I just sold a 2008 S-Max and replaced it with a 2013 model that has done the same thing within a couple of hundred miles (private sale).

The engine malfunction light comes up and there is a loss of power, although the car will still drive. On stopping and restarting it is cleared. There are no error codes (I will check it when the engine light is up in the hope it tells me something).

My 2008 started this years ago but it was only on very long journeys and months apart, the frequency / distance reduced until it was every journey and I sold at £165K miles. The error code suggested it was an O2 sensor - I didn't bother trying to fix it and sold it to someone who has since scrapped it (they were fully informed).

I was very surprise when the immaculate 2013 model I bought did the same thing (once so far) and I'm wondering if this is common, what the faults were and if they were successfully fixed? If anyone has had a similar experience I appreciate you sharing with me.

2008 - 2.2 manual diesel TDCI

2013 - 2.0 auto diesel TDCI

Thanks

Why not treat it like the first and don’t bother trying to fix it.

When you say no error codes - are you using Ford specific diags such as Forscan?

Generic OBD readers don't pick up Ford specific codes.

I’ve had similar experiences to what you’re describing one of those was a boost piper failure the rubber pipes at the front corners of the engine bay and also with the EGR cooler going bad. Hopefully someone will be able to describe more in detail, but at least it’s a start. 
 

I should’ve said that my s max is the 2ltr tdci 2014

Thanks B1cko and Tomsfocus. No, it’s not ford dials, I didn’t know this.

My other worries are...O₂ sensor on a diesel and codes more likely to be there when read with EML on otherwise, they can clear??

Thanks Shearers, the error code on my old one was the O2. I sold it giving full information on the error and it has since been scrapped, so assume changing it didn’t fix it. That car was going into limp mode every journey. So far I’ve gone another 200 miles in the new one without issue. I may invest in the forscan app and compatible reader or see if my mechanic will read it for me.

So the old one was petrol and the current engine is diesel (I don't think diesels of that age have an O₂ sensor)??

Also, if you get Forscan (free) and a Vlinker lead (mentioned in many posts) you can do it yourself for about £30 this saves the probable £70 diagnostic charge unless you have a special relationship with mechanic?

Thanks, that was my plan, was worried that might be too cheap a route but sounds like the £30 vlinker works ok!

old one was diesel, it was my mechanic who said it was the 02 sensor and the bloke who bought it seemed to have researched the parts and repair when he test drove it! I didn’t do any research. It wouldn’t be the first time I’ve talked about non existent parts though.

2.2 TDCI did have an O2 sensor from 2008 in the S-Max.  Large capacity engine in a heavy car means more emissions control needed to meet requirements compared to smaller engines and lighter cars.