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Like it said above it should go into limp where it fires on 4 cylinders, alternates firing pattern, induces cool air, and eventually will shut down but will restart and go through the same pattern to get you to a safe place. Maybe the Ecoboost doesn't have that feature IDK. Just being low on water will induce limp mode. A big mistake people make is putting an aftermarket thermostat in these modulars which doesn't shut off and regulate the bottom passage correctly. It's definitely best to spend a couple more dollars and get the proper Motorcraft thermostat. It's not like 30 years ago when thermostats just open and close at the right time. Also being very low on water can lose water/coolant contact with the sender giving erratic and inaccurate readings.
And the point?My OEM tstat crapped out 4 years in. Originally, I picked up a Motorcraft replacement from the dealership, but it weighed about 1/2 of the OEM one and just seemed like it was poorly constructed. I ended up going with a Stant Superstat (OEM temp) and it's been great. Temps are very steady and it's coming up on 5 years since I installed it.