Hey,
My first post here as I don't own a truck at the moment but I expect to buy one within the next couple weeks. Basically I'm looking for a little helpful advice on what to check for in 04-06 F150s that goes beyond the normal inspection. You know common problems that an owner finds after a couple years. If someone knows of an artical or previous thread that has covered this I'd appreciate the referance to help me with my searching.

I'm looking at 04 to 06 4x4s with a 5.4 in either super or crew cab. The trucks like this that are in my price range are usually at the 100'000 km mark (60000miles).

I appreicate any help, thanks.

 

The 04-05 model years had some issues with the rear sliding window, if the model you look at has one. It kinda sticks at times. Just keep some white lithium grease on the slider. These years 04-post 07 have spark plug issues, meaning they will not wanna come out when you change them. Search spark plug thread, this will tell you why. It was basically a one piece plug design and carbon gets on them and its hard to pull the plugs out. You need to squirt some penetrating oil and let it sit, and the plugs will come out easier. Also take your time. Other things too look for are does the rearend whine? Does the tranny shift good? transfer case sound good? and engages properly?? There is a recall out about a "butle" pad which collects debris and some owners are complaining of rust b/c of this pad. The fix is to remove it. Other things to keep in mind, is the 5.4 takes 7 qts of oil. Loves oil filters with the anti drain back valve like Motorcraft, purolater, and Wix. Run Motorcraft 5w 20 or you can get away with running 5w 30 it will not hurt anything. This engine is very noisy, they tend to make a diesel idle sound which is the injectors firing. There is also a cam phaser issue on start up it whines real loud when cold and typically goes away after it warms up. If you get the phasers replaced by Ford the problem will come back with time, its just how the design is of these motors. If you have any other questions just let all of us know.

 

My rear power slider is hesitating... it don't open now. the motor makes noise and the cable can be heard trying to move a bit, but no major movemnt of the window other than say about an inch. Happened out of the blue one day after working well... any thoughts?

 

You could try checking the fuse under the instrument panel first, then try seeing if a loose connection going to the motor is sticking or going bad. I would think the motor for the rear window would be behind the back seat??? Or the button on the overhead console might be sticking. Have you noticed any moisture near the window?? maybe water getting in some how??

 

I'll try to take a look on saturday. The button is working, the motor seems like it is trying to work the cable, but it doesn't have the torque to do it. Something might be sticking near the back window. Thanks for the advice

 

I've heard about the spark plug issue and from what I see it's pretty rampant. It's something I'm gonna question the dealer about for sure seeing as the trucks I've been looking at are at the mile point for plug replacement. Mind you, I don't know how'd I'd gaurentee the plugs were changed anyways if the sales person wanted to shoot me a line of BS.

Seems the 2V 4.6 doesn't have this issue maybe I should go that route.. it is cheaper and rated for better fuel mileage... I just find they are pretty flat power wise. Don't get me wrong they get the job done but nothing extra. ahh choices.