Ford Recalls 2014 F-150s Due to Transmission Defect
Ford recently announced a recall of 552,188 examples of the 2014 F-150 due to a transmission defect that can cause random downshifts into first gear at any speed. This sudden downshift can lead to a loss of control and potentially immobilize the vehicle. Ford has identified a misbehaving driveline sensor as the main culprit behind this issue.
The problem arises from an intermittent loss of the transmission Output Shaft Speed (OSS) sensor signal to the Powertrain Control Module (PCM). This can result in a temporary, unintended downshift into first gear. Depending on the vehicle’s speed at the time of the failure, an abrupt downshift could occur, increasing the risk of a crash.
What complicates matters is that Ford has identified multiple causes for OSS signal issues. These include contamination, power short to ground, connector corrosion, connector pin swaging, and incorrect outputs from the OSS sensor. As a result, there is no single direct solution to remedy the problem.
To address this issue, Ford will be updating the shift logic in affected vehicles. They will introduce a “plausibility check” that ensures the speed indicated by the OSS makes sense before commanding an automatic shift into first gear. This additional measure will help prevent unintended downshifts and improve overall vehicle safety.
It is worth noting that this is not the first time Ford has recalled F-150s for this particular issue. Previous model years have also undergone recalls for the same transmission defect. However, Ford’s report does not indicate any irreparable driveline damage resulting from these downshifts. Nonetheless, there have been instances where the issue led to the rear wheels locking up or drivers losing control.
Owners of affected 2014 F-150s should wait for a notification from Ford before taking their vehicles in for service. Ford will begin sending out mailers in early July to inform owners about the recall. Importantly, owners who have previously had related repairs performed outside of warranty are eligible for reimbursement.
In conclusion, Ford is taking swift action to address the transmission defect in the 2014 F-150s. The company’s focus on resolving the issue and ensuring vehicle safety is commendable. Owners can rest assured that Ford is actively working to rectify the problem and will communicate directly with them regarding the necessary repairs.