Hello,
I am brand new to this forum and have a question.
2001 F-150 Lariat Super Crew 4wd (original owner)
287K - The truck has been fantastic and caused me very little trouble over the past 8.5 years.

Question:It just started blowing smoke through all of the vents will the a/c, heat, vents all off. Could this be a heated core leak? Has anyone had this problem or a suggestion on how to detect the source?

Thank you

 

I have a 96 F150 and my brother has a 90, both did the same thing. Both were dripping coolant from behind the glove box. New heater core and the problem went away. It was super simple to do. Remove the glove box and a couple panels, then its a matter of removal and install. Don't forget to drain some coolant first.

 

Sounds like a heater core to me, though your removal/installation may not be exactly the same as Blue Money says. I am not sure the 97+ were quite the same as the 96 and earlier models.

 

Does the smoke smell like coolant? If so, I had the same issue with my '01 crew cab. I replaced the Heatercore and it took care of the issue. In order to do so, however, the entire dash has to come out. Not hard, just time consuming.

 

Thanks dewman and Gman24. Sorry I made it seem like an easy job. I should have paid better attention to the year of truck. The '01 does require the dash to come apart like USMC04_FX4. Still relatively easy just a pain in the butt because of the time it takes. Good luck.

 

Thanks to everyone who has provided information.
I located the step-by-step instructions for the 1997 model and it looks challenging, but doable. However, it seems that the '01 is a bit more involved (can't get around removing the entire dash).
Against the better wishes of my tool chest, I'm leaning towards my dealer (whom I have a great relationship with). He will do the job, parts and labor for $400.00 (everywhere else has posted $600+).

 

If you Dealer only wants $400.00 go for it. It is by far the cheapest you will find from an OEM source. I have leaking heater core number 8 in the truck right now. 4 bottles of Prestone Super Radiator Sealant will hold it till the spring and warmer weather.

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