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Ford F150 3.5L Ecoboost Rattle Upon Start Up- Timing Chain Stretch Issues TSB

775K views 1.4K replies 231 participants last post by  snakebitten  
#1 ·
Ok so some may know about this some may not but it is something that is coming on strong with many showings at dealerships across America. So as most know it is timing chains that are prematurely stretching causing this startup noise. The news is that there is updated parts out there to address this and Ford now has a TSB on this issue formally admitting to it being a common problem. I go over it all in this video. There is also a link to just how it sounds in the description of the video on youtube. Hopefully more dealers will be willing to dive into the engine with some guidance from Ford now.
 
#704 ·
My 2013 3.5 (Canadian model) has 43k miles on it and started the rattling in the last 500miles. I finally got some guidance from a friend and took it to ford. They tore it down and are replacing the chain, phasers, and one of the turbos. (I also had some intermittent performance issues)
 
#707 ·
Here are the 2017+ cam caps which house VCT solenoids
Image
Image
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Here is the 2011-2016 for comparison

Much smaller and longer oil galleys. They are also much taller resulting in longer path required for oil to reach VCT solenoids. I will be trying a modification which machines them larger for more oil volume and see how it effects VCT operation

Image
 
#708 ·
My 2011 is running pretty smooth after the timing chain replacement. I pulled the intercooler off and cleaned it out, it was dirty but not as bad as I thought it would be, and I drilled the weep hole. I was getting that the shudder/hesitation on acceleration before the timing chain fix and that appears to be gone. I'm still on the fence about trading it in. I had the dealer print out all my service records and it says they were using 5w-20 for almost every oil change except 1. My OCI's weren't the best either, avg about 7000 miles. I don't tow much and def don't run the snot out of my truck, but still. If nothing else, this whole experience has been a great education on how these trucks work and how to maintain them. I will definitely be paying much closer attention on my next truck and will be avoiding the extended service plan with Ford.
 
#709 ·
Hey guys, wondering what the best approach would be on the timing chain issue. My truck is a '13, with just shy of 70k on it, and recently on cooler mornings I've had a couple times it's rattled. Once I heard it the first time, I had been taking video of my truck on start up, but didn't catch it since those were warmer mornings. This week it happened a second time, and wasn't on video unfortunately. I'm just going to video every morning upon start-up to have proof, but I'm trying to figure out the best approach to getting this fixed.

My truck is still under warranty, they gave me 5 year/100k powertrain at the time of purchase. I have a year left and 30k miles on the warranty, but don't want to wait til it's almost expired to get this fixed. Do dealers give some push back when you take it in and tell them you heard a rattle? Do they have to hear it for themselves? What's the best approach here when it's still very intermittent, and likely wouldn't show the symptom if I left it overnight for a Ford tech. Need some advice.
 
#715 ·
That's certainly helpful. The other problem, my truck isn't throwing any codes. I guess I'll have to see how this goes...

Never had my truck in for anything aside from brake work and oil changes. Was hoping I'd get to skirt around this issue, guess not.
 
#716 ·
No need for it to throw errors, they can diagnose it without those just have to find the smart tech and not the lazy one. I was -12 when I took mine in, codes are to pop at -6+ ... I was well out there with my tensioner.
 
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#724 ·
Who would be the correct contact at Ford if I wanted to complain about the timing chain issue and the fact that my dealer had been putting the wrong oil in my truck (5w-20) for the past 50k miles possibly contributing to the problem? I know it will fall on deaf ears, but I'd just feel better if I lodged some sort of complaint.
 
#725 ·
Hey guys. I?ve got an 2011 and have had the timing chain and the 4 phasers changed at 99200 kms. Super lucky to have gotten it into them to have them look at it when I did under warranty. It fixed the problem and it?s been good in that front until this past weekend. I started it up last Saturday and it made the same noise. It?s done it a bunch of times since but with no rhyme or reason to it. Has anyone heard of it happening again or could this be another problem. They don?t seem to want to help unless I take it in and have them do a whole test series on it on my dime. Any thought will be appreciated. Thanks
 
#726 ·
Just drive it til it doesn't work any more man. There is a few guys on f150 forum that have been driving over 100k miles with the noise and still haven't had the P0016 code pop up for bad timing.
 
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#729 ·
180K on mine with a rattle.
Still going strong.
Figured I will see how long it goes till it blows up then I will just buy a used engine and swap it. Basically the same price and easier to change the entire engine out.

But now my heat just went out. hopefully it's low coolant, blend door, or something simple.
If I have to change the Thermostat or deal with a heater core, I will probably do this fix also.
 
#727 ·
Are there any driveability issues that this timing chain issue can cause? I don't have any diagnostic lights or codes but I've had the truck in the dealership about 3 times since I've had it for an intermittent shuddering issue and hard shifting that I thought had to do with the transmission. This was all checked out under the powertrain warranty. Once I got up to around 68k miles and out of warranty I happened to notice the chain slapping noise on cold start. If this can cause driveability issues I think I've got a pretty good argument that this is related to issues I wanted diagnosed when I was still under warranty. Although after reading this thread, I'm thinking my best option may be to just cut my losses and trade the truck in. What a pain......
 
#728 ·
Get ESP for about $1300, more or less depending on current mileage with up to 130k and 5 years. Make sure it doesn't rattle when it comes to inspect it. Then take it back for all the problems at current state.

Sent from my VS988 using Tapatalk
 
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#730 ·
Hi everyone! I too have the dreaded rattle on start up. I have a 2013 with 75400 miles. I went to the local Ford dealership to see what my options are, and the SA looked at me like I was crazy. I told him to look at TSB 16-0027 or 14-0194 or 15-0131. He said nothing comes up with those TSB's. He then told me I have no powertrain warranty, which i already knew, but I told him my emissions warranty should still be good for a few thousand miles. He said any work would be on my dime. Super frustrated. Not sure what to do at this point. Try another dealership, live with the noise and hope nothing happens, or move on to the next vehicle. I'm not throwing any codes yet. I noticed it just this year. Other than this issue and the occasional completely dead battery, the truck has been great.
 
#731 ·
He is wrong on the "nothing coming up for the TSB" actually tell him you'd like for him to enter it in front of you if he didn't or ask for a different service manager.

He is right however on the emissions, emissions will not cover this. Its about $2700 to $4800 depends on what and how many TSBs they will do for you or if you listen to RBrown (which you should) spend the extra $$$ and ask them to replace extra parts per RBrowns list if the parts he lists aren't on the dealers parts list.

Purchase an ESP or pay out of pocket. ESP will cost you $1300 or so vs what I said above. It sucks I know... I jumped on my ESP the first sight and sound of this. Had it fixed under ESP and my dealer actually did both TSBs, the 16-0027 and some 17-xxxx don't remember the exact number but he looked it up. He showed me the invoice that went to corp it was for $4800 coverage. It was paid. ESP paid for itself a couple times just with this fix already.

All the best of luck buddy. Its a rough road to deal with but do your research, check in and out of dealerships, fine a reputable one that won't be pushing you around and actually do it right way like they all should, not hide this info from you and BS. Good luck!

Sent from my VS988 using Tapatalk
 
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#734 ·
To give anyone who's having this issue an update on my situation, after being told nothing was wrong with my truck and they couldn't replicate the problem I was sent on my way. I called Ford and told them my problem, and left a less than stellar survey response. The dealership than agreed to attempt to diagnose my truck again, and after a week they were able to diagnose it. After performing the TSB the truck was still making the rattle, so now it's currently getting a new engine dropped in.
 
#741 ·
I just posted on another thread about this:

Hi there. I just became a member here because I saw this post. I have a 2012 and at 60,000 miles I started noticing a sudden loss of power like my turbos weren't spooling up like they should. Once I got at a much higher RPM I would then notice my power but when I took my foot off the gas I could hear the exhaust going through my waste gates...but it was a much different sound. Eventually my check engine light came on and a buddy of mine plugged his "code" reader into my computer and found I was getting under-boost errors. I took my truck into Ford and they found my timing chain was stretched and jumped a few cogs on the gear. Thank goodness I have an extended warranty or this would have been painful! The repair was made and everything was fine...until this morning. I now have 80,000 miles on the truck and the SAME EXACT THING is happening!!! The check engine light hasn't come on yet but I'm sure it's just a matter of time. I love my truck but the Ecoboost engine is getting me worried now! I'll let you know what I find wrong this time.
 
#742 ·
How long ago did you have the "timing belt issue" fixed, the first time. The first few iterations of the TSB were all kinds of wrong and didn't recommend replacing all of the proper components like what should have been done. There have been a few people that had one of the earlier "fixes" done, only to have the problem return later. Keep us in the loop of what comes about on this trip to the dealership. ;)
 
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#744 ·
jumping in on this bull****, just ran out of powertrain warranty (60870) and this started showing. pretty disappointed in Ford, and how they have handled this. what a way to put a sour taste in customers mouths with a truck that doesn't even have a 60k shelf life before taking a major mechanical dump.
 
#745 ·
Just because you have the rattle doesn't mean it has taken a huge mechanical dump. There are guys who have put over 100k more miles in their trucks problem free after the rattle started. If yours is bad you will get the P0016 code and then you know its full mechanical failure.

Not taking the onus off of ford but I highly doubt magically only 870 miles over 60k that this rattle just started.
 
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#746 ·
I know for me if I park it overnight on a hill nose up I don't get the rattle. Nose down it's about 2 seconds of white knuckles. I've also tried multiple oil filters to see if it helps and they're all about equal. Mobil1 was the worst. I'm back to Motorcraft now. I don't have codes being thrown but it is unsettling to hear it first thing in the am. My dealer won't fix it, says it's normal - so I guess ignorance is bliss. Once that diesel F150 comes out, bye bye EB.
 
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#747 ·
And hello to other problems with a first year production engine, that could have more problems than your boost has/had [emoji28].

Mine started to rattle @ 60k, fixed it @ 80k, (under warranty) because I’m not stupid [emoji41]. I have 106k now, running better than ever....THANKS!! to the help of this site. I have a mega can, weep hole, throttle cal ( it works), fresh plugs ( @ 25k intervals), no tune ( [emoji35][emoji35][emoji35]), and a k/n filter. She runs like nothing else I’ve ever had!!...that’s with a 2.5”lift and 33’s.


2012 screw 3.5L
 
#748 · (Edited)
Similar Issue

Same issue here with 2014 Limited.
The rattle started at first and I paid no attention to it, thought I would just address on my next service. Before I went in, the truck began the turbo lag as previously described by others. Now I knew something was really wrong and scheduled a visit ASAP. Before my appointment, the truck threw up the check engine light. Turns out the code was P0016 and they are recommending the timing pulley replacement. The truck is currently at 68,000 miles. They quoted me $1,800 in parts and $1,650 in labor. I am so pissed... My last Ford F-150 I sold at 125k, no issues ever and similar miles on a more recent Honda Accord with no issues. Maybe my expectations are set too high for vehicles as I have never in 1,000 years thought I would be asked to drop this much for a fix on a truck a few years old.

I contacted Ford Customer Care and created a case. The guy spent no time talking with me, just took my info and gave me a case number. Said Ford would be in touch in a few days. Today I got this email:

"Thank you for contacting the Ford Customer Relationship Center regarding your recent vehicle concern.
We have thoroughly reviewed your request and after careful consideration we regret that Ford is not able to provide financial assistance to address your issue.

We are sorry that we were not able to meet your expectations at this time and recommend you continue to work with your Ford dealership to provide the best service for your vehicle in the future.

Thank you again for contacting Ford.


The Ford Customer Relationship Center
Ford Motor Company"

Thats it. Wow. Even more pissed now. I really love Ford but this experience is quickly sending me to other manufacturers in the future. Any suggestions on how other have proceeded with this?

Based on all the posts, I am guessing that Ford is sticking their poor engineering problems to their customers, but hoping maybe something has changed.
 
#751 ·
Same issue here with 2014 Limited.
The rattle started at first and I paid no attention to it, thought I would just address on my next service. Before I went in, the truck began the turbo lag as previously described by others. Now I knew something was really wrong and scheduled a visit ASAP. Before my appointment, the truck threw up the check engine light. Turns out the code was P0016 and they are recommending the timing pulley replacement. The truck is currently at 68,000 miles. They quoted me $1,800 in parts and $1,650 in labor. I am so pissed... My last Ford F-150 I sold at 125k, no issues ever and similar miles on a more recent Honda Accord with no issues. Maybe my expectations are set too high for vehicles as I have never in 1,000 years thought I would be asked to drop this much for a fix on a truck a few years old.

I contacted Ford Customer Care and created a case. The guy spent no time talking with me, just took my info and gave me a case number. Said Ford would be in touch in a few days. Today I got this email:

"Thank you for contacting the Ford Customer Relationship Center regarding your recent vehicle concern.
We have thoroughly reviewed your request and after careful consideration we regret that Ford is not able to provide financial assistance to address your issue.

We are sorry that we were not able to meet your expectations at this time and recommend you continue to work with your Ford dealership to provide the best service for your vehicle in the future.

Thank you again for contacting Ford.


The Ford Customer Relationship Center
Ford Motor Company"

Thats it. Wow. Even more pissed now. I really love Ford but this experience is quickly sending me to other manufacturers in the future. Any suggestions on how other have proceeded with this?

Based on all the posts, I am guessing that Ford is sticking their poor engineering problems to their customers, but hoping maybe something has changed.
Guess you learn your lesson on waiting to get things fixed.
 
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#753 ·
Oh I get it exactly, my Dodge caliber is a shining example over $3000 in suspension work over 9 years. Haven't spent a dime on suspension on my truck.

Every vehicle has a flaw and none are perfect. If they were they wouldn't keep making new models.

BTW... I'd never spend a dime on a Dodge ever again.
 
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#759 ·
It should just be the tensioner and the arm in the kit. Maybe a set of bolts. Part of the previous issue ford had was that their parts department ordered the service guys the wrong arm and/or wrong tensioner. As an assembly they work together but not one this and one that.

On a side note, it is in my opinion that it is important to make sure you get the tensioner shown above. Not the aluminum one. My ford parts company spent a week or two with engineering and myself going back and forth to resolve the issue.
 
#779 ·
I just wanted to get back and updated what I received in the 2 “kits” I bought as an experiment.

Everything in them is wrong. Well not everything but the tensioner is wrong, tensioner bolts are wrong (not a big deal, it’s like 89 IN/LB no Tty) and tensioner which must match the proper arm is incorrect arm for tensioner and tensioner to arm.

Confirmed via received 3 ford new oem factory motors to tear down for customers.
1 was a ford Performance crate motor.
1 was a complete long block assembly
1 was a service assembly

***All of the “kits” I ordered on line from companies like tasca, DO NOT have the tensioner I use for my builds**** different arm too now.

It is absurd this is still happening, I have a few customers who are my customers because their motors failed due improper DEALER INSTALLED parts.

If anyone needs a complete and correct timing chain service kit from me, PM me and I’d be happy to put something like that together for a 100% inclusive, and updated parts package. For me to be able to sell this parts set, it’s got to be all the parts in it, not just this and or that. This is likely what it would include off the top of my head
Cam holding tool
New chain idle gear/ AUX pump (cylinder block coolant crossover is what I call it)
Printed copy of removal and installation instructions from ford manual.
Primary Tensioner
Right arm
Left arm
crank gear
2 intake and 2 exhaust phasers
4 cam bolts
4 VCT solenoids
2 secondary timing chains
2 secondary timing chain tensioners
2 secondary timing chain guides
Primary timing chain
Right chain guide
Left chain guide.
6 pcs cylinder head oil tube bolts
Front crankshaft oil seal

And a partridge in a pear tree

Seriously, PM me if your seriously interested only. Anyone can go to a site like tasca and add it all to a cart and have an idea what it will cost. Just they send the wrong parts

Anyway, offers on the table let me know VIA PM only please
 
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