Post
Research the Car Logo

2005 Ford F-450 Super Duty

Posted
By Research the Car 5 min read

The 2005 Ford F-450 Super Duty is a heavy-duty truck known for its towing and hauling capabilities. Engine options included the 5.4L Triton V8, the 6.8L Triton V10, and the 6.0L Power Stroke Turbo Diesel V8. The 6.0L Power Stroke, while powerful, is known to have some reliability issues. The horsepower and torque figures for the 6.0L Power Stroke are 325 hp and 570 lb-ft of torque, respectively. Owners often praise the F-450 for its robust build and towing capacity but dislike its fuel economy and potential maintenance costs, especially concerning the 6.0L diesel engine. The transmission options were primarily the 5R110W TorqShift 5-speed automatic transmission.

Engine

6.0L Power Stroke Turbo Diesel V8

  • EGR Cooler Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Overheating, coolant loss, white smoke from the exhaust, rough running. The EGR cooler cracks and leaks coolant into the exhaust system.
    • Solution: Replace the EGR cooler with an updated design or consider an EGR delete (check local regulations).
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1500+
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Head Gasket Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Overheating, coolant loss, white smoke from the exhaust, bubbling in the coolant reservoir, excessive pressure in the cooling system. This is often a consequence of the head bolts stretching or failing due to high cylinder pressures and/or overheating.
    • Solution: Replace the head gaskets and consider installing ARP head studs to prevent future failures. Machining the cylinder heads may also be necessary.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $3000 - $6000+
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Fuel Injector Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Rough idling, misfires, black smoke from the exhaust, reduced power, poor fuel economy. Sticking or failing fuel injectors can cause these symptoms.
    • Solution: Replace the faulty fuel injectors. It is often recommended to replace all injectors at the same time.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $2000 - $4000+
    • Recalls: None Found
  • High Pressure Oil Pump (HPOP) Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Hard starting, no start, stalling, poor performance. The HPOP provides the high-pressure oil needed to actuate the fuel injectors.
    • Solution: Replace the HPOP.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $2000+
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Turbocharger Issues
    • Description/Symptoms: Lack of power, excessive black smoke, whistling or grinding noises. Can be due to a clogged unison ring or a failing turbocharger.
    • Solution: Clean or replace the turbocharger.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1000 - $3000+
    • Recalls: None Found

6.8L Triton V10

  • Exhaust Manifold Bolts Breaking
    • Description/Symptoms: Ticking noise, exhaust leak. The exhaust manifold bolts are prone to breaking, especially on the driver’s side.
    • Solution: Replace the broken bolts. Sometimes, the manifold itself needs to be replaced if it is warped or cracked.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $800+
    • Recalls: None Found

5.4L Triton V8

  • Spark Plug Thread Issues
    • Description/Symptoms: Spark plugs ejecting from the cylinder head. The 5.4L engine had issues with the spark plug threads in the aluminum cylinder heads being weak.
    • Solution: Repair the spark plug threads using a thread repair kit (e.g., Time-Sert).
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $800+
    • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

5R110W TorqShift 5-Speed Automatic Transmission

  • Torque Converter Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Shuddering during acceleration, especially at lower speeds, slipping between gears, overheating, and potentially complete transmission failure.
    • Solution: Replace the torque converter. Consider replacing the transmission fluid and filter at the same time.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $2000+
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Shift Flare/Harsh Shifts
    • Description/Symptoms: Delayed or erratic shifts, harsh engagement of gears. Can be caused by worn valve body components or issues with the internal clutches.
    • Solution: Replace or rebuild the valve body, or perform a full transmission rebuild.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $3000+
    • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

  • Ball Joint Wear
    • Description/Symptoms: Clunking noises from the front end, wandering steering, uneven tire wear. Ball joints wear prematurely due to the heavy-duty nature of the truck.
    • Solution: Replace the worn ball joints. It is recommended to replace them in pairs.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $800+ per pair
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Leaf Spring Sagging/Cracking
    • Description/Symptoms: Reduced ride height, poor ride quality, clunking noises. The rear leaf springs can sag or crack under heavy loads.
    • Solution: Replace the leaf springs.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1500+ per side
    • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

  • FICM (Fuel Injection Control Module) Failure (6.0L Diesel Only)
    • Description/Symptoms: Hard starting, no start, poor performance, stalling. The FICM controls the fuel injectors on the 6.0L diesel.
    • Solution: Replace or repair the FICM.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $1000+
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Glow Plug Issues (6.0L Diesel Only)
    • Description/Symptoms: Hard starting in cold weather, excessive white smoke on startup. Faulty glow plugs can cause these issues.
    • Solution: Replace the faulty glow plugs and the glow plug control module if necessary.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $600+
    • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

  • Rust on Body Panels
    • Description/Symptoms: Rust developing on the rocker panels, cab corners, and around the wheel wells, especially in areas with road salt exposure.
    • Solution: Repair or replace the rusted panels and repaint.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $3000+ depending on the severity
    • Recalls: None Found

Interior

  • Cracked Dashboard
    • Description/Symptoms: Cracks appearing on the dashboard, particularly in sun-exposed areas.
    • Solution: Replace the dashboard or use a dashboard cover.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $1000+
    • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2005 Ford F-450 Super Duty, while a capable work truck, has several common issues, particularly concerning the 6.0L Power Stroke diesel engine and the 5R110W transmission. Engine issues like EGR cooler failures and head gasket problems can be expensive to repair. Suspension components and electrical issues also contribute to the overall maintenance costs. Potential buyers should be aware of these issues and factor them into their purchasing decision. While some repairs are relatively inexpensive, others, like engine or transmission rebuilds, can be significant investments.

Ford, F-450 Super Duty
Ford F-450 Super Duty 2005
This post is licensed under CC BY 4.0 by the author.