1997 Ford F-150: engine failure

Filed Mar 1, 2017 · Steering · 207,000 miles · MO

Tl* the contact owns a 1997 ford f-150. The contact stated that while at a stop sign and attempted to make a right turn, the steering wheel became hard and a pop sound emerged from the steering column. The vehicle was driven for approximately a half a block then the steering wheel seized. The vehicle was towed to the contacts residence and then the contact called the dealer that advised him that the VIN was not part of the recall. The vehicle was repaired but the parts replaced were unknown. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 207,000.

Filed Feb 24, 2015 · Engine · 112,000 miles · TX

While starting from a red light, the engine blew a spark plug! I have the 5.4 v-8 engine. Fortunately the engine was not damaged or anything else. I immediately pulled off road and had truck towed to the local ford dealership. Repairs were $600.00.

Filed Nov 13, 2014 · Steering · 200,000 miles · MO

Tl* the contact owns a 1997 ford f-150. The contact stated that while driving over a bump, the steering wheel seized and extreme force was required in order to control the vehicle. The failure occurred on numerous occasions. The vehicle was towed to the contact's residence where an independent mechanic diagnosed that the steering shaft needed to be replaced. The contact repaired the vehicle by welding the steering shaft but the failure recurred. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 200,000.

Filed Jan 7, 2014 · Engine · 35,000 miles · TX

My truck was loosing water to the oil pan and caused the engine to need replacing in 2004. Ford charged me 5200.00 to replace the engine and said the warranty would not cover it. Now the replacement engine is doing the same thing. Why will ford not admit the problem with the 97 4.2 and not try to cover it up.? I do not have alot of money and can't afford to let them keep fixing their problem.

Filed Nov 27, 2012 · NV

1997 ford f-150. Consumer writes in regards to vehicle repaired with defective parts. *smd the consumer took the vehicle to the dealer because of an A/C problem. The A/C clutch assembly was making noise when the air conditioning was turned off. As the dealer was preparing to install a new A/C clutch assembly, the compressor fell apart when they removed the clutch. So, the vehicle needed a new compressor as well. The consumer gave approval for the repairs, thinking the dealer was going to use new parts. On june 25, 2011, as the consumer was driving 65 MPH, the A/C compressor suddenly seized and broke the serpentine drive belt, which took out the power steering. The vehicle pulled hard to the left and it almost took him half way into the lane of on-coming traffic. The next the day, the vehicle was towed to the dealer, where they replaced the compressor and drive belt free of charge. That is when the consumer discovered re-manufactured parts had been used. On june 114, 2012, the compressor was replaced again at no charge. On october 16, 2012, the compressor was replaced again, because it was making a loud noise.

Filed Oct 9, 2012 · Engine · 82,000 miles · OH

Tl* the contact owns a 1997 ford f150. The contact stated that after starting the vehicle, the engine failed. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the engine blew a rod through the oil pan. As a result, the motor crate needed to be replaced. After the repairs the contact heard a loud noise coming from the engine after starting the vehicle. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer for inspection. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturerer was made aware of the failure who did not offer any assistance. The failure mileage was 82,000.

Filed Dec 6, 2010 · Engine · 61,850 miles · FL

Purchased a used 1997 ford f-150 truck from a private one owner person, the truck had less than 58,000 original miles, this truck has a 4.2 liter v-6 engine, which was well maintained. After driving the truck for less than 4 months of owning it the engine suffered a catastrophic engine failure due to a defect in engine gasket, torque sequence and other specific specs, have not been notified of this problem from ford motor co. As of yet. The engine suffered what is called hydraulic-lock and when the engine cranked up it bent piston rods in the motor and the piston skirts are now hitting the crankshaft, requires a total engine rebuild or new engine replacement.

Filed Jul 18, 2010 · Engine · 100,000 miles · NM

1997 ford f-150 4.2l v6. Engine coolant filled engine cylinder resulting in catastrophic engine failure. Replace engine with used one at a cost of $3500.00. This engine shows signs of same problem. I have driven fords for 30 years, this is the last one I'll own.

Filed Feb 15, 2009 · Engine · 106,071 miles · TN

My f-150 was running rough and had a "check engine" light illuminated. I took it to my local dealer for diagnosis and repair. They replaced the spark plugs, plug wires, and ignition coil for a cost of over $500. They stated that the #5 plug had been fouled with antifreeze. It ran fine for about a month, then upon starting my truck, a loud banging or rattling noise could be heard and the engine locked up. Upon doing research on the internet, I found numerous people who claim that a faulty gasket design caused water to leak into one of the cylinders inspection of the cylinders showed coolant to be pooled in the front, passenger-side cylinder. Certified mechanics attribute coolant in the cylinder to be due to a premature gasket failure. If not corrected, the problem leads to major engine destruction. Documented effects of the coolant leak are worn out bearings and surfaces, and broken or bent connecting rods, necessitating an engine rebuild. Ford sent a tsb to some owners of these engines to replace the faulty gasket but not to other owners. The knowledge of a faulty gasket design was withheld from some 1997 4.2l f150 owners. I never received notification, and like many people, have suffered catastrophic engine failure. Average repair costs are around $4500 dollars. Ford did not notify owners of known defects and ford technicians who should know better than anyone, did not notify me.

Filed Mar 14, 2008 · Engine · 95,843 miles · TN

Tl*the contact owns a 1997 ford f-150. The contact attempted to start the vehicle, but was unsuccessful. The engine turned over twice, but did not start. The contact looked under the vehicle and found a piece of metal on the ground along with an oil leak. The contact spoke with a mechanic and they stated that the motor needed to be replaced. The current and failure mileages were 95,843. Updated 04/29/08. *lj the consumer stated the engine was replaced due to a fualty head gasket. Updated

Filed Feb 16, 2008 · Engine · 76,200 miles · KY

Hydrolock on 1997 ford f-150 v6 4.2 engine. Was not aware of any problems with the engine until the engine seized and was quoted $4500 for a new rebuild engine. I was curious of why the engine would seize and did some internet searches only to find it is a common problem with engine year and build. Why was I never notified of the potential for this problem if so many others have experienced it, and what to watch out for if symptoms of this condition are evident?

Filed Feb 7, 2008 · Engine · 70,000 miles · WI

Engine failure.