Common Issues with 2018–Present Ford Expeditions and F150's

The Customer Complaint

The scenario is almost always the same. A Ford Expedition owner comes in and describes a chattering, ticking, or rattling noise that occurs when starting the engine cold — typically first thing in the morning after the vehicle has been sitting for several hours. The noise lasts only a few seconds, then disappears as the engine warms up.

Typical Customer Complaint

"When I first start the vehicle in the morning with a cold engine, I hear a chattering noise that lasts for a few seconds. It's been happening for a while. No Check Engine Light."

The absence of a Check Engine Light is important context here. Many owners assume that if no warning light is on, there's no serious issue. That assumption is incorrect. The variable camshaft timing (VCT) system can be failing mechanically well before the vehicle's computer flags it with a fault code. Waiting only allows the condition to progress.

Vehicles Affected

Per Ford's Technical Service Bulletin, the following vehicle lines and build dates are involved:

2017–2020

Ford F-150
3.5L EcoBoost
Built on or before 11/30/2019

2018–2020

Ford Expedition
3.5L EcoBoost
Built on or before 11/30/2019

2018–2020

Lincoln Navigator
3.5L EcoBoost
Built on or before 11/30/2019

If your vehicle falls within these years and was built before November 30, 2019 — and you're hearing any version of this cold-start noise — you should have it diagnosed immediately by a qualified auto repair shop familiar with Ford's TSB procedures.

The Technical Service Bulletin (TSB 22-2200)

Ford TSB 22-2200 — Official Issue Statement

Some 2017–2020 F-150 and 2018–2020 Expedition/Navigator vehicles built on or before 30-Nov-2019 equipped with a 3.5L EcoBoost engine may exhibit a ticking/tapping or rattle type noise from the top front cover area of the engine on initial start-up after a cold soak of 6 hours or more that may last for 2–5 seconds. Some vehicles may also exhibit an intermittent condition with no auto restart during auto-start-stop operation, with or without DTC P164C present. This may be due to a worn variable camshaft timing (VCT) unit.

What This Means in Plain Language

The Variable Camshaft Timing (VCT) system controls when the engine's intake and exhaust valves open and close relative to the crankshaft's position. On the 3.5L EcoBoost, these units rely on oil pressure to maintain proper phaser position. When the VCT units wear out, they lose their ability to hold position during the low-oil-pressure window immediately after a cold start. The result is that audible rattle — metal components momentarily rattling until oil pressure builds.

Left unaddressed, worn VCT phasers can cause accelerated timing chain wear, chain guide damage, and eventually timing chain failure — which is a catastrophic engine event. This is why early diagnosis and repair matters significantly more than the noise alone suggests.

Technician Findings at Chuck's Garage

When our auto repair technicians at Chuck's Garage perform a diagnostic on a vehicle presenting this complaint, the process begins with confirming the cold-start rattle, identifying the noise origin at the front timing cover area, and cross-referencing against TSB 22-2200. In the cases we've handled, the diagnosis consistently confirms worn VCT units consistent with the bulletin.

What the Repair Involves

The Ford-prescribed repair for this condition is replacement of the VCT units — but because accessing the VCT phasers on the 3.5L EcoBoost requires removal of the front timing cover, the scope of work necessarily expands to include a complete timing system service. This is not upselling; it is the mechanically correct approach. Reassembling an engine with the old timing chains, tensioners, and guides after opening the front cover would be poor practice.

A complete timing kit service on the 3.5L EcoBoost involves replacement of the following components:

Components Replaced in a Full Timing / VCT Repair

• Variable Camshaft Timing (VCT) Phasers
• Engine Variable Valve Timing (VVT) Solenoids
• Timing Chains (both banks)
• Timing Chain Tensioners (multiple)
• Timing Chain Guides
• Camshaft Sprockets
• Crankshaft Pulley Bolt
• Timing Cover Seal
• Camshaft Seals
• Valve Cover Gaskets & Seals
• Intake Manifold Gaskets
• Water Pump & Gaskets
• Coolant Thermostat & Housing Gasket
• Engine Coolant Pipe Seal
• Fuel Pump Gaskets
• Crankshaft Seal
• EGR Valve Gasket
• All associated hardware and sealants

Because the water pump and coolant thermostat are accessed during this same repair, it is standard practice to service those components as well — preventing a return visit for components that were already exposed. The cooling system is also flushed and refilled with fresh coolant as part of this service.

Is Your Expedition Showing These Symptoms?

• ✓Cold-start rattle or chattering from the engine that lasts 2–5 seconds then stops✓Noise originates from the front of the engine / front cover area✓Noise occurs specifically after the vehicle has been sitting for 6+ hours✓Auto stop-start system stops working intermittently✓DTC P164C may or may not be present — its absence does not rule out the issue✓Vehicle is a 2018–2020 Expedition, 2017–2020 F-150, or 2018–2020 Navigator with a 3.5L EcoBoost

If two or more of these apply to your vehicle, bring it in. This is a documented issue with a clear service procedure — it should not be ignored or diagnosed over the phone. The longer worn VCT components operate, the more wear they transfer to the timing chains and guides downstream.

Why Bring Your Expedition to Chuck's Garage

As an established auto repair shop in Killeen, Chuck's Garage has the diagnostic tools, technical knowledge of Ford TSB procedures, and the experience with 3.5L EcoBoost timing systems to handle this repair correctly. We don't cut corners on timing work — this is one of the most consequential repairs an engine can undergo, and the quality of parts and execution directly determines how long the repair holds.

We also offer multiple financing options including Affirm, Snap Finance, Synchrony, and Klarna — because we understand that major repairs don't always come at a convenient time. Active military personnel receive a military discount, and our repairs come backed by a 5-year/unlimited-mileage warranty — one of the strongest coverage commitments you'll find at any auto repair facility in the Killeen area.

Chuck's Garage is a proud member of both the Greater Killeen Chamber of Commerce and the Harker Heights Chamber of Commerce. When you bring your vehicle to us, you're supporting a local business that's invested in this community.

Hear That Cold-Start Rattle?

Don't wait for it to turn into something worse. Call or text Chuck's Garage in Killeen today.

254-554-5445

501 Liberty Street · Killeen, TX · Chuck's Garage

Chuck's Garage · Auto Repair Killeen · Auto Repair Shop KilleenTags: Ford Expedition · 3.5L EcoBoost · VCT · Timing · TSB 22-2200The body content of your post goes here. To edit this text, click on it and delete this default text and start typing your own or paste your own from a different source.