Hey everyone, I recently got this truck and have been dealing with some emissions codes, trying to get that sorted out. Now I’ve noticed a ticking sound that wasn’t there before (at least not that I noticed). Any thoughts on what it could be? The sound doesn’t change or get louder when I rev the engine.
I had a similar noise with my '17 F-150 3.5. Also had the cold start rattle, so I ended up getting the cam phasers and timing chain replaced, and the noise went away.
Quin said:
I had a similar noise with my '17 F-150 3.5. Also had the cold start rattle, so I ended up getting the cam phasers and timing chain replaced, and the noise went away.
How much did that set you back?
@Uma
Luckily, I had an extended warranty, so I only paid a $200 deductible.
Quin said:
I had a similar noise with my '17 F-150 3.5. Also had the cold start rattle, so I ended up getting the cam phasers and timing chain replaced, and the noise went away.
I don’t usually hear the cold start rattle that people associate with cam phasers, so maybe it’s just a timing chain issue…
@Eli
Does it happen when the truck is both cold and warm? Mine would only tick once it was warmed up.
Quin said:
@Eli
Does it happen when the truck is both cold and warm? Mine would only tick once it was warmed up.
There’s a brief moment when I start the truck where you don’t hear the ticking, but after that, it’s there whether the engine is cold or warm.
Yikes, better hope your VIN is eligible for a recall, because mine cost $4500 to fix.
Could also be the high-pressure fuel pump making noise. I’ve got a 2011, and it has a similar tick because of the first-gen design. Ford even added some thick foam to muffle the sound from inside the cab.
@Dru
Yeah, sounds like the high-pressure fuel pump (HPFP). Mine’s had that tick since day one. The fuel pump can go up to 3,000 psi—pretty crazy pressure! I also dealt with the cam phaser issue, and the ticking from the HPFP is definitely different.
Could be a lifter knock.
Probably the cam phasers. This happens when there’s too much time between oil changes.
I’ve got a 2.7 with 112K miles, and it’s still quiet. The ticking you’re describing sounds like the cam phasers, which is a known issue on the 3.5s. I’d take it to a good mechanic or the dealership to get it checked out.