The Ford F-150 is one of America’s best-selling trucks, and for good reason. But like many models, the 11th gen F-150 has its own common problems. Learn the top 5 problems of the 11th generation Ford F-150, years 2004 to 2008, with this list.
Top 5 Issues on the 11th Gen Ford F-150: 2004 to 2008
1. Airbag System Issues
Symptoms of Airbag System Issues
- Airbag light is on
- Airbag may deploy randomly
Causes of Airbag System Issues
It’s important to address air bag system issues as soon as possible. If the airbag deploys, it could send you veering off the road.
How to Fix Airbag System Issues
Ford has a recall out for this issue. They will remove the airbag unit and add a protective cover to the wires
2. Blend Door Actuator Issues
Symptoms of a Bad Blend Door Actuator
- No heat flowing from the vents
Causes of a Bad Blend Door Actuator
The blend door actuators on the 2004 to 2008 Ford F-150 tend to stop working internally, whether it’s an electrical issue or internal components
How to Fix a Bad Blend Door Actuator
Replace the blend door actuator. Find a quality replacement at 1aauto.com
3. Spark Plug Problems
Symptoms of Spark Plug Issues
- The spark plug will work its way out of the cylinder
Causes of Spark Plug Problems
The 11th gen F-150 has two common spark plug problems.
- This issue is more likely to happen on the V6 engines. The engines on the 11th gen F-150 have too few threads in the cylinder, and this mixed with combustion gases and heat can sometimes force deposits on the spark plug threads. This can loosen the spark plug and cause it to break free and pop out of the engine.
- The 3-valve Triton engine uses smaller spark plugs than the V6, and these spark plugs can adhere to the engine and become difficult to remove.
How to Fix Spark Plug Problems
To replace the spark plugs, use a special extended spark plug socket to reach down into the cylinder to grab and remove the spark plug.
If the spark plug loosened and popped out of the engine, it likely damaged the threads inside the engine head. Re-tap the thread with a special kit, which will hone out the threads and make new ones, allowing you to install a threaded insert and a spark plug.
If the spark plug is frozen inside the engine, 1A Auto has a kit that can help remove broken spark plugs.
If the 3-valve spark plugs are frozen inside the engine, we recommend running a carbon cleaning system through the engine before removing them. Do not remove the spark plugs forcefully, but listen for a cracking sound. Removing the spark plug too forcefully can break it off and cause more issues.
4. Ignition Coil Pack Failure
Symptoms of Faulty Ignition Coils
- Check engine light is on for trouble codes P0301-P0308
Causes of Bad Ignition Coil Packs
Each number at the end of the code’s number indicates the cylinder number. For example, code P0301 means there is an issue with cylinder 1.
The coil packs are known to have issues on the 2004 to 2008 11th gen Ford F-150. The ignition coil packs wear down inside and fail over time.
How to Fix Bad Ignition Coil Packs
The code will show which cylinder has the issue.
To test the coil, swap it with another and see if the code reads for that cylinder. If it does, the coil is bad. If the coil is not bad, check the spark plugs, fuel pressure, and compression in the cylinder.
5. Exhaust Manifold Leaks
Symptoms of a Bad Exhaust Manifold
- Ticking noise when the engine is cold
- Smell of exhaust fumes
Causes of a Bad Exhaust Manifold
The ticking noise will probably only be heard at start-up when the engine is cold. Once the engine heats up and expels hot air out the exhaust, the metal on the exhaust manifold expands, closing any imperfections or cracks on the exhaust manifold and eliminating the ticking noise.
The manifold may also have a broken exhaust manifold stud. The exhaust studs insert into the engine block with the exhaust manifold gasket, the exhaust manifold, and any nuts that hold the gasket to the engine. Over time, these studs tend to rot and break on the 11th gen F-150, and it is likely the one near the firewall.
When the stud breaks, there is a real possibility the exhaust manifold can pull from the engine block. This can create an air gap and deteriorate the gasket, causing the ticking noise to increase over time. This may also cause an exhaust fume smell.
How to Fix a Bad Exhaust Manifold
Exhaust leaks are dangerous and pose a risk to inhaling carbon monoxide. We recommend fixing any exhaust issue as soon as possible. If the exhaust manifold has a broken stud, only the stud needs to be replaced. However, it is good practice to remove the exhaust manifold, inspect the entire manifold, and have it planed.
If it is cracked, it needs to be replaced along with a new gasket. If you need to drill out a stud, 1A Auto has an exhaust manifold stud drill kit that can help prevent drilling at an angle, which can cause more issues and prevents from puncturing the coolant jacket inside.
Replace 11th Gen Ford F-150 Parts Yourself
Learn how to replace 11th gen Ford F-150 parts yourself with 1A Auto’s how-to videos that cover the steps for many repairs like the ignition coils, headlights, shocks, radiator, front and rear brakes, and more.
Related Content
- AC Blows Cold on One Side and Hot on the Other?
- How to Diagnose an Engine Misfire
- P0300 code: Mechanic advice to diagnose and fix
- Can a Bad O2 Sensor Cause a Misfire?
- Ignition Coils & Coil Packs
- Signs of a Failing or Bad Ignition Coil
- How to Test If an Ignition Coil Is Bad
- How to Diagnose and Fix an Exhaust Manifold Leak
- Exhaust Leak? Expert Advice to Diagnose & Fix
- The Top 5 Repair Problems on the 12th Generation Ford F-150 2009-2014
11th Generation Ford F-150 Model Years
Shop 11th Gen Ford F-150 Parts
