1996 Ford F-250

Introduction

The 1996 Ford F-250 is a heavy-duty pickup truck that was available with a variety of engine and transmission options. The standard engine was a 5.8L V8 that produced 210 horsepower and 325 lb-ft of torque. Other engine options included a 7.3L V8 diesel that produced 225 horsepower and 430 lb-ft of torque, and a 5.4L V8 that produced 240 horsepower and 410 lb-ft of torque. Transmission options included a 5-speed manual, a 4-speed automatic, and a 6-speed automatic.

The F-250 was praised for its powerful engines, rugged construction, and spacious interior. However, it was also criticized for its poor fuel economy and uncomfortable ride quality.

Engine

5.8L V8

• Intake manifold gasket failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Coolant and/or oil leaks from the intake manifold, overheating, rough idle
  • Solution: Replace the intake manifold gasket
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $500
  • Recalls: None Found
• Spark plug blow out
  • Description/Symptoms: Loss of power, rough idle, check engine light
  • Solution: Replace the spark plugs and inspect the cylinder head for damage
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $300
  • Recalls: None Found

7.3L V8 Diesel

• Turbocharger failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Loss of power, black smoke from the exhaust, high-pitched whine
  • Solution: Replace the turbocharger
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $2,000
  • Recalls: None Found
• Injector failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Hard starting, rough idle, black smoke from the exhaust, loss of power
  • Solution: Replace the injectors
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000
  • Recalls: None Found

5.4L V8

• Cam phaser failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Ticking noise from the engine, loss of power, rough idle
  • Solution: Replace the cam phasers
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $1,500
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

5-Speed Manual

• Clutch failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Difficulty shifting gears, slipping clutch, burning smell
  • Solution: Replace the clutch
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000
  • Recalls: None Found
• Transmission mount failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Vibration and noise from the transmission, difficulty shifting gears
  • Solution: Replace the transmission mount
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400
  • Recalls: None Found

4-Speed Automatic

• Torque converter failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Transmission slipping or shuddering, overheating, loss of power
  • Solution: Replace the torque converter
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $2,000
  • Recalls: None Found
• Valve body failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Transmission shifting erratically, slipping gears, stuck in gear
  • Solution: Replace the valve body
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000
  • Recalls: None Found

6-Speed Automatic

• No Issues Found

Suspension

• Front suspension ball joint failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Clunking or popping noise from the suspension, uneven tire wear
  • Solution: Replace the ball joint
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400
  • Recalls: None Found
• Rear suspension leaf spring failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Sagging rear end, rough ride, noise from the rear suspension
  • Solution: Replace the leaf springs
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Alternator failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Dim headlights, difficulty starting, battery warning light illuminated
  • Solution: Replace the alternator
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000
  • Recalls: None Found
• Starter failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Engine cranks but won’t start, clicking noise from the starter
  • Solution: Replace the starter
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $500
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Tailgate latch failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Tailgate won’t open or close properly
  • Solution: Replace the tailgate latch
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $200
  • Recalls: None Found
• Bedside dent resistance
  • Description/Symptoms: Dents in the truck bed are more resistant to popping out compared to newer models
  • Solution: N/A
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: N/A
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Dashboard cracking
  • Description/Symptoms: Cracks develop on the dashboard
  • Solution: Replace the dashboard or have it repaired
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000
  • Recalls: None Found
• Seat foam degradation
  • Description/Symptoms: The seat foam breaks down and becomes uncomfortable
  • Solution: Replace the seat foam
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 1996 Ford F-250 is a capable and reliable truck, but it is not without its issues. Some of the most common problems include intake manifold gasket failure, turbocharger failure, injector failure, and transmission problems. While these issues can be expensive to fix, they are not widespread and should not deter potential buyers from considering an F-250.