2015 F-150 - Squawk During 6-3 And/Or 5-3 Downshifts ***SSM 46494***
 

SSM 46494 - 2015 F-150 - Squawk During 6-3 And/Or 5-3 Downshifts During Hard Acceleration -5.0L Engine - Built On 15-Apr-2015 And Through 15-Jul-2015

Some 2015 F-150 vehicles equipped with a 5.0L engine and built on 15-April-2015 and through 15-July-2015 may exhibit a 6-3 and or 5-3 downshift squawk noise on hard acceleration. This may be caused by the overdrive clutch plate material. A revised clutch plate part number 9L3Z-7B164-E should be used to resolve this concern. Advise the customer that driving in a variety of city and highway settings and to limit towing for 1,000 miles after the repair will increase the chances for proper overdrive clutch plate break in.

I literally took my truck to the dealer this morning to address the 5-3 downshift "squawk."

Got the call from my service advisor a few minutes ago thinking he would tell me that they would be applying the fix as described in TSB-14-0100 with the "friction modifier."

Seems this overdrive clutch plate is a recent, hopefully definitive fix, that Ford has implemented in the last couple months. He said they have the parts on order and that the once in they'll need the truck for 3-5 days to get everything sorted.

I will update with any new developments and impressions after the repair is made.

I have this exact problem with my truck which is in the build date listed. Just picked it up from the dealer who was not able to duplicate the squawk. This is a erratic issue. Were they able to duplicate it with your truck or did they agree to fix based on

Ugggh, my truck has done this a few times, but only once every 6 months or so. Might just live with it because I don't really want to let them rip into my transmission over it. The dealer I bring my truck to can't even seem to get simple fixes right.

I learned my lesson back when I was trying to get the EPAS replaced. For some magical reason, whenever they took the vehicle out by themselves they couldn't verify it.

This time, when I set up my appointment, I specified that I would need to ride along with a technician or service advisor so that I could replicate the issue with them present in the vehicle.

We went on a short drive. I locked out 6th gear, got up to about 50mph, then quickly applied throttle to get the truck to downshift to 3rd. It immediately made the sound.

I repeated this a couple more times for good measure, and that was that. Issue verified.

I thought about this as well, but the first time my truck did this was when I was towing my 7,500lb. toy hauler. Because of the weight/resistance of the trailer, it really exasperates the issue compared to driving unloaded. First time it happened I thought I had shredded the transmission.

I'd much rather have the piece of mind to get it fixed and not cringe every time I approach a steep grade, anticipating the sound.

Yeah, it sounds a bit more disruptive in your case. I only tow a couple of ATVs on a small open trailer and I don't think I've even heard it while towing. I just hear it every so often when I'm cruising and then try to pass someone in a hurry, etc. I'm definitely going to pay more attention to it now though, and also keep an eye on this thread. Maybe I'll take it in if someone at a nearby dealer gets it done and it goes well.......or if the noise gets worse with my truck.

mine does it, and i can easily duplicate it but i am about 10K out of warranty so no fix for me.

I have had this issue since 10k. I am at 80k now. They have replaced valve body, put snake oil in it and a list if parts as long as my arm 3 times. Issue always returns. Dealer currently has my truck. In my case I have recorded the issue and emailed to dealer. I am beyond frustrated with this truck.

I'm about to take my truck in for this issue as well. I brought the issue up probably not even 5k miles in to owning it and they looked at me like I had 3 heads. Nice that I can walk back in there with the TSB now.

I'm also STILL having a huge issue with a terrible shift up from 3-4 under acceleration, that stutters more than you'd believe. Keep checking the rearviw mirror to see if my trans is laying in the road lol