Introduction:
Ford is recalling over half a million 2014 F-150 trucks due to a transmission defect that can result in sudden downshifts into first gear at any speed. This issue poses a risk of loss of vehicle control and potential immobilization. In this article, we will delve into the details of the recall, the causes of the problem, and Ford’s solution to address it.
Ford is recalling 552,188 2014 F-150 trucks to address a transmission defect that can lead to random downshifts into first gear at any vehicle speed. A sudden downshift to first gear at high speed can lead to a loss of control and potentially immobilize the vehicle. The culprit behind this issue is identified as a misbehaving driveline sensor that causes an intermittent loss of the transmission Output Shaft Speed (OSS) sensor signal to the Powertrain Control Module (PCM).
Ford has identified multiple causes for the OSS signal issues, including contamination, power short to ground, connector corrosion, connector pin swaging, and incorrect outputs from the OSS sensor. This variety of causes complicates the issue, as there is no single direct remedy for the problem. Due to the diverse nature of the causes, Ford is updating the shift logic to include a “plausibility check” that ensures the speed indicated by the OSS is accurate before commanding an automatic shift into first gear.
While Ford’s report did not indicate any irreparable driveline damage resulting from the downshifts, there have been multiple instances where the issue led to the rear wheels of the truck locking up or the driver losing control. This highlights the potential danger posed by the transmission defect and the importance of addressing it promptly.
Owners of the affected 2014 F-150 trucks should wait for a notification from Ford before taking their vehicles in for service. Ford plans to start sending out mailers to owners in early July. Additionally, owners who had related repairs performed outside of warranty are eligible for reimbursement. This demonstrates Ford’s commitment to addressing the issue and compensating affected owners for any previous repair costs.
This is not the first time that Ford has had to address a similar issue with the F-150. Previous model years of the truck were subject to recalls for the same transmission defect. By implementing a plausibility check in the updated shift logic, Ford aims to prevent future downshift incidents and ensure the safety of F-150 drivers.
In conclusion, the recall of 552,188 2014 F-150 trucks due to a transmission defect highlights the importance of addressing safety issues promptly and comprehensively. By identifying the causes of the issue, updating the shift logic, and providing notifications and reimbursements to owners, Ford is working towards ensuring the safety and satisfaction of its customers.
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