Ford quietly redesigned the thermostat in 2022...replace it

[wakeboarder]

Mine is a 2019. Later years may be different. It was in the IPC. I used the advanced method, but I think it can now be done with the drop down menus.

 

[Mr Big]

Can you tell me or show a photo of where? I can’t find the option.

If I remember correctly, it's under IPC non as built section.

 

[bocabimmer]

So just to confirm I’ve read 9 pages correctly: there’s no actual reason to replace your t-stat if your temps aren’t spiking above the designed opening temp? The redesigned t-stat is more about not sticking closed than establishing a lower operating temperature for the transmission?

 

[Dice Roll]

So just to confirm I’ve read 9 pages correctly: there’s no actual reason to replace your t-stat if your temps aren’t spiking above the designed opening temp? The redesigned t-stat is more about not sticking closed than establishing a lower operating temperature for the transmission?

I’m now past a month with the new stat. It’s seen 195 on the trans once in that time. Before it was 205 constantly. Usually now it’s 180-190. That’s reason enough to change it.

 

[bocabimmer]

Is that running the RT1252 or the RT1250? Both are listed as 190 degree on Rock Auto.

 

[Hellwig]

Is that running the RT1252 or the RT1250? Both are listed as 190 degree on Rock Auto.

It sounds like RT1258, which opens at 180F

 

[Mr Big]

I just read from Ford Motor Company that lowering the thermostat below the vehicle's specs, as well as using a non-Ford part can cause the following issues. The lower the thermostat temp, the more wear it puts on the engine, as well as more gas consumption. If a non-OEM Ford part is used, it may void the warrant.

Some food for thought:
Coolant temperature below the OEM specification is not recommended.

• Most engine wear occurs when the engine is cold, as bearings, rings, and other parts are not fully expanded. These loose parts move around and wear faster.
• Optimum fuel burn occurs at higher temperatures. Lower temps can cause some fuel not to burn all the way. This will reduce power and fuel economy.
• OEM computers ignore the O2 sensor until the engine reaches operating temperature. No “self-tuning” occurs at lower temperatures. Long warm-up times will cause the “Check Engine” light to come on.

As I previously stated, I don't seem to have high temps compared to others, and I am in Florida. But my vehicle is equipped with the HD tow package which includes a Heavy-duty auxiliary transmission oil cooler and Heavy-duty radiator. And since I don't tow, my temps stay cooler.

 

[Hellwig]

I just read from Ford Motor Company that lowering the thermostat below the vehicle's specs, as well as using a non-Ford part can cause the following issues. The lower the thermostat temp, the more wear it puts on the engine, as well as more gas consumption. If a non-OEM Ford part is used, it may void the warrant.

Some food for thought:
Coolant temperature below the OEM specification is not recommended.

• Most engine wear occurs when the engine is cold, as bearings, rings, and other parts are not fully expanded. These loose parts move around and wear faster.
• Optimum fuel burn occurs at higher temperatures. Lower temps can cause some fuel not to burn all the way. This will reduce power and fuel economy.
• OEM computers ignore the O2 sensor until the engine reaches operating temperature. No “self-tuning” occurs at lower temperatures. Long warm-up times will cause the “Check Engine” light to come on.

As I previously stated, I don't seem to have high temps compared to others, and I am in Florida. But my vehicle is equipped with the HD tow package which includes a Heavy-duty auxiliary transmission oil cooler and Heavy-duty radiator. And since I don't tow, my temps stay cooler.

Would you please let me know what are the transmission temps during cruising, idling and towing? My vehicle has HD two pkg too, and its tranny temps fluctuate from 190F to 200F when cruising, 195F to 205F when idling, and 195F to 215F when towing my 4300 lbs trailer.

 

[bocabimmer]

I just read from Ford Motor Company that lowering the thermostat below the vehicle's specs, as well as using a non-Ford part can cause the following issues. The lower the thermostat temp, the more wear it puts on the engine, as well as more gas consumption. If a non-OEM Ford part is used, it may void the warrant.

Some food for thought:
Coolant temperature below the OEM specification is not recommended.

• Most engine wear occurs when the engine is cold, as bearings, rings, and other parts are not fully expanded. These loose parts move around and wear faster.
• Optimum fuel burn occurs at higher temperatures. Lower temps can cause some fuel not to burn all the way. This will reduce power and fuel economy.
• OEM computers ignore the O2 sensor until the engine reaches operating temperature. No “self-tuning” occurs at lower temperatures. Long warm-up times will cause the “Check Engine” light to come on.

As I previously stated, I don't seem to have high temps compared to others, and I am in Florida. But my vehicle is equipped with the HD tow package which includes a Heavy-duty auxiliary transmission oil cooler and Heavy-duty radiator. And since I don't tow, my temps stay cooler.

See, this is what I’ve also kind of been wondering. The prevailing attitude is that lower temps are better. Is that necessarily true?

My non-towing transmission temps range from 195-205 depending on my driving.

 

[Hellwig]

See, this is what I’ve also kind of been wondering. The prevailing attitude is that lower temps are better. Is that necessarily true?

My non-towing transmission temps range from 195-205 depending on my driving.

The root of the problem is Ford doesn't adopt independent air cooler to cool down transmission oil. Expedition's transmission oil temp is bonded with engine coolant temp.

 

[Dice Roll]

Is that running the RT1252 or the RT1250? Both are listed as 190 degree on Rock Auto.

My paperwork said 1252

 

[Mr Big]

The root of the problem is Ford doesn't adopt independent air cooler to cool down transmission oil. Expedition's transmission oil temp is bonded with engine coolant temp.

They do on some models. Mine has one and I searched the part number to be Trans Cooler - Ford (JL1Z-7869-A) 2018-2023 Ford - jl1z7869a

 

[Hellwig]

They do on some models. Mine has one and I searched the part number to be Trans Cooler - Ford (JL1Z-7869-A) 2018-2023 Ford - jl1z7869a

I think, F150 Raptor is the only outlier with air tranny oil cooler within Ford 150 series production line, including expedition. The trans cooler above is a heat exchanger, in which coolant flows and exchanges heat with transmission oil.

 

[Polo08816]

The root of the problem is Ford doesn't adopt independent air cooler to cool down transmission oil. Expedition's transmission oil temp is bonded with engine coolant temp.

GM uses this design, correct?

 

[Hellwig]

GM uses this design, correct?

yes, Suburban/Tahoe have independent air-oil coolers for transmission oil.

 

[Calidad]

How do you guys get ford to replace this junk thermostat? I have been seeing the classic random temp spikes and my dealer won’t replace it under warranty? Do I call ford HQ?

 

[Calidad]

Ok so for all you Exp guys. My 2019 78,000 miles started seeing random temperature spikes didn’t matter what the load was. I noticed the fan kicking on in strange low temp weather after driving up short hills in town, but no temp spike over 228 which is when you will see actual temp displayed on the dash over the dummy gauge.

Then about 2 months after noticing the fans kicking on under low load conditions I saw my first actual temp spike that triggered the temp display 234 degrees while on the highway semi flat terrain 70mph. I slowed about 2mph and the temp dropped below 228
Immediately. Since then this spike has occurred more often and randomly under different conditions low stress and also under higher stress etc. No ryme or reason.

I have Ford Extended Warranty Prime warranty.

So
Here’s the dealer tip. So the service desk person makes $ based on profit.

So 20 min after I dropped off the ex they call can’t replicate. I push back. They then call me back $850 to swap in the updated thermostat. I tell them we’ll I’ll have somebody else replace the faulty thermostat and then file a claim against the dealer to recover my cost.

At that point “Oh wait your a premier customer” we’ll just charge you the deductible. Hour later done come get it.
$100

 

[Dice Roll]

I paid 130 bucks for it. After my experience in getting things fixed, I carefully weighed the three trips it would take versus the hassle of a breakdown.

 

[Going_Going_Gone]

To the best of my recollection, I had the thermostat replaced along with a cooling system flush with new coolant for approximately $350 at my dealership. However, I also had a new set of tires put on in the same visit so they probably threw me a bone with the thermostat job. As far as the tires go, they matched Discount Tire's price and they threw in a 3-yr road hazard warranty, so I didn't overspend.

 

[SyndicateZ]

Ok so for all you Exp guys. My 2019 78,000 miles started seeing random temperature spikes didn’t matter what the load was. I noticed the fan kicking on in strange low temp weather after driving up short hills in town, but no temp spike over 228 which is when you will see actual temp displayed on the dash over the dummy gauge.

Then about 2 months after noticing the fans kicking on under low load conditions I saw my first actual temp spike that triggered the temp display 234 degrees while on the highway semi flat terrain 70mph. I slowed about 2mph and the temp dropped below 228
Immediately. Since then this spike has occurred more often and randomly under different conditions low stress and also under higher stress etc. No ryme or reason.

I have Ford Extended Warranty Prime warranty.

So
Here’s the dealer tip. So the service desk person makes $ based on profit.

So 20 min after I dropped off the ex they call can’t replicate. I push back. They then call me back $850 to swap in the updated thermostat. I tell them we’ll I’ll have somebody else replace the faulty thermostat and then file a claim against the dealer to recover my cost.

At that point “Oh wait your a premier customer” we’ll just charge you the deductible. Hour later done come get it.
$100

I had/have the same exact issue with the fans at jet turbine speed going up simple hills in the dead of winter. I too also had a time when I was passing a car on the highway accelerating to 80mph and the temp digit displayed over the dummy guage with a yellow high temp warning at well displayed, I quickly let off the gas and it went away like 2 seconds later. This happened last summer and never happened again tho. While my vehicle was at the dealer for a camera issue I told them this and wanted them to check the cooling system and they said they found nothing wrong with the system when they called me back.

Now, a month later after they said ny cooling system was fine, my expy sits in the driveway with a coolant leak waiting to go back to the dealer...ha

I definitely plan on asking them to change the Tstat to updated one while they havenit apart