Category: F-150

Feb 18

Shared Transmission Troubles: The Costly Issue Impacting Ford F-150 and Chevy Silverado

Common Ground in Transmission Woes

The Ford F-150 and Chevy Silverado 1500, two of America’s best-selling trucks, are unexpectedly united by a shared defect in their transmissions, leading to numerous lawsuits. Both models are equipped with a jointly developed 10-speed automatic transmission that has become the source of frustration for many owners. This similarity in hardware has led to comparable legal challenges for both Ford and Chevrolet.

Details of the Transmission Defect

This specific transmission problem involves the 10L80 model used in the Chevy Silverado and the 10R80 in the Ford F-150. Owners of these trucks have reported issues such as harsh shifting, unexpected power losses, failure to change gears, unsettling noises, and erratic gear slips. The frequency of these complaints has been higher for the F-150, which aligns with its higher sales figures compared to the Silverado.

The Legal and Repair Landscape

Despite the mounting complaints and class-action lawsuits urging Ford and Chevy to address these defects, neither manufacturer has issued a recall. Technical service bulletins have been issued in attempts to remedy the issues, but both automakers maintain that these transmission behaviors are within normal operational standards. Yet, for drivers, these issues translate to a driving experience that feels both uncomfortable and unsafe, with potential repair costs exceeding $3,500.

The 2024 Chevy Silverado on the road
2024 Chevy Silverado 1500 | Chevrolet

Added Factual and Beneficial Information:

Economic Impact of Transmission Failures

The transmission problems with the Ford F-150 and Chevy Silverado not only affect vehicle performance but also impose significant financial burdens on owners. The cost of replacing such a complex component can severely impact an owner’s finances, highlighting the need for manufacturers to ensure more robust and reliable transmission designs in future models.

Consumer Trust and Manufacturer Responsibility

Persistent issues like these can erode consumer trust in major brands like Ford and Chevy. It underscores the importance of automakers conducting rigorous quality checks before releasing vehicles to the market. Ensuring the reliability of critical components such as transmissions is essential for maintaining brand reputation and consumer satisfaction.

Advocacy and Future Directions

This situation illustrates the critical role of consumer advocacy and legal actions in holding manufacturers accountable. As owners of affected models band together to seek justice, it could prompt industry-wide changes, leading to higher standards and better consumer protections in automotive manufacturing. Moving forward, it’s vital for vehicle owners to stay informed and proactive in addressing any signs of vehicle malfunction.

Jan 18

Ford F-150 Lightning Switchgear: Off-Road Power Meets Electric Innovation

Redefining Off-Roading: The Ford F-150 Lightning Switchgear

The Ford F-150 Lightning Switchgear is ready to take on Rivian’s R1T with its cutting-edge off-road features. This model is not just another electric truck; it redefines what rugged performance can be with its advanced upgrades. From powerful dual motors to a specially designed suspension, the Switchgear is perfect for those seeking adventure off the beaten path.

The Ford F-150 Lightning Switchgear jumping through the air
Ford F-150 Lightning Switchgear | Ford

Enhanced Performance and Design Features

Boasting a 131-kWh extended-range battery, the Lightning Switchgear generates 580 horsepower and 775 lb-ft of torque, maintaining the impressive performance of its standard version but with added off-road capabilities. Its suspension system features double wishbones in the front and a multi-link setup in the rear, enhanced by Fox 3.0 remote reservoir shocks. With a 12-inch wider track and reinforced carbon components, it is built to tackle rugged terrains effortlessly.

Superior Traction and Upcoming Insights

The Switchgear comes with 18-inch RTR Tech Six wheels and 37-inch Nitto Grappler tires, ensuring top-notch traction. Its front and rear bumpers have been redesigned for better clearance and approach angles, while steel rock rails protect its carbon-fiber body. As the vehicle prepares for the King of Hammers competition in January, further details about its pricing and availability will soon be revealed, promising a detailed look at its performance in extreme conditions.

Nov 21

Ford CEO Takes A Jab At Tesla Cybertruck’s Off-Road Abilities With F-150 Lightning Video

Remember when the Tesla Cybertruck finally went on a more serious off-road course late last month? It happened at the Hollister Hills State Vehicular Recreation Area, which is about an hour’s drive south of San Jose, California.

The all-electric pickup was spotted while driving up an obstacle called ”the stairs” because of the irregular surface, and the video was posted on X by the user Dima Zeniuk:

As you can see, Tesla’s truck struggled a bit here and there, spinning its wheels and searching for traction, but eventually, it made it up without much drama. However, some hardcore off-roaders turned to their keyboards and bashed the electric pickup for not having what it takes to survive on a more difficult course.

And wouldn’t you know it, none other than Jim Farley, Ford’s CEO, got into the virtual discussion and took a shot at the Cybertruck’s off-roading skills, but did so with a bit of gentleman’s flair.

He simply posted a video of a Ford F-150 Lightning on X tackling the same climb at Hollister Hills SVRA with the description: “F-150 Lightning does it all.”

But did the Ford EV actually make lighter work of “the stairs” compared to the Tesla? To my eyes, it looks like the two electric pickups were pretty similar, but you can weigh in in the comments section below.

What I do know is that Tesla’s truck seems to have a better approach angle and slightly more aggressive tires. I also know that both vehicles drove to the top of the obstacle, which is what matters at the end of the day.

Aug 20

This Ford F-150 Lightning Trip Proves What We Already Know

Range anxiety is a real issue when it comes to electric vehicles like the Ford F-150 Lightning. Typically, EVs provide more than enough range for daily errands and can last for days without being charged. However, Ford CEO, Jim Farley, took the 2023 Ford F-150 Lightning on a road trip to discover one issue we’ve already faced.

How fast does the 2023 Ford F-150 Lightning charge?

At peak conditions, with a DC fast charger or at a Level three charging station, you can recharge the 2023 Ford F-150 Lightning from 15 to 80% in roughly 44 minutes. A Level two charger takes about eight hours to recharge the batteries fully.

You can use a 120V or home outlet to charge the F-150 Lightning, but this method can take days. It only adds about one mile of range per hour.

When Jim Farley took a Ford Lightning on a road trip, he admitted that charging the truck caused a few headaches. This is because the Electrify America charging stations aren’t as dependable as expected.

There aren’t as many fast charging stations available, and we’ve often found that the charging stations are down. We’ve arrived at a few different charging stations with issues and had to move to other locations.

If the charging network was up, sometimes the DC fast charging stations weren’t functioning correctly, so we had to settle for Level 2 charging instead.

Jim Farley can relate because, near Tesla Superchargers, he had to use a low-speed charger that only delivered about 40% of charge after 40 minutes.

He shared that charging has been challenging, and the road trip was a good reality check about the issues Ford customers face and the importance of fast charging. He shared that improvements need to be made.

Can you charge the F-150 Lightning at a Tesla station?

Soon, people can charge their 2023 Ford F-150 Lightning trucks at Tesla Supercharger stations. Ford partnered with Tesla to provide Ford EV customers with access to over 12,000 Telsa charging stations.

But the Tesla stations won’t be available until the spring of 2024. A Tesla-developed adaptor will allow the F-150 Lightning, Mustang Mach-E, and E-Transit vehicles with the Combined Charging System (CCS) port to access Tesla Superchargers.

Software integration and payment will be made through the Ford Pass or Ford Pro Intelligence apps. Electric Ford vehicles will be built with the North American Charging Standard (NACS) connector to eliminate the need for an adapter to connect to Tesla stations.

Can you charge the Ford Lightning at home?

Yes, you can charge the 2023 Ford F-150 Lightning at home. It comes with an adapter that connects to a regular home outlet. But this is the slowest method of charging, and it could take three to four days for a full charge.

The Ford Charge Station Pro comes standard with the Extended Ranger F-150 Lightning models. It’s available with the Standard Range trucks for $1,310. Don’t forget about the installation fee from your local electrician.

This method provides faster Level Two charging times. Plus, it allows you to use the truck to power your home if needed.

Also, the available Mobile Power Cord with a 240V connector costs $470. You can take it with you as you travel, and it works with regular home outlets and 240V NEMA 14-50 outlets.

Be sure to top off your Ford F-150 Lightning before taking a road trip. We’ve been stranded due to malfunctioning charging outlets and slow charging times. Stay tuned because Ford is working to correct this issue.

Aug 20

What Ford F-150 Owners Love Most After 90 Days: Insights from J.D. Power’s 2023 Study

Key Highlights from the 2023 J.D. Power APEAL Study on the Ford F-150

The 2023 J.D. Power APEAL study reveals what Ford F-150 owners appreciate most about their trucks just 90 days after purchase. Top highlights include impressive fuel economy, user-friendly infotainment screens, and effective headlights. When compared to rivals like the Chevy Silverado 1500 and Ram 1500, these features set the F-150 apart in terms of owner satisfaction.

What Owners Appreciate Most

Ford F-150 owners have expressed strong approval for their truck’s fuel efficiency, achieving 20 mpg city and 26 mpg highway in the Lariat trim. This surpasses the 2023 Chevy Silverado’s 19 mpg city and 22 mpg highway, though the Ram 1500 is close with 20 mpg city and 25 mpg highway. Additionally, the F-150’s infotainment options are notable, with an 8.0-inch screen standard on lower trims and an optional 12-inch display on higher trims, outperforming the Ram 1500’s smaller screens but trailing the Silverado’s largest 13.4-inch display.

Another aspect Ford owners appreciate is the F-150’s headlights, which have been rated highly for their effectiveness. This is in stark contrast to the Silverado, where headlights were a noted drawback. The Ram 1500’s headlights are rated ‘Good’ by the IIHS, indicating strong visibility but not necessarily surpassing the F-150’s performance.

Understanding J.D. Power’s APEAL Study

J.D. Power’s APEAL study surveys vehicle owners around 90 days after purchase to assess their emotional connection and satisfaction with their vehicles. The study evaluates 37 aspects of vehicle performance, from comfort to driving exhilaration, compiling data to highlight what drivers love and what they wish could be improved. This year’s results place Ford F-150 among the top performers in terms of owner satisfaction, particularly excelling in fuel economy, infotainment, and headlight performance.

Ratings and Overall Satisfaction

The Ford F-150 scored well across key categories, including Quality and Reliability (86/100), Driving Experience (83/100), Resale Value (81/100), and Dealership Experience (79/100). These scores reflect a high level of satisfaction with the truck’s reliability, driving comfort, and resale potential. Overall, F-150 owners are pleased with their purchase, valuing its efficiency, advanced features, and driving experience.

Jul 20

Which Pickup Truck Is the Most Efficient for Towing: Gas, Diesel, or Hybrid?

When choosing a pickup truck for towing, fuel efficiency is a crucial factor. While the EPA provides fuel mileage ratings for city and highway driving, many buyers are keen to know how these ratings hold up under the strain of towing. This article compares the towing efficiency of various powertrains—gas V8, turbocharged V6, turbodiesel, and hybrid—across some of the toughest driving conditions.

Comparing Towing Efficiency: Turbocharged V6 vs. V8

In the world of towing, both the turbocharged V6 and the V8 offer competitive fuel efficiency. For instance, the Ford F-150 models equipped with these engines perform similarly in terms of towing capability, but the V8 has a slight edge in maintaining better fuel mileage during heavy loads. During a rigorous test over Colorado’s “Ike’s Gauntlet,” the V8 managed to sustain 4.0 mpg, compared to the V6’s 3.5 mpg, demonstrating its superior efficiency when it comes to handling steep inclines and maintaining control.

Evaluating the PowerBoost Hybrid and Diesel Options

Ford’s PowerBoost Hybrid combines a turbocharged V6 with an electric motor, offering robust torque and towing power. While it delivered 3.8 mpg while towing a 10,000-pound trailer up a challenging mountain pass, its regenerative braking system helped improve overall efficiency on the descent. On the other hand, the GMC Sierra 1500 with the Duramax diesel engine stood out with an impressive 5.9 mpg while towing a 7,000-pound load, showcasing its efficiency and endurance in demanding conditions.

The comparison reveals that while diesel engines excel in towing efficiency, hybrids offer a balanced performance with added benefits like regenerative braking. Each powertrain has its strengths, and the choice depends on specific towing needs and personal preferences.