TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN
3.5L EcoBoost - Cold Start - Ticking/Tapping Or Rattle Type Noise - Built
On Or Before 29-May-2015

18-2305
24 October
2018

This bulletin supersedes 16-0027. Reason for update: New Part/Procedure For Same Condition
Model:
Ford
2011-2015 F-150
Summary
This article supersedes TSB 16-0027 to update the Parts List.
Issue: Some 2011-2015 F-150 vehicles equipped with a 3.5L EcoBoost engine and built on or before 29-May-2015
may exhibit a ticking/tapping or rattle type noise from the top front cover area of the engine upon initial start-up
lasting for 2-5 seconds after a cold soak of 6 hours or more.
Action: Follow the Service Procedure steps to correct the condition.
Parts
Part Number

Description

Quantity

BR3Z-6584-B

Cam Cover Gasket - Right Side (2011–2012)

1

DL3Z-6584-C

Cam Cover Gasket - Right Side (2013–2015)

1

BL3Z-6D256-C Timing Chain Tensioner Kit

1

TA-357

Motorcraft® High Performance Engine RTV Silicone

1

ZC-30-A

Motorcraft® Silicone Gasket Remover

1

ZC-31-B

Motorcraft® Metal Surface Prep

1

VC-3-B

Motorcraft® Orange Concentrated Antifreeze/Coolant

1

XO-5W30-Q1SP Motorcraft® SAE 5W-30 Premium Synthetic Blend Motor Oil

6

Warranty Status: Eligible Under Provisions Of New Vehicle Limited Warranty Coverage Warranty/ESP coverage
limits/policies/prior approvals are not altered by a TSB. Warranty/ESP coverage limits are determined by the
identified causal part and verified using the OASIS part coverage tool.
Labor Times
Operation
Time
No.

Description
2011-2014 F-150 3.5L GTDI: Replace All Four VCT Units And The Primary Timing Chain (Do
Not Use With Any Other Labor Operations)

182305A

9.2
Hrs.

2015 F-150 3.5L GTDI: Replace All Four VCT Units And The Primary Timing Chain (Do Not Use
With Any Other Labor Operations)

182305B

9.0
Hrs.

Repair/Claim Coding
Causal Part:

6584

Condition Code: 42

Service Procedure
1. Check the vehicle build date. Was the vehicle built on or before 29-May-2015?
(1). Yes - proceed to Step 2.

(2). No - this procedure does not apply. Refer to Workshop Manual (WSM), Section 303-00 for normal
diagnostics.
2. Does the customer state a ticking/tapping or rattle type noise lasting for 2-5 seconds occurs from the top front
cover area of the engine upon cold start-up after a cold soak of 6 hours or more?
(1). Yes - proceed to Step 3.
(2). No - this article does not apply. Refer to WSM, Section 303-00 for normal diagnostics.
3. Replace all 4 variable camshaft timing (VCT) units and the primary timing chain. Refer to WSM, Section 303-01.

© 2018 Ford Motor Company
All rights reserved.
NOTE: The information in Technical Service Bulletins is intended for use by trained, professional technicians with the knowledge, tools, and
equipment to do the job properly and safely. It informs these technicians of conditions that may occur on some vehicles, or provides information
that could assist in proper vehicle service. The procedures should not be performed by "do-it-yourselfers". Do not assume that a condition
described affects your car or truck. Contact a Ford or Lincoln dealership to determine whether the Bulletin applies to your vehicle. Warranty Policy
and Extended Service Plan documentation determine Warranty and/or Extended Service Plan coverage unless stated otherwise in the TSB article.
The information in this Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) was current at the time of printing. Ford Motor Company reserves the right to supersede
this information with updates. The most recent information is available through Ford Motor Company's on-line technical resources.