Ford diesel trucks

bill j

Well-known member
Joined
Feb 7, 2012
Messages
75
Fluid Motion Model
C-24 C
Non-Fluid Motion Model
CUTWATER 26
Vessel Name
OVERDUE
I had my first unanticipated experience with the little red "Stop Safely Now" warning on the dash. Out of the blue while driving down the highway, this message suddenly shows up and luckily I am able to pull off the interstate before the engine cuts off - no restarting, NOTHING!. Apparently due to a faulty exhaust temperature sensor, the engine will cut off as soon as the speed decreases below 10 mph and will not restart again. Had to be towed to the dealer. This can be a real serious problem if it occurs again on our upcoming trip to Lake Powell. I told the dealer that if it happens again, I will be trading this truck for another. Has anyone seen this problem with other diesel trucks (GMC, Dodge?) or with gas engines? Thanks - Bill
 
Not with our GMC Sierra w/Duramax. I did get a check engine light twice in the last couple years: once for an O2 sensor and another time for a glowplug... it didn't shut me down, and I took care of both at my leisure.
 
Wow this is almost spooky! My 08 ford diesel's engine light just came on for the same reason. An independent mechanic we use said that two of the four exhaust sensors are covered under the powerstroke warranty so you might check to see if its covered at the dealership. I too was warned it could just shut down if the right sensor was affected. Now you really have me worried!!!
 
We've got a 2012 F250 with 6.7L diesel, and it has given excellent service.

While towing, have changed oil every 3000 miles, and have tried not to use bio-diesel.

I did some internet searching and users in other Ford Diesel forums mentioned the EGT sensor engine shutdown scenario. Also came across this Tech Service Bulletin TSB 12-12-10 for Ford:
http://www.fordservicecontent.com/Ford_Content/pubs/content/~WT/~MUS~LEN/3522/tsb12-12-10.htm

I had heard enough negative comments about the non-Ford diesel engines prior to the 2011 model year that I steered away from getting a used truck, and opted for the Ford produced 6.7l engine.

Good luck,
Bill
 
Bill,

Each manufacturer has their issues. Mine has been "Poor Quality Exhaust Fluid". The first fix is to add new fluid. You have 400 miles if you don't and then the vehicle will not go over 55MPH for 200 miles and then after that 4MPH. Seems like a slow form of punishment to me! This has happened twice. The light and warning go away after a while, but the check engine light stayed on. They had to remove the DEF tank, empty it and then "recharge" the pseudo catalytic converter. My truck is, as I type, in for the second occurrence, which happened 1,000 miles after the last.
Stay tuned!
 
Ford did it right with the 7.3 diesel. After that...it is what it is. Find an early 7.3...they will last forever, some up to 800K miles, longer then we will last.
There has been nothing good about the "new" Ford diesels...just wait if you haven't had trouble yet. Still the best all around workhorse there is in my opinion.

Kent
 
I have 35k hard charging miles on my 2012 Ford . No problems that were Ford's fault . Worst brakes I have ever had on a 3/4 ton, best running stock powertrain . 20 MPG at 55-60 empty. 10 MPG with a 29 Tug at 65.
Have friends with over 100k hiccup free miles .
Cant wait for the DEF tank and filter to "accidentally fall out of the truck" after warranty runs out .
Marc
 
From looking at the internet, all makes of diesel trucks (ford, GMC, dodge) are having issues with the exhaust temperature sensors. Apparently there are 4 sensors. The 2 things I have learned from this are 1) drive more than 10 mph to where you can get off the road safely. The truck will completely disable itself and shut off below 10 mph after the red "Stop Safely Now" light turns on; 2) it might start again after waiting for 1-2 hours if you are lucky. I would also check your tow insurance to make sure both the car and boat will be towed. Bill
 
Trade those Fords ASAP . Mine [ 2012 6.7 Liter F 250] has now been down for 6 weeks and counting . To make a long story short , Ford does anything they can to blame their issues on the consumer . I will NEVER purchase another new Ford product . The fuel filters and pumps are inadequate for the fuel we get in the states . If this is any indication, they are backordered 2 Mos. on the fuel system parts .
The filtration is inadequate , the water in fuel light didn't and has never worked on my truck and all maintenance has been performed by the book.
They wanted over 12k to repair something that would have never happened if their H2O in fuel system worked .
Also see "Death Wobble" My truck has it bad . Almost wrecked in Birmingham Al. with wife on board . She will not get in that truck again. For the most part Ford pretends that is not a problem . Even with over 200 NHTSA reports for 2012 alone !
As well as DEF issues with tanks not reading fuel and getting stranded when DEF is in tank.

Its a matter of time till you have a very expensive issue ,or two , or three ..............
Back to a Ram with Cummins . Had no issues with Duramax either .
Marc
 
2002 Ford 7.3 here and two thumbs up still. However, looking ahead is anyone making a diesel without the DEF system anymore? What a load of crap. Lot's of issues with the warning to replace the fluid on work trucks although all you ever do is poor fresh stuff straight from the bottle when the level gets low. Love to have the Dodge Cummins, the Chevy Allison, and the Ford body in my perfect world. For now I'll keep pouring the TLC into my trusty 2002 I guess. Good luck all. It's a crock when ancillary add-ons can leave you stranded in the middle of a trip to nowhere, just what you need when towing a big load around!!
 
I am sure in time they will figure it out, unfortunately until then we will be the guinea pigs. I understand that there is an after market conversion kit that can be installed, thereby removing the entire exhaust components causing the issue. However with the vehicle still under warrantee it will definitely be void after the modification.
My problem was the number two NOX sensor on my 2011 Chevy, so far I am keeping my fingers crossed.
 
My 2011 F250 Diesel has been bullet proof so far. Not a single mechanical in nearly. 40k miles.
 
Our 2012 F250 6.7l diesel only has 18k, but has performed well and have had no issues.

with only a couple of exceptions, have only fueled up at truck stop chains or other places that pump a lot of diesel, and have only used BlueDef brand def.

As our vehicles, and boats too, get more complex, I can't help but remember my experience in the Navy as a mech on the RH-53d helicopter, an incredibly complex assemblage of electro-hydraulic, mechanical, and electronic systems that required from 50 to 300 maintenance man-hours per flight hour.

I guess what i'm trying to say is; more moving parts and more complex systems mean more chances of something to break down.
 
My 2006 F-350 with 6.0 has been perfect so far and after reading all of this I think I'll take a new truck off of my wish list :cry:
 
That's exactly my take also. Was thinking about starting a wee look around but not so much now. I'll just keep driving and offering a little extra TLC to my 7.3!
 
I have a 2011 Ford F-250 diesel lariat crew cab with 82k miles. The engine has performed wonderfully, but the peripherals have had problems: I have had the air conditioning system replaced twice, the GPS/radio replaced, and a wiring harness that had to be specially made (because they never break) - most unfortunately after the 36k warranty expired. I am concerned that after the 100k miles engine warranty expires a major problem may occur, since I have been towed three times in the past year for the other problems. It is a beautiful truck, though.
 
Interesting subject as always. Read the above and previous posts. I looked for a 7.3 for a long time to pull my 29. Wouldn't want or have any other. They are rare and pricey regardless of their cosmetics but that's just it. The rest of the story is hard to beat. A 7.3 will outlast just about any other truck. Currently the new Fords are nightmares, speaking from experience as an owner and a mechanic. Add to that an almost 6 figure price tag. That's my story and I'm sticking to it!
 
I am no truck expert. In fact, my current truck is the only one I've ever owned. It’s a 2005 Ford F250 Super Duty 4X4 Crew Cab Lariat. It has the 6.0L Diesel. I bought it in February 2012 for $27,000. It was a one owner truck bought and traded back in at the same Ford dealer in Indiana. When I bought it, it had just at 30,500 miles on it. I had looked for an affordable diesel truck for a while, but most of the ones in my price range had 100K+ miles on them.

I put a new set of tires on it for $1,000.

Since I've had it, I've had a couple of issues that I had to have repaired. First, the EPC Solenoid had to be replaced when the transmission started to hesitate when I put it into gear. The cost of the solenoid, fluid, and screen plus labor was just under $600. I had the brakes completely redone replacing calipers, rotors and pads. That was $1,300. I had to have the EGR valve replaced and they pulled the turbo and cleaned the vanes and fins on the inside. That was $550.

Finally, with the incredibly cold winter, I had the cable for the block heater installed. It seems that’s an option on Ford diesels (the cable, not the heater which is on all of them) and mine didn't come with one when new. That was $200.

The truck now has 45,700 miles on it so I've put about 15,000 miles on it since I bought it. And with repairs, tires, and my block heater cable, I have $30,650 in it.

The truck is now 9 years old. I've only put 15,000 miles on it myself. But I’m very happy with it. It pulls my R25 like it’s not even back there. On the interstate, hauling the boat, I put it in tow mode, set the cruise on 70, and just enjoy the ride. The interior is comfortable and my wife enjoys riding in it.

Considering the prices of new or newer diesel ¾ ton trucks, I don’t mind if I have repair bills periodically. I've read bad stories about the 6.0L Ford Diesels in some forums but read many good things too. So far, I haven’t had anything happen that shocked me. That said, when I read about Marc’s experience or some of the others, I have to say I’d be pretty angry If I were having the same issues, especially if I bought new.

Just my thoughts/experience.
 
2006 F-350 6.0 not even a hiccup from the drive train (knock on wood) yet at 65K miles. Unless it is a documented class issue I really think they are all good trucks with some experiencing issues and others working flawlessly.......I will drive mine until the floorboards rust through. The only thing on my truck that I have been unhappy with is a rather wimpy horn for such a large truck so I installed a train horn/whistle. It gets folks attention..
 
I have a 2011 Ford F250 Diesel with 30000 miles on it. Best truck I've ever had for power, fuel efficiency and comfort. Not saying there aren't bad ones out there, just that so far I'm very satisfied and I've been driving pickups for over 40 years.
 
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