SpydiR

Hey guys, I got pre-approved and am going down tomorrow to pick up my new (to me) 2013 ecoboost FX4. There are a couple of cosmetic issues that were easily identifiable (missing rear headrest lol, some torn shrouds near the grill area), but I'm curious what you guys recommend to check drivetrain/chassis-wise. I'm not a rookie to general automotive mechanics, and was planning on getting them to do a compression test and pull the intake tubes so I could check shaft-play on the turbos, but I've never had a truck, so I don't know if there's stuff relating to the 4x4 system I need check.

I did already search, but didn't come up with much. I appreciate any information! thanks in advance

RES4CUE

Check undercarriage for any kind of damage like bent or scraped skid plates and diffs. You want to make sure someone didn't dog it off-road.

Put it in and out of all 4wd modes and listen for any weird mechanical sounds.

SpydiR

sounds pretty normal. I was watching some videos on youtube, and am familiar with how to switch into 4wh and 4wl, but I didn't see how they switched in to locked mode... how would I go about that? or should I just play stupid at the dealer and make them show me?

Chris's FX4

Just pull the 4x4 switch out (towards you).

SpydiR

duly noted, thanks!

zx12-iowa

Run it hard to see how it shifts and brake hard from hwy speeds. This will check engine, transmission and brakes

obert

Also make sure you turn the wheel all the way to the left like making a sharp turn. And do the same only going to the right. This might seem weird to do and it is but if I would have done it I would have noticed something was wrong with the advance track system on the test drive instead of the day after I took it home.

I got lucky they took care of the truck for me but it was almost a 2g fix with a rental for a week.

There is a thread about advance track issues. Some are different then mine but a lot of them are the same with turning triggering the light.

eyecandynsx

listen / feel for popping in the steering wheel as well. EPAS problems are common...

SpydiR

Thanks for the suggestions guys, I had no clue about this. I test drove the vehicle already, but it was more of a "can fiancee and I live with this vehicle" than checking for noises and what not. I will say though that the brakes really surprised me

Masi1926

If I were you and my mind was on the financing was during the test drive. I'd take another ride, now that you are armed with more info and have no worries about the deal.
Check the rear window de-froster, to see if the light comes on. Quite a few have failed.