P2C23: Ford hybrid exhaust heat-exchanger connector checks

P2C23 can accompany an illuminated malfunction indicator without a drivability complaint in the Ford hybrid case described by SSM 52543. Ford identifies seal damage, corrosion or water intrusion at exhaust coolant temperature sensor 3 or 4 connections as possible contributors. This is a specific diagnostic case, not a universal redefinition of the code.

Inspect the connections before the assembly

The bulletin calls for visual inspection of both sensors and their mating connections before the relevant Workshop Manual pinpoint test. It separates evidence of damaged sealing or moisture from an unconfirmed suspicion about the complete exhaust heat exchanger. A matching code alone does not demonstrate that the entire assembly has failed.

If inspection finds the described damage or contamination, Ford directs repair under the wiring procedure and application of the specified electrical grease to the female vehicle-side harness connection. The side of the connection and the correct material matter; this is not a recommendation to apply arbitrary products throughout the connector or to treat grease as a substitute for repair.

The return-code decision

After the specified correction, absence of returning P237F or P2C23 means no further action under this message and no need to replace the entire exchanger. If either code returns, the next step is the Workshop Manual pinpoint test. The bulletin therefore provides both an initial inspection priority and a clear limit to that repair path.

Give the technician the exact hybrid powertrain, full fault report and whether any drivability symptom exists. Exhaust-system access and connector repair should follow professional procedures after appropriate cooling. The source does not support a replacement decision without those observations.

Source and applicability

Ford SSM 52543: 2021–2024 F-150 3.5L FHEV, 2020–2024 Explorer 3.3L FHEV, 2020–2024 Escape 2.5L FHEV and 2022–2024 Maverick 2.5L FHEV.

SSM 52543 — NHTSA manufacturer communication 11000295, physical PDF page 1.