NHTSA ID Number: 10191519
Manufacturer Communication Number: 21B10-S1
TSB/Document Date: 2021-05-04
Summary
Certain 2017-2020 Model Year F-150 Equipped with a 3.5L GTDI Engine Powertrain Control Module Reprogram for Cam Phaser Rattle Reports of Transmission Shudder after PCM Reprogram: Dealers are instructed to stop performing this field service action until further notice. This shudder is under investigation.
David J. Johnson
Director
Service Engineering Operations
Ford
Customer Service Division
Ford
Motor Company
P. O. Box 1904
Dearborn, Michigan 48121
April 9, 2021
TO:
SUBJECT:
All U.S. Ford
and Lincoln
Dealers
Customer Satisfaction Program 21B10 - Supplement #1
Certain 2017-2020 Model Year F-150 Equipped with a 3.5L GTDI Engine
Powertrain Control Module Reprogram for Cam Phaser Rattle
REF:
Customer Satisfaction Program 21B10
Dated March 2, 2021
New! REASON FOR THIS SUPPLEMENT
•
Reports of “Transmission Shudder” after PCM Reprogram: Dealers are instructed to
STOP PERFORMING THIS FIELD SERVICE ACTION UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE. There are
reports that the latest calibration may cause a shudder (which may be described as a
transmission shudder). This shudder is under investigation.
AFFECTED VEHICLES
Vehicle
Model Year
F-150*
2017-2020
Assembly Plant
Build Dates
Dearborn
March 10, 2016 through November 30, 2019
Kansas
April 15, 2016 through November 30, 2019
Note: This program does NOT include the F-150 Raptor/Limited variants.
Affected vehicles are identified in OASIS and FSA VIN Lists.
REASON FOR THIS PROGRAM
In some of the affected vehicles, an undesirable noise may develop from the cam phasers in the 3.5L
GTDI engine. This noise might occur as a rattle when starting the engine after the vehicle was turned
off for an extended period of time, or as a knocking noise when the engine is idling after it is warmed
up.
A cam phaser that has developed an undesirable noise does not affect the vehicle safety,
performance, or emissions.
New! SERVICE ACTION
Do not perform any action at this time on these vehicles. Please monitor PTS for updated information.
New! OWNER NOTIFICATION MAILING SCHEDULE
Owners of record will be notified via first-class mail after repair instructions information have been
provided to dealers.
© Copyright 2021 Ford
Motor Company
QUESTIONS & ASSISTANCE
For questions and assistance, contact the Special Service Support Center (SSSC) via the SSSC Web
Contact Site. The SSSC Web Contact Site can be accessed through the Professional Technician
System (PTS) website using the SSSC link listed at the bottom of the OASIS VIN report screen or
listed under the SSSC tab.
Sincerely,
David J. Johnson
© Copyright 2021 Ford
Motor Company
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TSB/Document ID: 21B10-S1
Replacement Service Bulletin Number:
MFR Communication Date: 2021-04-09
MFR Internal Campaign ID/Software Version:
Communication Type: Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
NHTSA Components: POWER TRAIN
MFR Component System:
MFR Component Subsystem:
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