Cold Soak Causes Ford to Rattle

Some 2017-2020 Ford F-150 trucks built on or before Oct. 31, 2019 and equipped with a 3.5L EcoBoost engine may exhibit a ticking/tapping or rattle noise from the top front cover area of the engine on initial startup after a cold soak of six hours or more.

The noise may last for two - five seconds. This may be due to a worn variable cam timing (VCT) unit. Replace all four VCT units. Refer to workshop manual section 303-01. It is not necessary to remove the two left valve cover cam sensors. All VCT solenoid and spark plug tube seals require inspection but only replace if needed.