"UPDATE"
Had my 17 in again to Ford for the running hot issues. Several have had similar problems so I wanted to post the resolution. After telling me 227-232 unloaded down the highway was within spec and I have no issues, I persisted and they found the thermostat was bad! Thats all it was and It caused the fans to run high, the numbers to pop up above the factory gauge, constant temps in the 230s not towing. While yes these trucks do run "hotter" they shouldn't be that hot. I now have average temps at 210-213 on the highway, unloaded, and about 208 in town. They replaced the thermostat with another 195, as thats whats in the 17, and it has only hit 222 with a trailer and about 3000lbs. It immediately dropped back down when I crested the top of the hill.
Several others have experienced similar problems and might try the thermostat replacement. Cheap fix, all things considered lol.



What controls the cooling fans, on and off, speed, etc, on my 17 3.5 Ecoboost? I understand they are computer controlled, but is there a sensor that is part of this system? Having running hot issues and am trying to sort it all out. Since its a "learning" system, will it adjust if I put in a cooler thermostat?

Thanks in advance

 

Who said anything about learning? These fans are run off strategy only. Have you made sure your grille shutters are staying open? Some have failed which causes low air flow.

 

Shutters open and close, no clue if they are doing it properly. Or at the right time.

 

Is this a salvage vehicle or one that was in an accident.

 

No, neither.

 

You should see the shutters open and close (self test) when you start the engine. Have somebody start the engine and check the shutters.

 

They cycle open and closed

 

Seems shutters are not the problem then.

 

Make sure that your coolant reservoir is filled to Max.
A couple of us had a similar from our coolant level only being at the line under the word Max on the reservoir.

 

Do the fans run when the air conditioning compressor is engaged?

Do the fans run when the temperature is reading hot?

 

Engine coolant temperature sensor?

 

It is possible to have the cooling fans engage at lower temperatures to complement a lower temp t-stat. It needs to be tuned/programmed into the pcm. Most aftermarket tuning companies offer it as an option with their tunes.

OP, are you only battling heat while towing, or while driving unloaded as well? Are you monitoring coolant temp or just going by the factory gauge? If monitoring, how hot is "hot"?

 

Talked to 5star and Livernois and they said they could do the programming.

I have an external temp gauge so I get constant temps. However, my factory gauge will start showing numbers above the factory gauge, at 226. Empty on the highway average is about 227-230. Cruise set at 70-75. Towing 2500 lbs I hit 248 and exited the highway. Speed at 70, in Illinois so mostly flat ground. Truck simply can’t compensate for the heat caused from boost.

 

Are you still under warranty? There are other members that have delt with the same problem.

Cruising on I 8 at 75 mph, ambient temp over 105, my engine temp hit 211 degrees with no trailer.

https://www.f150forum.com/www.f150fo...d.php?t=404556

 

I am, and have been in 3 times. They do the usual test drive, hook up computer, tell me it all checks out. And that 230 is normal and the gauge shows number above it when I need to reduce the load. Not sure how to do that on the highway, empty, at the speed limit 😡