Ford F-150 Common Problems and Causes: A General Overview

If you are informing yourself about the Ford F-150 problems and what are the usual repairs, you have come to the right place.

In this article, you will understand what problems you might encounter while enjoying your F-150 for years and years.

The article is divided into Interior, Exterior, and Engine problems. Remember that the issues you will see listed under each category don’t have to fully resemble the category. However, it’s a problem that will directly or indirectly affect your Ford truck’s interior, exterior, or engine.

Let’s dive straight into all the possible problems!

F-150 Repairs & Solutions: Key Takeaways

• Interior Problems: Dashboard messages, warming issues, light problems 
• Exterior Problems: Roof problems, doors & windows issues, other common problems. 
• Engine Problems: Problems with starting, noise issues, other engine issues.

General Interior Problems & Repairs In F-150

This section will cover some of Ford truck drivers’ most common interior problems. These problems all have solutions, so don’t worry about being unable to repair your car. 

This category will be separated into smaller sections for easier management. 

Dashboard Messages In F-150

Dashboard messages are genuinely annoying. They can mean many things; thankfully, your F-150 always tells you where to look. 

Until now, we’ve encountered and wrote about three common dashboard messages, and many people complained about them as well. 

The first one is the steering assist fault; service required message. This message can be caused by inadequate vehicle alignment.

The next cause of this message could be the power steering wire’s loose connection, a faulty rack and pinion, harness, connection, power steering control module error, inefficient steering column, intermediate steering shaft issues, or harness, sensor, or faulty connection for the steering shaft’s torque.

The next common message is the park brake limited function: service required message. The causes for this can be as simple as a dead battery or rusted/worn-out wires for the parking brake. On the other hand, it also could be the liquids. Your wires may have rusted over time due to liquid exposure if you drive through puddles or in the rain.

Check the links for additional explanations and solutions!

There is another message that shows as a light in your dashboard; the charging system service now.

The “Charging System Service Now” light indicates that you should get the charging system checked out by a professional as soon as possible. Numerous things can cause the message to arise, and we’ve covered the common ones in the linked article.

The most common reason for the red battery indicator to illuminate on an F-150 is a defective alternator. Also, you should examine the terminals for any corrosion by lifting the plastic covers since that might also be a cause, and you will check for rodent damage while at it.

Warming Problems In F-150

In this section, we have a bit more to talk about. Apparently, warming yourself up on cold winter days is a problem for some Ford truck drivers. 

To start, a lot of drivers required a blend door actuator reset. Like any other vehicle, your Ford F-150’s HVAC system maintains a comfortable inside atmosphere regardless of the outside temperature. 

The following prevalent thing is the AC problem. Many F-150 drivers’ AC intermittently goes on and off, which means they can’t heat up in winter or cool down in summer.

This problem could arise because of a fan malfunction, a lousy air control valve, a blown fuse, a faulty blower motor, a blocked air intake, a bad relay, poor electric control, damaged belt or hoses, …. We could go on and on. 

The next thing after the AC not working is the heated seats not heating properly or at all. The heated seat not working is an annoying problem in F-150s, and the cause is probably a rusty plug, a blown fuse, a dislocated thermistor, a faulty heating component, or similar. 

Lastly, a common problem for this category is the F-150 rear defrost not working. In this case, a blown fuse, a loose connection, or an issue with the switch or grid may be to blame. However, the fix is easy enough, so fix it before it becomes a problem.

Lights Problems In F-150

This is the last set of problems that we’ve encountered and wrote about in the interior category; the lights problems. Thankfully, there are not many common problems in this section. Except one. 

Some drivers repeatedly experience interior lights that won’t turn off in their F-150. 

The fix can be as simple as closing your doors properly.

However, there are other causes, such as defective or damaged switches, the dimmer switch being at its highest setting, a faulty door sensor, and difficulties with the wiring or control modules. 

General Exterior Problems & Repairs In F-150

This section will cover some of Ford truck drivers’ most common exterior problems. These problems all have solutions, same as te interior ones, and same as most of the problems you will see in this article. 

This category will be separated into smaller sections for easier management. 

The categories in which we’ll list common exterior problems are roof issues, doors and windows faults, and other very common ones. 

Let’s dive right in!

Roof Problems

Of course, the roof is an essential part of every vehicle. It keeps the whole thing secure enough to travel with your family, to be dry and warm. 

Naturally, when troubles with the roof arise, you start to wonder what the cause is and how to fix it. Well, you will find the most common reasons here, and you can get the solution with one click on the linked problem. 

The first common problem is a Ford F-150 sunroof that won’t close properly. The causes for that are versatile. It can be either a mechanical or electrical issue.

A defective motor, a slack wire, or a damaged component that prevents the sunroof from properly shutting are examples of mechanical problems. On the other hand, the electric motor or wiring is to blame for electrical issues. 

Another very common issue is the leaking sunroof. Sunroofs frequently begin to leak when one or more of the drains get blocked. This makes it possible for rainwater to collect in the sunroof assembly and eventually overflow, seeping into the car. 

Doors & Windows Issues

Another set of issues is with both the doors and the windows.

Keep reading to see what drivers report as a common issue!

The first issue is the F-150 door that won’t unlock with a key. It might be that your key coin battery is dead, there is water damage, an incorrect receiver module, etc. 

Next, some doors won’t close when it is cold outside. For example, the Ford F-150 door latch parts may shrink in cold temperatures and lose some flexibility. The lock won’t properly latch as a result. There are other possibilities, but this one is the most common. 

If you thought these problems were annoying, what do you think about the next one: Ford F-150 windows not working? 

Annoying alert! We know. We can’t function without a nice wind breeze in summer. 

The windows are not working because of a blown fuse, electric motor malfunction, physical damage, or ignition problems. But everything is fixable! 

As a cherry on top, the last, very annoying problem is when the wipers won’t turn off on your F-150. It could be that your wiper controls are broken, there is a park switch malfunction, or it’s terrible wiring in question. Take your vehicle to a mechanic only after you read the possible solutions in the link above. 

Other Common Problems

In this section, we will talk about some problems that didn’t fit into the categories above, but they are external and outside the cab of the F-150. 

The first problem is the trailer battery that is not charging in F-150. The reasons for that are very dull; for example, corroded battery or brake controller issues.

Also, it could be that the connections in the brake controllers are causing the problem. However, the fix is not expensive, so that’s positive!

The last thing (for now) in this section is the tire sensor faults in F-150. There are multiple reasons for this issue, and it can be anything between flat tires, temperature differences, or the fact that you have installed new tires.

General Engine Problems & Repairs In F-150

This section will cover some of Ford truck drivers’ most common engine problems.

Same as before, we will separate these problems into several categories.

The categories in which we’ll list common engine problems are problems with starting, noise issues, and other common problems that affect the engine.

Let’s dive right in!

Problems With Starting

The Ford F-150’s intermittent starting problem is the first thing on our list. This problem often occurs when you have a dead battery.

The dead battery is a cause for many issues on this list, including when your F-150 won’t start clicking under the dash and has no crank or start.

The intermittent starting problem can also cause a corroded battery or faulty alternator or starter. You will recognize this problem when you try to start your Ford F-150 and hear a single clicking sound, but it won’t start. 

On the other hand, having no crank and no start in your F-150 may mean that your battery is fully drained, which happened to us, and this problem is not solely related to Ford trucks. This is more of a general issue with vehicles.

This issue can arise from a faulty starter or a fuel pump, ignition switch problems, or similar. 

Let’s check what the Ford F-150 won’t start clicking under the dash problem is all about. There are two types of clicking you can experience in your Ford F-150. You can hear several continuous clicks or a single click.

All of this is commonly hand in hand with not being able to start your Ford F-150. You most likely have a battery or alternator problem if you hear a clicking sound repeating itself. 

Another problem that comes with a drained battery is auto start-stop not working. To fix this, you should jump-start your vehicle or change your battery. If that doesn’t work, try stabilizing your car’s temperature, or take it to a mechanic. 

If you experience these problems, you should check your battery and then take it to a mechanic. 

Other very common problems with starting your F-150 are: 

• F-150 starts but then dies immediately
• F-150 surging under acceleration
• F-150 won’t move in any gear

If you experience these problems, your best move is to take your car for inspection by a skilled mechanic. If you don’t do it, your small problem could become more extensive, costing you more time and money.

Noise Issues

When it comes to noise in your expensive car, it’s not advisable to turn up your radio and forget about it. 

In the beginning, the sounds you may hear can signify a small but rising problem. 

For example, if you experience clicking noise when your F-150 is off, you should check for the source. 

The three most prevalent reasons for a ticking noise in a Ford F-150 engine are low oil level or pressure, an issue with the ignition system, or an exhaust leak. There are more causes. However, these are the most common ones. Try restarting your vehicle, check the oil and the battery, and take it to a mechanic. 

Other Engine Issues

Unfortunately, the list of common problems is not over just yet. 

Let’s start with the cam phaser rattle. Checking the engine oil level is the first step in fixing the faulty cam phasers in your Ford F-150. If your oil level is too low, increase it until it reaches the amount your car manufacturer suggested.

That could lower the rattle. If nothing helps, in the article linked, you will find a little DIY; however, this won’t take care of the issue for a long time, so it is advisable to take your F-150 to a mechanic. 

The next issue is the cylinder 4 misfire. A cylinder 4 misfire is unquestionably a reason for worry and should be viewed as a danger to your F150’s driving ability. This problem, in contrast to many others, is directly related to engine combustion. Ignoring it can also be expensive because driving with a misfire might harm the car’s catalytic converter. Take your F-150 to a mechanic if you have a cylinder misfire problem. 

And finally, the last problem in this group of problems is the EcoBoost Blow-Off Valve problem in the Ford F-150. Lack of oil, damaged seals, and deposits of foreign material are common causes of this problem.

To fix it, don’t drive your car for longer than it takes you to drive to the mechanic’s place. 

Frequently Asked Questions

This section will detail some of the questions about F-150 problems. 

Let’s see what is in store!

How To Tell Which Coil Pack Is Bad On F-150?

We used our already written answer here, so if you want to learn more about a bad coil pack, visit the article. 

It might be challenging to identify the defective coil pack at times. You will only know which coil pack is failing once you add a dynamic load to your Ford F-150 coil to verify resistance.

Use the simple method below to determine which coil pack in your Ford F150 has to be replaced. The procedure is relatively easy to follow and will take a little time to finish.

Step 1. First, you must use a wrench to separate the negative battery line from the battery. You must then isolate the battery cable.

Step 2. Locate the coil for your Ford engine. Open the front hoods for this. The coil resembles a black cylinder and has a central wire that resembles a spark plug wire, as you’ll see. Additionally, it will be connected to two side posts using wires and nuts.

Step 3. Remove the thick wire from the coil’s center. Pull it straight out of the coil to do this. Remove all nuts and wires from the side terminals as well.

Step 4. Use an ohmmeter to check which coils are operating correctly and which are not. Check the reading you receive by placing the test leads on each side of Ford’s terminals. Primary resistance is what it should be, and it should range from.4 to 2 ohms.

Step 5. Moving the test leads from the negative post to the center terminal is the final step (where you remove the large wire). Additionally, avoid pulling the other lead from the coil’s positive post. Instead, take a reading of the resistance on the ohmmeter now. 

What Is The Cause Behind Ford F-150 Lug Nuts Swelling?

The issue arises when water seeps into the area between the steel lug nut holding the wheel to the car and the attractive chrome cover.

This scenario gets worse with the use of road salt and other chemical ice-melting agents.

Corrosion and rust grow and accumulate between the two different parts. So although it has a beautiful appearance, it isn’t always beneficial.

Wonder what there is more to find out about lug nuts swelling?

How Much Will It Cost To Repair Cab Corner In F-150? 

When you take your automobile to the body shop, you should budget around $80-$85 per hour for labor for a cab corner repair in your F-150. 

The final cost of the service will depend on the kind of car you have, including the brand, model, and year.

The price range for replacing cab corners is $700 to $2,500. However, many folks claim that the cost of this repair was about $1,200.

Although the cab corners may be obtained for as little as $120, the bodywork and labor expenditures drive up the project’s cost, as said previously.

This price may change depending on your vehicle’s specs, the cab corners’ material, and quality.

What Is A Cost For F-150 4X4 Actuator Replacement?

The type of actuator you decide to buy and where you buy it will affect how much you’ll have to spend to replace a broken Ford F-150 4×4 actuator.

For instance, if you want to repair your malfunctioning 4×4 actuator on your own, you will first need to buy a new one and then disassemble the old actuator on your truck to install the new one.

Tools like a socket set and wrench set will be needed for this. You’ll also need access to a car lift or jacks to elevate your truck high enough to crawl beneath it.

On the other hand, if you choose to hire a mechanic or technician, they will bill by the hour.

For example, if they bill $100 per hour and take two hours to replace the defective actuator, the total cost would be $200 (labor plus parts).

But, there is a way of saving money on the cost of the 4×4 actuator replacement. Wonder how?

 How To Bypass The O2 Sensor On Ford F-150?

First, get the car ready. Then, raise your car off the ground. Next, remove the existing O2 sensor.

Now add your fake sensor. It is easy to replace an O2 sensor in your Ford F-150; however, is it safe enough?