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1997 - 2003 Ford F150 General discussion on the Ford 1997 - 2003 F150 truck.

1997-2003 Reliability

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Old Apr 12, 2013 | 12:18 AM
  #41  
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Originally Posted by Chulch

That's amazing!!!
I believe this 5.4 was running Schaeffer oil doing 10,000 mile oil changes. That there is why I run Schaeffer oil too! I have a Harvard bypass oil filter on my rig and have 100,000 miles on one oil change! Oil samples to prove it too.
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Old Apr 12, 2013 | 03:37 AM
  #42  
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My 2000 4.6L had its transmission die at 60k. It was well maintained and wasn't abused. Anyway, I think mine was a lemon, I haven't seen anyone else's die with this few miles. Other then the trans I've had no issue with mine.
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Old Apr 12, 2013 | 11:42 PM
  #43  
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There has been 2 ford vans that have 5.4's in them that have done a million miles. Here is the video it's impressive!

http://m.youtube.com/#/watch?v=hDF1z...%3DhDF1zcaxrNU
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Old May 20, 2013 | 04:56 PM
  #44  
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Default 99 reliability

got a 99 4.2 std original owner with 260 k only issues were intake manifold gasket at 118 k.power steering hose replaced.battery,brakes and rear shocks.excellent truck with hi speed rearend have got up to 30 mph canadian eh!
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Old May 21, 2013 | 10:59 AM
  #45  
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'01 SCab 5.4 XLT with 79k miles. Nothing MAJOR has had to be fixed... But I have had the infamous plug ejecting issue. #3 on driver's side. Ripped my COP boot too. >.< But aside from piddly little things, I don't know of any real issues with it. I'm the third owner, after my grandfather and a gentleman who trailered horses around, and I hope she lasts me a long time.
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Old May 21, 2013 | 11:37 AM
  #46  
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I've had my 2003 Supercab 2wd for about 2 1/2 years, got it with 136, now it has 161, bordering on 162. Biggest thing U had done to it was the RMS. Just put new front rotors and pads on her too!
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Old Oct 1, 2015 | 06:45 PM
  #47  
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Default FORD should of issued a recall on 97-2002 GEM issues

Originally Posted by iFord
On the '97 up to at least the '02 (mine), there is the WINDSHIELD LEAK issue that can cause the Generic Electronic Module (GEM) to fail, causing weird problems such as heater fan running with keys out of truck while engine is not running, etc., crazy things happening with electronics. My '02 5.4 is having this issue right now. Dealer cost is about $700, eBay part (GEM) is about $135, and it is kind of a bear to replace.

Okay, so here are the issues I have or have read about:

1. Water leaks as mentioned
2. Manifold issues someone mentioned
3. Spark plug, COP hard to replace, sometimes plugs stripping out or blowing out of heads.
4. Differential a tad weak

At least, this is what I have noticed as reoccurring problems. What I like to do is research forums of all makes to kind of learn what problems real drivers are having - the kind of problems that seem to be manufacturing/design flaws that keep coming up. For our F150s, the above are about it. To me, the worst issue is water leaking around windshield. Seems to me, Ford could have figured out how to seal a windshield by now. And, this problem is so frequent that is is definitely a quality control issue.

Anyway, after all my research a few years ago when I needed a newer truck led me to my F150!
I love my F-150 4x4 Lariet with 5.4 but the GEM issue is a pain in the *** and is the sole reason I probably will not purchase another FORD truck. My Truck only has 120,000 miles but may never see the street again unless I can locate either a F75B-14B205-ND or the newer replacement part number for the GEM EL3Z-14B205-CRM. According to FORD the last few letters at the end of the part number are the most important and signify the truck this will work in. My Ford Dealer tells me that re-programming a GEM if it does not have the matching letters is hit or miss. My local dealer told me that they only charge $60 to re-program (not bad) but it may or may not work unless I have the letters match. According to the most knowledgeable online FORD dealers however the GEM EL3Z-14B205-CRM is on Back Order and they have no ETA when the part will be available. I have looked daily on EBAY and online ford part stores for the part to replace my defective GEM but am having no luck. Although the GEM shows no water damage or corrosion I had the windshield replaced and Safe-co told me that there was a lot of rust around the seal that should not be there. So I am assuming that is what caused the GEM to go out, power windows work sometimes, wipers sometime and 4x4 not at all.
I have yet to try the Pick and Pull places in my area and do not know if they even exist That is my next adventure to try before the snow flys. It is going to be a long winter if I cannot get my 4x4 working.
If anyone knows of someplace I can try I would appreciated it.
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Old Oct 1, 2015 | 07:59 PM
  #48  
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My 02 has 177k on it now. I've had to reseal the rear window to stop a pretty bad water leak. I also had two leaks under the hood, one on the plastic that hides all the wires on the rear of the engine bay and one on one of the grounding holes. Both leaks let water drop right onto the COP and ended up ruining one. When I bought it, the 4WD vacuum hoses had huge holes in them and had to be replaced. Other than that, it's been a decent truck for the miles.
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Old Oct 4, 2015 | 11:53 AM
  #49  
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Originally Posted by Wolvee
The only thing not reliable about a Truck still on the road after this long is the owner & his Maintenance schedule.
Agreed...I've had my 2000 for a few years now and have replaced all the fluids myself including a brake system flush except power steering.
Especially since I'm now towing a small toy hauler AND it's 15 years old.
I wonder how many rear differential failures were still using the original gear oil?
The original spark plugs were locked in fine at 84,000. Using the new plated Motorcraft platinums and torquing to 28-30 ft. pounds dry should keep them there.
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