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. Short block replacement does not require prior approval.
