2007 Ford LCF
The 2007 Ford LCF (Low Cab Forward) is a Class 4 and 5 commercial truck designed for urban delivery and service applications. It was only offered with a single engine and transmission option, the 4.5L Power Stroke V6 diesel and a 5-speed automatic transmission (Ford TorqShift 5R110W). This engine produces 200 horsepower and 440 lb-ft of torque. Owners appreciate the LCF’s maneuverability and visibility in tight spaces, making it well-suited for city driving. However, they often complain about its cramped cab, relatively underpowered engine for heavy loads, and the complexity and cost of repairs, especially regarding the diesel emissions systems.
Engine
4.5L Power Stroke V6 Diesel
- Turbocharger Failure
- Description/Symptoms: Reduced power, excessive black smoke, turbocharger whine or whistling noises, and potential engine stalling.
- Solution: Replace the turbocharger. Thoroughly inspect the oil feed and drain lines for restrictions and clean or replace as necessary. Ensure proper lubrication upon installation of the new turbocharger.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $3,500+
- Recalls: None Found
- EGR Cooler Failure
- Description/Symptoms: White smoke from the exhaust, coolant loss, potential engine overheating, and a sweet smell of coolant.
- Solution: Replace the EGR cooler. Inspect the EGR valve and clean or replace it if necessary. Pressure test the cooling system.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $2,000+
- Recalls: None Found
- Fuel Injector Issues
- Description/Symptoms: Rough idling, misfires, reduced fuel economy, black smoke, and potential engine stalling.
- Solution: Diagnose the specific fuel injector(s) causing the issue and replace them. Check the fuel system for contamination and address it if found.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $800+ per injector (parts and labor)
- Recalls: None Found
- High Pressure Oil Pump (HPOP) Failure
- Description/Symptoms: Hard starting or no start condition, rough running engine, and Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) related to HPOP pressure.
- Solution: Replace the HPOP. Check the high-pressure oil system for leaks and address as necessary.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,200 - $2,500+
- Recalls: None Found
Transmission
Ford TorqShift 5R110W 5-Speed Automatic
- Hard Shifting/Slipping
- Description/Symptoms: Harsh or delayed shifts between gears, especially 2-3 or 3-4, and slippage during acceleration.
- Solution: Perform a transmission fluid flush and filter replacement. If the problem persists, further diagnosis may be required, including valve body inspection or a complete transmission rebuild.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400 for fluid/filter, $1,500 - $4,000+ for rebuild/replacement
- Recalls: None Found
- Torque Converter Issues
- Description/Symptoms: Shuddering or vibration, especially at low speeds, and potential stalling when coming to a stop.
- Solution: Replace the torque converter. Inspect the transmission for damage.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $2,000+
- Recalls: None Found
- Shift Solenoid Failure
- Description/Symptoms: Erratic shifting, getting stuck in a gear, or failure to shift at all.
- Solution: Diagnose the specific shift solenoid and replace it.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $800+
- Recalls: None Found
Suspension
- Leaf Spring Sag/Failure
- Description/Symptoms: Vehicle sagging, particularly under load, and potential cracking or breaking of leaf springs.
- Solution: Replace the leaf springs. Consider upgrading to heavier-duty springs if the vehicle is frequently used for heavy hauling.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,500+ per spring
- Recalls: None Found
- Worn Ball Joints/Tie Rod Ends
- Description/Symptoms: Loose steering, excessive tire wear, clunking noises from the front end, and difficulty maintaining alignment.
- Solution: Replace the worn ball joints and tie rod ends. Perform a wheel alignment after the repair.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $1,000+ per side
- Recalls: None Found
Electrical
- Glow Plug Issues
- Description/Symptoms: Hard starting in cold weather, excessive white smoke on startup, and a rough-running engine until warmed up.
- Solution: Replace the faulty glow plugs. Check the glow plug control module and wiring harness.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $600+
- Recalls: None Found
- Wiring Harness Problems
- Description/Symptoms: Intermittent electrical issues, including lights not working, sensors malfunctioning, and starting problems.
- Solution: Diagnose and repair the damaged wiring. This may involve splicing wires, replacing connectors, or replacing the entire harness section.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $1,000+, depending on the severity and location of the damage
- Recalls: None Found
- Instrument Cluster Failure
- Description/Symptoms: Gauges not working correctly, warning lights illuminated, or the entire cluster going blank.
- Solution: Repair or replace the instrument cluster.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $1,000+
- Recalls: None Found
Exterior
- Cab Mount Corrosion
- Description/Symptoms: Rust and corrosion around the cab mounts, potentially leading to structural weakness.
- Solution: Repair or replace the cab mounts. This may involve welding or replacing sections of the cab floor.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $2,000+
- Recalls: None Found
- Door Hinge Wear/Sagging
- Description/Symptoms: Doors sagging or difficult to close, worn or noisy hinges.
- Solution: Replace the door hinges.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+ per door
- Recalls: None Found
Interior
- HVAC Blower Motor Failure
- Description/Symptoms: No air blowing from the vents or weak airflow, often accompanied by a burning smell.
- Solution: Replace the blower motor. Check the blower motor resistor.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $400+
- Recalls: None Found
- Seat Damage
- Description/Symptoms: Seat frame cracks and failures.
- Solution: Repair or replace the seat.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $1,000+
- Recalls: None Found
Summary
The 2007 Ford LCF, while praised for its maneuverability, has several common issues. Engine and transmission problems, particularly those associated with the 4.5L Power Stroke diesel, can be costly to repair. Suspension and electrical issues are also common. Overall, the severity of these issues ranges from moderate to severe, and the cost to address them can vary widely, potentially reaching several thousand dollars, especially for major engine or transmission repairs. Potential buyers should have a thorough pre-purchase inspection conducted by a qualified mechanic familiar with diesel engines and commercial trucks.