1997 Ford F-250 HD

1997 Ford F-250 HD

The 1997 Ford F-250 HD is a heavy-duty pickup truck offered with a choice of two engines and two transmission options. The standard engine is a 5.8L V8 producing 235 horsepower and 360 lb-ft of torque, while the optional engine is a 7.3L V8 turbodiesel producing 225 horsepower and 500 lb-ft of torque. Both engines can be paired with either a 5-speed manual transmission or a 4-speed automatic transmission.

Owners of the 1997 Ford F-250 HD generally praise its powerful engines, rugged construction, and towing and hauling capabilities. However, the vehicle has also been plagued by a number of issues, which are detailed below.

Engine

5.8L V8

• Intake manifold gasket failure: The intake manifold gasket can fail, causing coolant and oil leaks. The symptoms include overheating, low coolant levels, and oil leaks. The solution is to replace the intake manifold gasket. The estimated cost to fix is $500 - $1,000.
• Timing chain tensioner failure: The timing chain tensioner can fail, causing the timing chain to skip and the engine to lose power. The symptoms include a rattling noise from the engine, decreased performance, and misfires. The solution is to replace the timing chain tensioner. The estimated cost to fix is $500 - $1,000.

7.3L V8 Turbodiesel

• Turbocharger failure: The turbocharger can fail, causing a loss of boost and power. The symptoms include black smoke from the exhaust, reduced power, and poor fuel economy. The solution is to replace the turbocharger. The estimated cost to fix is $1,500 - $2,000.
• High-pressure oil pump failure: The high-pressure oil pump can fail, causing a loss of oil pressure and damage to the engine. The symptoms include low oil pressure, knocking sounds from the engine, and decreased performance. The solution is to replace the high-pressure oil pump. The estimated cost to fix is $1,000 - $1,500.

Transmission

5-Speed Manual Transmission

• Synchronizer issues: The synchronizers in the transmission can wear out, causing difficulty shifting gears. The symptoms include grinding noises when shifting and difficulty engaging gears. The solution is to replace the synchronizers. The estimated cost to fix is $500 - $1,000.
• Clutch failure: The clutch can wear out, causing slippage and difficulty engaging gears. The symptoms include slipping gears, difficulty shifting, and a burning smell. The solution is to replace the clutch. The estimated cost to fix is $500 - $1,000.

4-Speed Automatic Transmission

• Torque converter failure: The torque converter can fail, causing shuddering and slipping when shifting gears. The symptoms include shuddering when shifting, slipping gears, and a loss of power. The solution is to replace the torque converter. The estimated cost to fix is $1,000 - $1,500.
• Transmission control module (TCM) failure: The TCM can fail, causing the transmission to shift erratically or not shift at all. The symptoms include erratic shifting, transmission slipping, and a check engine light. The solution is to replace the TCM. The estimated cost to fix is $500 - $1,000.

Suspension

• Leaf spring failure: The leaf springs in the suspension can break, causing the vehicle to sag or ride rough. The symptoms include a sagging rear end, uneven tire wear, and a rough ride. The solution is to replace the leaf springs. The estimated cost to fix is $500 - $1,000.
• Shock absorber failure: The shock absorbers can wear out, causing the vehicle to ride rough and handle poorly. The symptoms include a rough ride, poor handling, and uneven tire wear. The solution is to replace the shock absorbers. The estimated cost to fix is $200 - $500.

Electrical

• Alternator failure: The alternator can fail, causing the battery to drain and the vehicle to lose power. The symptoms include a dead battery, flickering headlights, and a check engine light. The solution is to replace the alternator. The estimated cost to fix is $500 - $1,000.
• Starter failure: The starter can fail, preventing the engine from starting. The symptoms include a clicking sound when trying to start the engine, a dead battery, and no cranking. The solution is to replace the starter. The estimated cost to fix is $200 - $500.

Exterior

• Door handle failure: The door handles can break or become loose, making it difficult to open the doors. The symptoms include broken door handles, loose door handles, and difficulty opening the doors. The solution is to replace the door handles. The estimated cost to fix is $100 - $200.
• Tailgate latch failure: The tailgate latch can fail, causing the tailgate to open unexpectedly. The symptoms include a loose tailgate, a rattling tailgate, and difficulty opening the tailgate. The solution is to replace the tailgate latch. The estimated cost to fix is $100 - $200.

Interior

• Heater core failure: The heater core can fail, causing a loss of heat in the cab. The symptoms include cold air blowing from the vents, a coolant leak, and a sweet smell in the cab. The solution is to replace the heater core. The estimated cost to fix is $500 - $1,000.
• Air conditioning compressor failure: The air conditioning compressor can fail, causing a loss of cooling in the cab. The symptoms include warm air blowing from the vents, a lack of refrigerant, and a squealing noise from the compressor. The solution is to replace the air conditioning compressor. The estimated cost to fix is $500 - $1,000.

Summary

The 1997 Ford F-250 HD is a powerful and capable heavy-duty pickup truck, but it has been plagued by a number of issues, including engine problems, transmission problems, suspension problems, electrical problems, and interior problems. The severity of the issues can vary, but some of them can be expensive to fix.