SSM 54288

Some 2023-2025 Escape vehicles built on or before 16-Sep-2024 equipped with 1.5L EcoBoost engine may exhibit an "Engine Coolant Over-Temperature" warning message displayed in the IPC and an illuminated MIL with DTCs P1285 and/or P1299 stored in the powertrain control module (PCM) during hard acceleration or under high load conditions. This may be due to machining chips trapped in the cylinder head causing a potential blockage in the coolant passage near the cylinder head temperature 2 (CHT2) port. To diagnose this condition, start the vehicle and idle for 15 minutes. Perform a road test at a temperature above -20°C (-4°F) and apply wide-open throttle (WOT) hard accelerations in rapid succession. If the concern cannot be replicated, drain and refill the coolant system. If the concern can be replicated, drain the coolant system. Perform the Engine Cooling System Flushing procedure in Workshop Manual (WSM) > 303-03A Engine Cooling - 1.5L EcoBoost > General Procedures. Do not use the VC1 flush additive. Reassemble the engine. Fill and bleed the coolant system and re-evaluate the concern.