1997 Ford F-150: water leaks into the cabin

Filed Dec 29, 2010 · Engine · 190,000 miles · FL

1997 ford f150 4.2 liter engine leaked water into the engine from a faulty bottom intake manifold side gasket. The repairs cost 1486.00. Noticed that many people online have complained about this same problem and became aware this has been an ongoing issue with this same make and model of vehicle.

Filed Sep 4, 2008 · Visibility · 121,000 miles · OK

Tl*the contact owns a 1997 ford f-150. The contact stated that there was a water leak in the front windshield or a firewall that caused electrical damage to the fuse box or the gem module. The failure occurs during the rain. While driving at any RPM, the fuse box would short out. The warning lights on the instrument panel would flash intermittently and the vehicle would not accelerate. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure still persists. The failure mileage was 121,000. Updated 3/5/09 *cn the windshield was replaced and no longer leaks. An improper seal was the cause of the leakage. Updated 03/10/09.

Filed Oct 27, 2007 · Electrical · 120,000 miles · VA

I am now having the water leak issue into the gem due to faulty windshield seal. It is starting to cause electrical system malfunctions. The following is a tsb released by ford: ford special message #15773 various electrical conditions resulting from water intrusion into the gem/cjb some 1997-2002 expedition and 1998-2002 navigator vehicles may exhibit various unusual electrical conditions, including but not limited to: front or rear blower or eatc staying on with key out of the ignition, radio staying on after doors opened and key out of ignition, wiper circuit failure codes, and multiple system warning lights with 'short to power' or 'low battery voltage' dtcs. These symptoms most often occur after a rain or snow. This may be due to gem/cjb water intrusion resulting from a windshield water leak. To service, remove the gem and cjb from the vehicle, separate them and inspect for water contamination or corrosion. If found in either component, replace both components and completely reseal the windshield. After doing some research on the internet I have found that I am not the only soul experiencing these issues. Apparently ford is not fixing this obvious manufacturing defect at their expense but passing it to the customers. This is obviously a ford issue that they have known about for quite some time. Please help with resolving this issue as some people have spent in the thousands fixing issues that this water intrusion issue has caused.

Filed Mar 8, 2006 · Engine · 60,750 miles · TX

I have a 1997 ford f-150 with 60,800 miles on it and the motor started knocking. I took it to the dealership and they told me I needed a new engine. The cost was more than the truck was worth. I had the truck in the shop 3 years ago for a water leak that was coming from the front of the motor. The truck had 36,000 miles on it and the dealership ask me if the mileage was right on the truck. I told them when I bought the truck and the couldn't believe I was having this problem.

Filed Nov 1, 2005 · Engine · 70,000 miles · FL

Dt: the contact stated vehicle was making a loud noise. He took it to a local mechanic, who informed him that all 1997 ford f150 engines had to be replaced. He contacted ford, and they told him there was no recall involving noise. The mechanic stated the water pump was defective which resulted in water leaking into the engine. The mechanic predicted that the engine might function for three more miles.

Filed Jan 27, 2005 · Engine · 68,200 miles · MA

Gasket leaked water into crankcase of my 97 ford f150 with a 4.2 engine. Had to replace the engine for a little more than $4000.00. Ford knows of problem but will not compensate cost. There are a lot of angry ford owners out there with the same problem. My ford truck had only 68000 miles on it.

Filed Sep 24, 2004 · Visibility · 89,000 miles · MO

Rear window leaks water around window seal.

Filed Feb 9, 2003 · Engine · 128,000 miles · LA

With no previous indications that anything was wrong, upon starting engine heard loud clacking sound, shut off and towed to mechanic. Who said it was an internal problem that could only be fixed by ford dealership or a machine shop. It was a holiday so we took it to a machine shop who verified his previous encounter with the same model engine before that a rod was bent which cracked the piston, caused from a "defect in ford's intake head gasket", which leaked water into the engine. He also stated one more crank or run a little longer the piston would have shattered and gone through the crank shaft which could have endangered anyone in it's range (hwy, etc.). The engine is now being repaired and when ford was contacted they denied any problem with the gasket and any responsibility. The machine shop has a "service notification" that the gasket has been replaced with one that will not leak. This is a very costly defect that could have been prevented if ford had sent notice to owner's. I feel ford should own up to their defective part and pay for costs owner's like myself have encountered. I have a notice of recall for a different gasket leaking coolant which was replaced by the ford dealership, #99b29.

Filed Jan 2, 2003 · Visibility · 80,000 miles · IN

Consumer states the rear window glass is leaking water into cabin of vehicle. Dealer diagnosed problem with the assembly of the glass. Dealer needs a special ford part due to glass assembly being part of vehicle's frame. Ts rear windshield replaced.

Filed Sep 16, 2002 · Engine · GA

Head on the vehicle that meets engine has cracked, and is leaking water. In doing so engine is able to overheat. Contacted dealer ,and the dealer was not willing to do anything.

Filed Apr 10, 2002 · Visibility · TX

The rear window frame keeps cracking and causing it to leak water inside the cab. I had it fixed 3 different times under warranty then it happened again and tipton wouldn't help me anymore so I called ford in detroit and they said the dealer said I was abusing my ford and that is a false statement I even offered to send them pictures of my truck and it is in great shape and only 65,000 miles it is unfounded if they just would look at my truck 'not takeing the dealers word because why would it be abuse only after the warranty ran out . The dealer never fixed the problem and if I have to go through legal manners I guess I will have to.

Filed Sep 7, 2001 · Visibility · FL

Rear window is leaking water on passenger's side. Glass has separated from frame of the truck. Please provide any further information.