Cam Phaser Questions

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OldRock

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Question: should I get the 21B10 PCM update? I've read many threads on the cam phaser issue but it's still not clear to me whether it is advisable to get that done. It seems that it's as likely to cause a problem as prevent one. I haven't detected any rattling, shuddering or knocking in my 2019 LTD with 16,200 miles on it. We got the Expy mainly for towing a 6,500 lb travel trailer.

I missed the February deadline required to extend the warranty for cam phaser issues, but that would have expired at the end of 2022 anyway, and the drive-train warranty is good until July 2024 and 60,000 miles. I assume any cam phaser problems would be covered until then.

Opinions?
 

ColoradoJon

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Just had my 2019 Limited in the shop and they skipped the 21N08 "PCM reprogram due to Engine Shudder" . Cam phasers were done and a tranny re-program. I still hear some cold start rattling just a week after. Called the service manager, waiting a call back. I would be curious about thoughts about which ones to get and which ones to avoid. Previous dealer refused to do the update last year because he said it causes another problem.
 

Johnb21

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IMO, I wouldn't get the update. I did. It doesn't appear to be reversable or Ford has decided not to reverse the programing like they did in the past. Mine 2018 with 45k, shutter (after program), is going in for new heads in a couple weeks. There has been a design change, but I don't know exactly when Ford incorporated the new heads on factory production vehicles.
 

ColoradoJon

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21N08 "PCM reprogram due to Engine Shudder" . Cam phasers were done and a tranny re-program. I still hear some cold start rattling just a week after. Called the service manager, waiting a call back
So, my service manager states the 21N08 is the reversing to the first one 21B10 if there is shuddering experienced. Take with a grain of salt, I sort of trust this guy but still not sure about trusting the dealer folks.
 

Soliyou

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IMO, I wouldn't get the update. I did. It doesn't appear to be reversable or Ford has decided not to reverse the programing like they did in the past. Mine 2018 with 45k, shutter (after program), is going in for new heads in a couple weeks. There has been a design change, but I don't know exactly when Ford incorporated the new heads on factory production vehicles.

That is interesting change in their policy. My 2018 also shutters after the update to the point that I have to always drive in manual mode to keep rpm above 1500.

Did you get any other symptoms in additional to the shudder to trigger this action??
 

NukeLife

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IMO, I wouldn't get the update. I did. It doesn't appear to be reversable or Ford has decided not to reverse the programing like they did in the past. Mine 2018 with 45k, shutter (after program), is going in for new heads in a couple weeks. There has been a design change, but I don't know exactly when Ford incorporated the new heads on factory production vehicles.
Whoa. Stop the presses. If you can provide us with copies of every piece of paperwork you can for your head replacement you would be forever immortalized on the interwebs.
If you’re actually getting the redesigned heads (prebuilt with cams, valves, etc..), THAT IS MASSIVE NEWS!

I have been pushing for this in Charlotte, and your correspondence might get the ball rolling for me and countless others out there with these flawed engines.

This might even get you on the Today show!!
:laughing1:
 

Soliyou

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Whoa. Stop the presses. If you can provide us with copies of every piece of paperwork you can for your head replacement you would be forever immortalized on the interwebs.
If you’re actually getting the redesigned heads (prebuilt with cams, valves, etc..), THAT IS MASSIVE NEWS!

I have been pushing for this in Charlotte, and your correspondence might get the ball rolling for me and countless others out there with these flawed engines.

This might even get you on the Today show!!
:laughing1:

haha, I got excited about this too!
 

Johnb21

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Whoa. Stop the presses. If you can provide us with copies of every piece of paperwork you can for your head replacement you would be forever immortalized on the interwebs.
If you’re actually getting the redesigned heads (prebuilt with cams, valves, etc..), THAT IS MASSIVE NEWS!

I have been pushing for this in Charlotte, and your correspondence might get the ball rolling for me and countless others out there with these flawed engines.

This might even get you on the Today show!!
:laughing1:
Gee guys, I hope I wasn't being overly assumptive in my post. To start, and I don't believe this makes any difference, but my brother-in-law owns the Ford dealership, but I have been working directly with their Service Mgr. I had brought the truck back in after I had the new programming, because it started to shutter. I didn't have this issue before the update. This truck had the cam phasers replaced at around 24k miles, it is at 45k now. My understanding is their is some bulletin that suggests replacing the heads if the shutter continues. I am thinking that replacing the heads is the last stage after a set of prescribed remedies have been implemented. Since Ford will NOT provide a method to reverse the new programming, they have approved the replacement of the heads (assuming the new design). Again, I am scheduled to bring in the truck on 5/31, and ASSUME Ford has given the approval. My truck has also shown signs of strange noises on occasion during startup. Like, chain slap, others times cam phaser rattle and other times normal. Other than that, I always hear those dam turbo wastegate rattles cold and hot, parked and while driving. It sounds like a piece of sh-- and embarrassing when leaving a red light. I hope to have more insight for folks here once I have the truck in for repair.
 
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