So, I took (and left) my 04 F150 at the dealership today for some issues. While talking to the service advisor, I brought up the vibration issue and said that my truck has a very minor vibration problem that I am noticing on and off, but my issue is more that it keeps running high and shakes when I am at a stop. Anyway.....this person tells me she is not aware of any vibration problems AT ALL with the 04s and certianly not any vibration problems!!!!! I reminded her to check the TSBs and she looked at me with a blank stare......

I know exactly what is going to happen when I pick up my truck today, after they have had it the ENTIRE day. I know this because it seems to be common place. They will tell me that there are NO problems whatsoever with the vehicle!

 

The only way to get any service person to admit a problem is to ride with them and rub their face in it. If it idles poorly or fast, tell them to check the PCM for the latest software version per TSB 4-21-14. If you got the truck early in the model year, it probably does not have the latest version.

 

Was looking into buying a new f150 super cab 4x4. Is the vibration problem evident in all versions of the f150? Or is it more evident in the super crew 4x2 verison? Does the build date or plant that it was assembled at have anything with trucks that are having problems?

 

The vibration is not on all f150's. all I can tell you is drive the truck befor you buy it. my scab 4x4 vibrates @55-60 paeking @57mph. I would not let this stop you from buying the f150 they are great trucks.

 

Just got off the phone from the service advisor. She said that the tech is doing some kind of balancing/alignment now as there is a vibration problem. She also said that there is some POINT that connects the tires to the wheel or some thing like that and it was not aligned properly, so it is being fixed...and that sometimes that just happens. She also said that the computer had to be reflashed.

NOW...I gave her the TSBs that screwsquirrel posted (24 and 25) and I guess it had to do with the dampening kit?? I don't know as I can't download it for some reason. She told me that wasn't the problem. I guess this balancing/alignment is the FIRST step they do to alleviate the problem.

Now-with the reflashing-is this going to cause me more problems or is that just with deisels? I keep reading on how people are having problems, especially with mileage after the reflash is done, but I can't remember if it is just with diesels or with gas vehicles too??????

This is the same person who has told me she knows of NO problems with the 04 F150!!! I am kind of afraid now of what it will be like when I get it back. Well, I think I will have the adviser take a ride with me

This is the same dealership where I had to explain to the salesMEN (no-not just one of them) what the tow package consisted of, and they are the ones selling the vehicles!!! I can just imagine what the advisors and the techs know.....

 

I've delt with the same problem for 1 year and 33,000 miles. Pulled into new tire dealership to get a quote on Michelins an was told of a new tire balancer. 25$ per tire, thats a lot cheaper than 4 tires. IT WORKS. NO VIBRATION AT ANY SPEEDS. Was told the auto dealers have this machine, but it is very new.

 

Just picked up my truck a little while ago.....they had it from 8A-5:45P....and it still idles high and vibrates. Amazing. On the Oasis report, it shows something about "driveability runs rough at idle and before it is the number 608400 (effective date 9/1/04. In it, it says "that the PCM reprogramming/replacement and orengine replacement are not effectiive repairs for the rough idle condition."

What exactly does this refer to as they couldn't give me a straight answer on anything? Does this refer to the reflash/recalibration-is that even the same thing? They told me that if something was wrong with the computer, then the idling problem could be affected...and that would be helped with the reflash......WHAT?????

Per the new TSBs that screwsquirrel received-in it, it mentions the equipment that should be used while testing for the vibration....first when I asked if that was done, I was told it was, then I was told that they don't know what either thing is (an electronic vibration analyzer or a vetronix vibration analyzer) and told me they do something else which is just as good. Well, how can they know something is "just as good" if they admit to not knowing what that "something" is???

I am so incredibly ticked off right now...and of course, when I got there, the service advisor was gone. The other one I talked to showed absolutely no interest in anything I said and seemed annoyed that I would even question anything. Plus, he told me that they don't know every single TSB out there. You know, I can understand that since I am sure there are so many TSBs continually coming out and so many models....but it still angered me.

So, they did the reflash and "reindexed and reblanced" the tires. Hmm...why do I still have the vibe??

For what it is worth...I did test drive a 2005 diesel F350 King Ranch dually crew cab...list price of $49K I think...something ridiculously high...anyway. Would you believe that there was a very noticable vibration at the steering wheel???? I brought it up to the salesman who told me it was because it was such a large truck! WOW! Apparantly I look like an idiot.......

Listen...I just expect that for $32,000, this vehicle doesn't shake when I stop or vibrate even a little when I drive...or sound a little like a diesel when it isn't a diesle. Is that really too much to expect?

 

I actually went to a "survey" at the dealership by Ford engineers. Although my truck did not experience the vibration problem, I was told by the engineer that the vibration issue was the sole reason for the survey. While they asked me questions about the truck, engineers took it into the shop and checked out my tires, balancing, and who knows what else.

This post doesn't help you at all, just wanted to share what happened to me.

 

May be too early but I haven't felt a vibration as of yet. Have a 4.6L with a 3.55 rear end and only 1700 miles so far. Anyone else with the vibration have similar configuration?

 

Hey jmsavoy, I also went to a survey held by NOP Automotive in Atlanta. I hope you got a little cash for your time, I did. When I got the truck back, all I noticed was chalk markings on the tires. At least we know Ford is working on the problem.

 

Pick up my new 2004 F-150 Saturday and it vibrates like hell. Even stopped make sure all the parts were there. Anyway....

My problem is... I live 60 miles from the dealer and need the truck for work (I work in Mexico so I can't use a loaner) and after talking with the service guy I'm not sure this will be a quick fix, I afraid they'll just do one "fix" at a time which will take forever.

Will all the vibration go away with all the fixes? Is there some place up the food chain I can call so everything can be done at once, avoiding many trips to the dealer?

Should I just stop payment on check and to to a Chevy dealer?

John

 

There are at least three different problems( 1)tires wheels and balance,(2) driveline driveshaft rearend(3)haromoics from design of the rear windows .Which one do you have? Careful some one will acuse you of whineing. You are entitled to a loaner regardless of where you will operate the vehicle.

 

Here's an update on my filing with the DSB. Recieved a call from FORD last week with an offer to replace my vehicle. it is MSRP to MSRP. Ford is to send the paper work to the dealer next week. Dealer contacts me and we find a replacement for my truck. I will be looking for an 05 to replace my 04. I will be responsible for any amount over the MSRP and the tax on it. I feel like this is s reasonable offer and have accepted. I am hoping that they have eliminated the problem with the 05's. I will definitely be looking at the build date on each truck to insure the latest build. This site has been a great place to obtain information - thanks to everyone who posts.

 

probably not a bad offer....but seems to me that they should eat the whole damn cost....and give you the same exact truck in an 05.

 

Charlie51,

The best you can get at the DSB is full refund or MSRP to MSRP replacement so that is a good deal. On my DSB judgement I went from a 2004 FX4 to a 2005 F-250 XLT.

Make sure they give you full credit or replacement of any aftermarket options that you had installed.

Good Luck on the new ride.