I just got it back from getting the power locks fixed, new actuators in both sides (was free due to warranty). At the same time the linkage in the steering wheel had to be fixed $400 bucks not covered. It is a 1999 5.4l 4x4 with only 85k miles. Have an extended warranty that covers some stuff. But it can't go for a week without something messing up. This truck has been taken care of decently and in good shape on the outside but for only 85k miles it has an abundance of problems. But the problem i am posting for now is my power windows are acting up on the passenger side window only. From the top to mid-ways down it has normal power then about half way down it starts to move down extremely slowly then once it is almost all the way down it picks speed back up. It does the same when rolling up...like something is catching it during the middle of travel slowing it down. If anybody could reccomend what this may be i would be very greatful.

It is also having a hard 1-2 shift for that last 3k miles.

I am tired of having to be at the shop every weekend. I have only had it for 5 months and i hate it. There is constantly a problem. I wish i would have bought something else but it is to late now. Seeing as i'm 17 and i don't have much time to work with school and all i might be stuck with it but this summer i will try my best to get out of this truck and probably buy a dodge or chevvy, i've always wanted a ford and liked ford but i've made a big mistake here and don't think i can get out of it. I won't have another ford until i'm rich enough to buy a brand new one. My parents helped me buy this truck they're not going to help me buy another one so now i'm screwed.

Later,
TJ

 

i think most of the things you have are routine maint. i would guess the transmission needs an oil change and filter..... the windows need the door panel taken off and the window slides cleaned and greased. if that is not done the motors will eventually fail due to overloading. i put door locks in the kids mustang last weekend, aftermarket parts, not a big job...... 85000 miles it not much, you can get 300,000 if you take good care of it, but that means routine maint. if the dealer is going to do the maint, yess you will be nickle dimed, thats why people buy a new truck with warrenty.... i bought a F150 SCREW with 125,000 miles on it and now it is 2 years later. i have changed all the fluids, did the window trick, fixed the blacked out odometer, new tirew, new braks, new ball joints.. i classify all this stuff as "minor" and routine maint since i bought it with 125,000 and expected this. this is 2-3 hours every month one weekend. i love this truck and figure it has used about 35% of its life so far..... you will not get any better from a Dodge or Chevy.

 

The power windows should be covered since they supposedly fixed them to begin with. The steering linkage is new to me, that is a rare fix in these trucks. Was there a back ground check on this truck before you got it? Quite possible the truck was in an accident or abused by the previous owner.

Sorry to hear about the truck giving you problems, sometimes you get a lemon and you have to cut your losses.

 

no accident, had carfax report. one owner, old man. had oil changed every 3k miles. didn't have any tires or anything on it until i bought was all stock. i think i just got a lemon. tranny fluid and filter and air filter was changed less than 20k miles ago, he left the maintenance papers in the book. trans fluid wasn't flushed tho, just had some added...filter was said to be changed (wasn't on papers). i know i need to change the coolant, i can do that but i'm not mechanically minded and doubt i can do anything to the windows alone but i'm just getting fed up to taking it to the dealer whether it's covered under the warranty or not. I'm gonna work on getting an 04' up model with less stuff on it. Maybe reg cab with not so many options. Doubt i can but i want one. I guess i just got bad luck with this truck and got a lemon.

But i can try the windows thing if you have any pics or directions you could give me. It would be a great help. Can this truck go another possible 1k miles without a filter and fluid change on the tranny with no serious damage. i have to wait becuase i'm broke atm until summer then i can get all this mess fixed... And will the filter help it to shift smoother? It's having a hard 1-2 shift like it bogs down at the beginning of the shift and a bang at the end. 2-3 isn't very hard shift at all, nor any other shifts...just 1-2.

Thanks for the help, i'll try to get some stuff done. I really like my truck and i have done some things to it and really like the looks and insde comfort. I don't want to sell it but if i can't get this stuff straight i'm gonna have to get rid of it.

Thanks,
TJ

 

great idea tj, in buying a dodge or chevy, that will cure all your problems as i have heard those trucks never break down or need a new window motor....i mean id deal with the window motor over say a head gasket...

 

If dosnt ever want to work on a his vehicle again...let him buy a dodge....them things are tough and last forever....LOL....

 

I've worked at chevy dealer, ford and dodge. Seems to me they all had techs and all had a problem or two. The problem in your truck is the regulator channels are dry, remove the door panel and use teflon grease on the regulator channels where the arms slide. Also lube the window channels (where the glass slides up and down) with silicone spray. Should fix you problem.

 

B's Fx4 i'm almost 99.9% sure my head gaskets are leaking, hopefully not but if they are don't plan on getting them fixed if not under warranty won't have the truck long enough to waste 4 grand on it : ).

and thanks ranger 88a i will try to find some directions with pix to get this done.

 

My heads have leaked since i got my truck 80k ago...never had any trouble with em... just add a quart every 3-4k miles

 

I'm sure you can tackle the windows channels with a haynes manual. Did the same thing to a Windstar about 3 years ago. Started raining when I had everything apart though and had to throw a tarp over everything. Slid up and down real good after that though.

 

Another great example of why I do not like '99s For some reason they are a problem year.

 

Your shifting problem is probably the 1-2 shift accumulator piston. They have had problems with the 1-2 and 2-3 pistons and have redesigned them. My 2000 150 just turned 203000 miles and my 2-3 shift is acting up. I purchased a new piston today at the dealership for $12.00 and some change and plan to change it out this week.

 

You haven't named off a single thing that would make me think this truck is a lemon, or would make me want to get rid of it to buy a new truck.

Those are all simple, minor things, thats yes, will nickle and dime you if you don't start learning to do some of these thing yourself.

 

i also own a 99 f150, as far as i know the 99 model year has no more or less problems than any other year. I have lubed my window slides, you can tell when it needs it......moves slow as mentioned, takes 2 min to take some silicone spray and do it....fixed. I know my truck only has 63k on it, all ive done as far as maintenance goes is.....tranny flush and filter replacement(now due again for another change), coolant flush....took 2 flushes to get it looking good again, and lower ball joints, thats it....besides oil changes... o, forgot the new spark plugs at 57k...still looked good though, im ready for another 50k of nothing but oil changes, and the amount i drive.....it might take me 8years to do it! All in all, i love this truck and get many compliments on it.

 

That is the general consensus on here. The '99's seem to have more "problems" than other years.


I'm starting to hate my truck as well. It's beginning to nickle & dime (more like 50 & 100) me to death.

Heater core (common), Alternator (stereo didn't help that any), manifold gaskets (common), EGR tube, IAC, my window needs to be lubed as well, my hitch rotted off, something is ratteling in my cab, rear window leaks (common), MF switch (common), etc...