sando3877
New Member
Hey everyone - I know there are cam phaser issue posts all over the internet, but I'm looking for some insight/advice. So our 2019 Expedition with the 3.5L ecoboost has 27k miles and has the cold start rattle that seems to have gotten progressively worse. We started noticing some occasional issues during warm idle too. I did try the brake/gas pedal during cold startup, and it did seem to shorten the length of the rattle (I'm thinking I didn't crank long enough to fully eliminate it). My wife was driving the car last week and the check engine light came on when she started it - unfortunately she turned the car off before I could check for codes, and the light was gone when restarted. That was the final straw for me to bring it to the dealer for an actual diagnostic.
I got a call back from the dealer today, and they said there were no codes (as expected), but they referenced TSB 23-2143 and recommended replacing all 4 VCT units. I'm no expert, but in all my searching of this issue, I haven't seen anyone mention the VCTs as a fix. My concern is they're going to do this (at a $3k cost), not fix the problem, then recommend the cam phaser replacement (that my previous service advisor estimated would be $4800-6100). As a note, I'm out of warranty - I'll try calling Ford directly for some assistance, but have to assume I'll be footing the bill on any work done.
I haven't approved the work yet, and that's why I'm here. Does anyone have experience/suggestions about this? Does anyone think the VCT replacement will actually work? Is this actually a logical first step or should I call back and ask them to start with a cam phasers swap instead?
Sorry for the long post, but I appreciate any thoughts.
I got a call back from the dealer today, and they said there were no codes (as expected), but they referenced TSB 23-2143 and recommended replacing all 4 VCT units. I'm no expert, but in all my searching of this issue, I haven't seen anyone mention the VCTs as a fix. My concern is they're going to do this (at a $3k cost), not fix the problem, then recommend the cam phaser replacement (that my previous service advisor estimated would be $4800-6100). As a note, I'm out of warranty - I'll try calling Ford directly for some assistance, but have to assume I'll be footing the bill on any work done.
I haven't approved the work yet, and that's why I'm here. Does anyone have experience/suggestions about this? Does anyone think the VCT replacement will actually work? Is this actually a logical first step or should I call back and ask them to start with a cam phasers swap instead?
Sorry for the long post, but I appreciate any thoughts.