sound again in my truck this morning, but only last a couple of seconds. It wasn't quite as cold this morning (19 vs 17 the day before). This sort of weather is pretty rare for central Texas where I am. The noise seemed to be coming from under the truck. I wonder what it is.

 

hmm that isnt cold.

 

Was -20 here this morning and my 2008 started right up. Never had any issues with it or my old '97. She always started.