Some 2013-2018 F-150, 2015-2018 Transit/Expedition, and 2015-2017 Navigator vehicles equipped with a 3.5L EcoBoost engine with greater than 20,000 miles may exhibit a tick type noise from the cylinder block area. This noise may be caused by a cracked piston skirt. The noise can be isolated to a cylinder using a stethoscope or other suitable listening device. Canceling the affected cylinder will reduce or eliminate the noise. If the noise is isolated to a specific cylinder, it is recommended to replace the short block. If the noise cannot be isolated using the methods described, refer to the Workshop Manual (WSM) for diagnosis. A cracked piston skirt does not result in metal contamination of the engine or any related cylinder head damage. Prior approval for short block replacement is not required under new vehicle limited warranty coverage.
