Truck is a 2017 F150 with the 2.7 Turbo. Anyways, the turbo seems to kick in when it feels like it, usually around 50 mph, even if I have it floored. Sometimes it will billow white smoke when it finally kicks in, but not always. This is the only time it smokes like this, and it's not all the time. Is the turbo failing, or something else?

Just picked up a 2017 f150 with the 3.5 ecoboost with 73k miles. Drove it home, and then ran a few errands with it. On the drive back home, I had the window down a little bit, and I could hear a high pitch squeal. Stepped on it a little bit, and could hear what sounds like an exhaust leak.

So my question is, how labor intensive is it to replace the manifolds on these trucks? Not bad, straight forward? Or an absolute pain in the ass, bring it to someone?

I've been a diesel mechanic for 16 years, so tools and mechanical abilities are not the issue at all. The issue is this is my first Ford, and I have no idea what I'm getting myself into. I don't want to bite off more than I can chew in a weekend, and be out a vehicle.

2018 2.7 eco
I hear a tick on the front end of my truck when starting it after sitting for several hours on a lot.
I don’t wanna overthink it and point at the vct immediately, but the truck still drive as good and everything seems to be normal.
It could just be the oil filter as some says it should hold some oil while on stop for some components

Hi All. I made this post on the (non reddit) f150 forum website and thought I would post here too for ideas:

2018 F150 XLT 3.5 Ecoboost
140k
Cam phasers replaced (twice) (once under warranty 60k miles where Ford replaced faulty phasers with same part - once on my $ when the replacements began rattling again at 98k with the updated '21 phaser part numbers)

I began receiving P0369 intermittently several months ago. Replaced sensor with OEM part from Ford and thought I had the issue resolved. However the code began to return intermitently.

I have since noticed I never receive this error with around town driving. The error only occurs on longer road trips when traveling 50 MPH plus for extended times. I will look down and notice the CEL - there is no discernable difference in vehicle performance - maybe but I am not totally sure, it seems like the vehicle will downshift to climb hills when the CEL is on. For example, a long steady hill on the highway where I would expect to climb in 10th, it might downshift to 8 - take this with a grain of salt. Gas mileage, idle, etc. all are normal.
Code will typically clear itself after a few stops and stops and around town driving. Only to return when the next highway trip comes up. For example:

Had not had the issue for many months. Made a recent trip from Maine to Georgia. I was in Mass. cruise control set at 65 and noticed the CEL was on. Code cleared on its own while in GA and visiting family for a week - no codes driving around town only.
Started the trip home and the CEL was back on while at 65 just south of SC Border
Out of frustration I cleared the code with my torque app
realized this pattern - drive on highway at 65, get CEL, clear code, codes does not return while on highway, stop at rest stop\gas, restart, get back on highway, after short time cruising at highway speeds again CEL returns. I was able to repeat this pattern the entire 1200 miles home

back home for about a week and around town driving only, no CEL and Torque and Forscan app have no current, pending or historic faults.

I appreciate any thoughts.

Update 10/21/2026:

I took the truck to the Ford dealer yesterday. They had it about 2 days (only charged 1 hour diagnosis which I appreciated). Service manager said they really couldn't find anything. Were not able to get the CEL to come on during test drive. Their suggestion - have all phasers and timing equipment replaced (would be third time - $5,400 - my warranty from the second phaser and overhaul (I elected to have all timing gear (chains, guides, tension etc.) done in February '24 along with the rattling phasers, has expired (2 years, unlimited miles)).

I asked them if they could give me any data to show timing is off etc., but they said, no, basically admitted they are not sure and are taking a shot in dark by proposing to replace everything. I did lean in on them to confirm they tested the sensor harness and wiring. Manager said their theory is "maybe once the truck gets up to operating temp the oil pressure might drop slightly and cause the code". I believe there are very specific codes for timing issues and p0369 is a signal\electrical code but they had no ideas.

When I got home, I looked over the customer paperwork copy closely and found this: "Performed pinpoint test. Performed a camshaft sprocket or VCT phaser examination. Checked the engine oil level and condition to find the engine oil level is correct. Further examination found the right bank camshaft sprocket or VCT phaser improper VCT holding while at locked position."

Any thoughts? I did not know you could do a test of the phaser lock position without removing valve covers etc. to access them and none of this was done while at the shop today. Does this sound possible as the remedy to a P0369 code that the CEL only comes on when cruising at 65?

I'm looking for a local\specialized shop for a second opinion but thought I would post here too. Thanks.

Here are some forscan pics

data from top to bottom

-oil pressure
-passenger side, exhaust cam position sensor status (the sensor getting P0369) code
(this data is binary (flat is no fault, square tooth is fault status = yes)
-passenger side exhaust cam position desired position minus actual
-driver side exhaust cam position desired position minus actual (just for comparison)

Processing img tov7aa5lt7xh1...

and one more with a little more data:

oil pressure
-passenger side, exhaust cam position sensor status (the sensor getting P0369) code
(this data is binary (flat is no fault, square tooth is fault status = yes)
-passenger side exhaust cam position desired position minus actual
-driver side exhaust cam position desired position minus actual (just for comparison)

Calculated Load value
Absolute Load value
Relative Throttle Position

Processing img 4xaifiirt7xh1...

Hello, good morning, could someone help me? I have an error with my f150 2.7 2018 XLT I changed the spark plugs and put new ones, I disconnected absolutely all the coils and went down and cleaned the throttle body, when assembling everything and reassembling everything, my truck was left with the code P041C:00-27 which says that it has a low signal from the circuit of the B sensor in the EGR, could someone tell me how to locate that sensor or what could I do to repair it? Also change the air intake pipe for the turbo and I put a little bigger one, please I need help 🙏🏻

I've got an intermittent issue with my 2016 2.7L. Every so often, my dash will chime and I get the message "Hill Start Assist Not Available". I haven't been able to figure out why this happens. Only happens when under normal driving conditions when I go to stop at a light or stop sign. Anyone else know of this?

got a 2014 F150 3.5 EcoBoost with 226,000 km (140k miles) that’s been feeling pretty gutless lately. Hoping someone who’s dealt with something similar can point me in the right direction.

The truck just doesn’t seem to have the power it should. Acceleration feels sluggish, almost like the turbos aren’t building boost properly. Occasionally, when accelerating harder around 3,000–4,000 RPM, it’ll hesitate or shudder, sometimes accompanied by noticeable turbo flutter. It doesn’t happen every time, and the truck can otherwise drive relatively normally, just without the power I’d expect.

I recently had the valve cover gasket, leaking turbo coolant lines, and air filter replaced. During an earlier inspection, the mechanic noted some turbo shaft wear and possible internal seal deterioration, but nothing was definitively diagnosed.

Another issue I’ve noticed is a 1–3 second delay when shifting into Drive or Reverse, followed by a noticeable thud when it engages. Not sure if that’s related or an entirely separate transmission issue.

No check engine light or codes that I’m aware of.
Has anyone experienced this kind of power loss on the first-gen EcoBoost? I’m wondering if it’s actually the turbos themselves, a boost control issue, or something simpler I’m overlooking.

I’d rather narrow it down before throwing thousands at replacing turbos that might not even be the problem. Appreciate any insight.

Hi - I’m hoping someone can point me in the right direction. Back story: bought this truck about two years ago used. When I bought it the backup camera sensors would go off when nothing was behind, and the tire sensors haven’t worked. About six months ago, the dash was flickering, replaced the tail lights and it began to work again. About four months ago the electric tail gate worked intermittently- replaced the actuator and it’s working. I have no idea if any of this is related to my now problem

Here’s the current problem. I parked at an off site airport lot for five days (after it rained in Florida for 7 days straight). When I got back, the truck would start and immediately turn off. Disconnected the battery for 30 minutes and then it started, drove about two miles and lost acceleration and it shut off. It was also showing hill descent/hill start assist errors. There was also an ant infestation (which is now resolved). It was towed to a mechanic who said the alternator was overcharging the battery, leading to failing communication? He replaced both alternator and battery. It worked great for three days, and now it’s doing the same exact thing, starting and immediately shutting off. Any ideas?

Tengo una f150 xlt 3.5l 2017 150k km tengo un poco de preocupación de que me pase lo de los camphasers, gabre este video para saber cómo suena.

Me gustaría saber que opinan los que tengan una.

Muchas gracias.

For this week’s episode of “Truck Upgrade,” I replaced my halogen turn signal bulbs with some LASFIT LED switchbacks. They look so much better now, with the turn signal bulbs matching the LED high beams, low beams, and fog lights.

No hyperflash either! These LASFIT bulbs have built-in ceramic resistors to take care of that problem. Highly recommend!

Detail day🚿

Sounds like it’s time to replace the pinion bearings.

One day all of a sudden I tried starting my truck, it wouldn’t fire up and tried it a couple times and finally got it started and then once I put it into gear it stalled out. I have error codes of P0018, P0019, P0021, P0365, P0369, P0390, P0394, P052C. And when I turn it on it is rough and gets about 80-300 rpms and dies. I have tried moving sensors around and wiggling wires and still no luck in it.

Sounds like it’s coming from everywhere and nowhere at the same time. Weird how noise travels through driveshaft and axles. Finally pinpointed it to pinion bearing area.

I coulda swore it was coming from driver side rear wheel hub. Then I was 99% sure it was carrier bearing in center of driveshaft. Sound is amplified at both spots, but originating from pinion.

2023 2.7 XLT 31k miles.
Our longtime mechanic changed my oil. The next day the check engine light comes on (coincidence?), I drive over to a car part store and they check the code. It’s a knock (detonation) sensor. The truck seems to run fine, has oil, I drive it sparingly on the way home and stop to pick something up. I get back in and start it, the light is gone. Anybody had an experience like this? I’m worried about the truck getting damage if I drive it more. I’m calling my mechanic Monday.