NHTSA ID Number: 10148706
Manufacturer Communication Number: TSB 18-2305
Summary
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 that may last for 2-5 seconds after a cold soak of 6 hours or more. Follow the Service Procedure steps to correct the condition.
5 Affected Products
Vehicle
FORD | F-150 | 2011-2015 |
| 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:
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
| Description | Quantity | Part Number |
| Cam Cover Gasket – Right Side (2011–2012) | 1 | BR3Z-6584-B
Ford Gasket
Last update on 2026-06-18 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API |
| Cam Cover Gasket – Right Side (2013–2015) | 1 | DL3Z-6584-C |
| Timing Chain Tensioner Kit | 1 | BL3Z-6D256-C |
| Motorcraft® High Performance Engine RTV Silicone | 1 | TA-357
SEALANT - SILICONE
Last update on 2026-06-10 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API |
| Motorcraft® Silicone Gasket Remover | 1 | ZC-30-A
Genuine Ford Fluid ZC-30 Silicone Gasket Remover - 12 oz.
Last update on 2026-06-18 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API |
| Motorcraft® Metal Surface Prep | 1 | ZC-31-B
Motorcraft - Towelette-Metal C (ZC31B)
Last update on 2026-06-18 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API |
| Motorcraft® Orange Concentrated Antifreeze/Coolant | 1 | VC-3-B
Ford Genuine Fluid VC-13-G Yellow Concentrated Antifreeze/Coolant - 1 Gallon
Last update on 2026-06-18 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API |
| Motorcraft® SAE 5W-30 Premium Synthetic Blend Motor Oil | 6 | XO-5W30-Q1SP |
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
| Description | Operation No. | Time |
| 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
- 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.
- 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.
- Replace all 4 variable camshaft timing (VCT) units and the primary timing chain. Refer to WSM, Section 303-01.
18-2305
24 October 2018
TSB 15-0131
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- Protection for 10,000 miles between oil changes
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- Designed for vehicles with 75,000 miles or more, Valvoline MaxLife Full Synthetic High Mileage Motor Oil helps maximize engine life and performance for the many miles still ahead
- Formulated with seal conditioners to help prevent oil leaks, reduce oil consumption, and improve fuel economy
- Delivers 50% stronger wear protection than industry standards for superior defense against friction and wear
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Last update on 2026-05-31 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
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Thank you this is very helpful
I bought a 2012 f150 used with 45k miles and the truck was in mint condition. At 90k the engine needs to be replaced says the dealer and after checking the transmission it may need to ne rellaced as well. tsb 16-0027 and the tranny throughz no code but does a false neutral. I am absolutely amazed that Ford can get away with selling a $50,000 dollar vehicle that has design flaws and wont take any responsablity not even a little. Bowen Scarff Ford of Kent, Wa. Has my truck and wont take any responsibility for design flaws. I will post this everywhere i can and i will tell everybody i can. Ivd bought 12 new ford vehicles in my life time and this is the thanks i got from Ford.
I bought a used 2011 it had 73000 miles on it started having issues out the gate Don Chalmers Ford would do nothing put it in the shop several times before the 80000 mile cutoff put in the shop at 120000 miles they wanted to sell me a new engine extended warranty company said it was timing chain stretch and they would not do what was right kept my truck for a whole month I told them put my truck back together and I’m not paying for the teardown or other things they had done have my truck now going to attempt the job myself