Just became owner of a 2001 F-150 Supercrew Lariat. 5.4L engine, 2WD, 240K miles.

Previous Owner (PO) wasn't much for maintenance. My goal is to give this old gal some TLC and get it back in proper shape without breaking the bank!

The good:

Truck runs and drives OK, A/C works, body is rust free, paint is in decent condition (needs to be detailed). Sunroof, power driver's seat, power windows and door locks work.

The bad/questionable:

1. There seems to be an oil leak on the top left side of the engine - the trans fluid dipstick and top of the left side valve cover are coated in sludge - need to figure out what's going on here. Would like to degrease the engine, but don't want to cause problems - any concerns about this?

2. The gear shifter seems very sloppy. Selector doesn't go all the way to Park. Have to select by feel - the indicator seems to be off track (is in reverse when the selector shows Neutral). What can I do to correct this condition?

3. The engine seems a little sluggish overall. Any tips on things to do to "wake it up"?

4. Transmission fluid a little low and very dirty. Any reason not to drop the pan and change the fluid & filter?

5. What's the deal with the spark plugs? I've been told that the plugs in the 5.4 are notoriously problematic in this engine? Tips/advice appreciated -

6. Rear window leaks during a rain storm. What's the best fix for this, should I try to put in a new gasket or go the silicone route?

7. The tailgate won't open. Is this common on these models? If so , what can I do to correct?

8. The bottom part of both seats are completely roached out. Should I try to get them repaired, or should I look for a set of new seats from a donor vehicle? Do the seats from other models swap in to this one (like the Expedition)?

9. My truck has the keyless entry pad on the driver's door, but the PO didn't know the code. Can I reset this myself, or is this something I need a Dealer to do?

Are there any quirky things about this model/year that I should know? I want to change all the fluids to get a maintenance baseline started, but don't want the Law of Unintended Consequences to bite.

Thank you in advance for any guidance!

 

1. Be VERY careful if you degrease the engine, the coil-on-plug system does NOT like getting wet.
2. Drop the bottom steering column cover, the shift cable is held by a couple Torx screws, they are probably loose.
3. It probably needs spark plugs, it's possible the cats are getting clogged.
4. Also pull the torque converter drain plug.
5. If not adequately torqued, they can loosen and blow out. Torque them to 28 ft/lb.
6. Is it leaking around the window gasket, or the 3rd brake light?
8. 97-03 F150, 97-02 Expy/Navi.
9. https://www.f150online.com/forums/19...ntry-code.html

Differential takes 75W140 full synthetic, if it has limited slip add a bottle of XL-3 from the Ford dealer. Look at the AXLE code on the door jamb sticker, if the first character is a letter, it's LS (example - H9)

 

you say the left side, but are toy talking about the right side?

when it comes to vehicles, you view it from the driver's seat.... the transmission dipstick is on the passenger side or right side of the engine, not the driver's or left side of the engine....

 

the entry code in under the dash behind the glove box IIRC 5 digit code.....shove your kid under there with a flashlight..
common to leak around the 3rd brake light however, if it is the window gasket it is an EASY fix BUT beware.....of your IN/lbs torque..the studs break OFF easily...then you need a window

only WASH the motor is you expect to CHANGE the plugs as water inevitably finds a way into the plug boot cavity..(BAD)
upon changing plugs add a 1/8 bead of DIELECTRIC GREASE (not form-a-gasket, not silicone, not wheel bearing grease) under the LARGE flat part of boot to seal it to the head.

have a good weekend...lol

 

To clarify my statement, you are correct. I am referring to the passenger side of the engine. There is a buildup of sludge on the trans dipstick and the area on the top of the engine on the passenger (right side in your nomenclature). Any insight you have to its source is appreciated.

Thanks

 

Thank you for all of this helpful information!

 

Regarding item #6, the water appears to be coming in at the outside top corners around the rear window. From the stains on the headliner, this has been going on for a while - it's a steady drip, not a flood, but I obviously want to address it before it causes other problems.

 

RE Item #4, what's the proper transmission fluid to use for this vehicle? I've been told that changing the fluid in a high mileage transmission can cause problems. Has anyone experienced this with these units, or is that an "old wives' tale?"

 

Use Mercon V.

 

the water leak.....it is very common for the 3rd brake light gasket to allow in water......and YES it will travel down the headliner to SOMEWHERE. mine was the window gasket....
step 1 check the 3rd brake light by removing it and cleaning the gasket , look for EVIDENCE. Clean everything, dab of silicone on the screws.
drive it ...seems you can NOT duplicate MOTHERNATURE by using a water hose (i tried ALOT)

If it still leaks next up remove all the interior trim around the window

https://www.f150forum.com/f4/rear-wi...e-spec-278108/

 

My 2002 was down on power when I bought it in 2009. The PO had lost his beach house and had moved into a double wide on a dirt road. The air filter was the original at 69k miles and it was the dirtiest air filter I've ever seen. Changing the air filter brought the power back up.

 

IN regard to GLC's the torx screws could be loose, in the same location there is also a plastic adjustment screw that tightens or loosens the cable connected to the shifter stalk.
In my case, the plastic adjustment screw and threaded mount location broke. The cheap plastic replacement from Ford was a bit to expensive for my tastes, so I took a zip tie and looped it around a support piece below the cable and pulled it tight. The shifter indicator is now functioning like new, stopping on each gear property in the display. A few cents for a cheap, long lasting fix.