1999 Ford F-550 Super Duty

1999 Ford F-550 Super Duty

The 1999 Ford F-550 Super Duty is a heavy-duty pickup truck that is known for its powerful engine options, robust construction, and impressive towing and payload capacities. It is available with a range of engine and transmission combinations, including a 7.3L Power Stroke V8 diesel engine mated to a 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmission, and a 6.8L Triton V10 gasoline engine paired with a 4-speed automatic transmission.

While the F-550 Super Duty is generally a reliable and capable vehicle, there are some common issues that owners may encounter. These issues can range in severity and cost of repair, so it is important to be aware of them before purchasing or owning one of these trucks.

Engine

7.3L Power Stroke V8 Diesel

• Turbocharger failure: The turbocharger can fail due to a variety of reasons, including oil starvation, overheating, or damage to the turbine blades. Symptoms include a loss of power, increased exhaust smoke, and a whistling or grinding noise. The turbocharger must be replaced, which typically costs between $1,000 and $2,500+.
• Injector failure: The fuel injectors can fail due to contamination, wear, or electrical problems. Symptoms include rough idling, poor fuel economy, and reduced power. The injectors must be replaced, which usually costs between $200 and $400 per injector.
• High-pressure oil pump failure: The high-pressure oil pump can fail due to wear or contamination. Symptoms include low oil pressure, reduced power, and a knocking noise. The pump must be replaced, which costs around $500 to $1,000+.

6.8L Triton V10 Gasoline

• Spark plug failure: The spark plugs can fail due to wear or contamination. Symptoms include rough idling, misfiring, and reduced power. The spark plugs must be replaced, which typically costs between $100 and $200 for all eight plugs.
• Ignition coil failure: The ignition coils can fail due to wear or heat damage. Symptoms include misfiring, reduced power, and a check engine light. The ignition coils must be replaced, which usually costs between $50 and $100 per coil.
• Fuel injector failure: The fuel injectors can fail due to contamination, wear, or electrical problems. Symptoms include rough idling, poor fuel economy, and reduced power. The injectors must be replaced, which typically costs between $200 and $400 per injector.

Transmission

5-Speed Manual Transmission

• Synchronizer failure: The synchronizers can fail due to wear or damage. Symptoms include difficulty shifting gears or grinding noises when shifting. The synchronizers must be replaced, which typically costs between $500 and $1,000+.
• Clutch failure: The clutch can fail due to wear or contamination. Symptoms include difficulty engaging gears, slipping, or shuddering. The clutch must be replaced, which usually costs around $1,000 to $2,000+.
• Transmission mount failure: The transmission mount can fail due to wear or excessive vibration. Symptoms include noise and vibration when shifting or accelerating. The mount must be replaced, which typically costs between $100 and $300.

4-Speed Automatic Transmission

• Solenoid failure: The solenoids can fail due to wear or electrical problems. Symptoms include delayed or erratic shifting, slipping, or a check engine light. The solenoids must be replaced, which typically costs between $200 and $500 per solenoid.
• Torque converter failure: The torque converter can fail due to wear or contamination. Symptoms include slipping, shuddering, or a lack of power. The torque converter must be replaced, which typically costs between $1,000 and $2,500+.
• Transmission filter and fluid contamination: The transmission filter and fluid can become contaminated due to wear or leaks. Symptoms include slipping, delayed or erratic shifting, and a check engine light. The filter and fluid must be replaced, which typically costs between $100 and $200.

Suspension

• Front coil spring failure: The front coil springs can fail due to wear or overloading. Symptoms include sagging or a rough ride. The springs must be replaced, which usually costs between $200 and $400 for both springs.
• Rear leaf spring failure: The rear leaf springs can fail due to wear or overloading. Symptoms include sagging or a rough ride. The springs must be replaced, which typically costs between $400 and $800 for a pair.
• Shock absorber failure: The shock absorbers can fail due to wear or damage. Symptoms include a rough ride, reduced handling, and bouncing. The shock absorbers must be replaced, which usually costs between $100 and $300 per pair.

Electrical

• Alternator failure: The alternator can fail due to wear or heat damage. Symptoms include a dim or flickering dashboard, reduced electrical power, and difficulty starting the engine. The alternator must be replaced, which typically costs between $200 and $500+.
• Starter failure: The starter can fail due to wear or electrical problems. Symptoms include difficulty starting the engine or a grinding noise when starting. The starter must be replaced, which typically costs between $100 and $300.
• Battery failure: The battery can fail due to wear, excessive heat, or cold. Symptoms include difficulty starting the engine, dim electrical power, and a check engine light. The battery must be replaced, which usually costs between $100 and $200+.

Exterior

• Door handle failure: The door handles can fail due to wear or damage. Symptoms include difficulty opening the doors or handles falling off. The handles must be replaced, which typically costs between $50 and $100 per handle.
• Tailgate cable failure: The tailgate cable can fail due to wear or corrosion. Symptoms include difficulty opening or closing the tailgate. The cable must be replaced, which typically costs between $50 and $150.
• Paint fading: The paint can fade or peel over time due to exposure to sunlight and the elements. The paint must be repainted, which can cost between $1,000 and $5,000+ depending on the size of the area being repainted.
• Rusted exhaust system: The exhaust system can rust due to exposure to moisture and salt. Symptoms include noise, reduced exhaust flow, and a check engine light. The exhaust system must be replaced, which typically costs between $500 and $1,500+.

Interior

• Dashboard cracking: The dashboard can crack due to sun exposure or age. The dashboard must be replaced, which can cost between $500 and $1,000+.
• Seat upholstery wear: The seat upholstery can wear or tear over time. The upholstery must be repaired or replaced, which typically costs between $200 and $500 per seat.
• Climate control system failure: The climate control system can fail due to a variety of reasons, including electrical problems, sensor failures, or refrigerant leaks. Symptoms include poor heating or cooling, no air flow, or a check engine light. The system must be repaired or replaced, which can cost between $200 and $1,000+.

Summary

The 1999 Ford F-550 Super Duty is a capable and reliable workhorse, but it is not immune to issues. The severity and cost of these issues can vary, but it is important to be aware of them before purchasing or owning one of these trucks. Common problems include engine issues such as turbocharger failure, fuel injector failure, and high-pressure oil pump failure; transmission problems such as synchronizer failure, clutch failure, and solenoid failure; suspension problems such as coil spring failure and shock absorber failure; electrical problems such as alternator failure and starter failure; and exterior and interior problems such as door handle failure, paint fading, dashboard cracking, seat upholstery wear, and climate control system failure.