My 2019 Expedition Max XLT just started making a strange noise on cold starts this weekend. It only happens if it’s been parked for a few hours. Anyone have ideas? It just got cold here in AZ, so I’m wondering if it’s the cam phasers. Can’t take it in until Monday but wanted to see if anyone else with an Expedition has experienced this.
Sounds like it could be the cam phasers. It’s a known issue, but they came out with updated parts around 2020. If it’s out of warranty, expect around $4,500-5,000 due to the labor costs.
Riley said:
Sounds like it could be the cam phasers. It’s a known issue, but they came out with updated parts around 2020. If it’s out of warranty, expect around $4,500-5,000 due to the labor costs.
Thanks for the info! If I buy a used 2020, should it have the updated cam phasers?
@Erie
I think they started using the updated parts sometime in 2020, but it might only be later builds. For F-150s, the change was mid-2019.
Riley said:
@Erie
I think they started using the updated parts sometime in 2020, but it might only be later builds. For F-150s, the change was mid-2019.
Good to know, thanks!
Mine’s in the shop for the same thing. You might also get a low fuel pressure code (P00C6 - Fuel Rail Pressure Too Low on Crank). Make sure they keep the car overnight, as warm engines don’t show the low pressure issue. The ticking sound points to the cam phasers.
I had mine done around 60k, but they used the old part number. Now, at 135k, I’m hearing the noise again and dealing with extended warranty headaches.
@Hartley
For reference, I have a 2019 Expedition Max Limited.
I’ve heard that if you hold down the start button while pressing the gas pedal, it won’t start but will build oil pressure to the phasers, helping eliminate the cold start noise. Worth trying!
Andi said:
I’ve heard that if you hold down the start button while pressing the gas pedal, it won’t start but will build oil pressure to the phasers, helping eliminate the cold start noise. Worth trying!
Yup, that works to build oil pressure before starting. I’m a marine engineer, so I get the importance, but convincing my wife to do this? No way.
@Zara
Haha, definitely a recipe for disaster! But it does work!
Andi said:
@Zara
Haha, definitely a recipe for disaster! But it does work!
I’ve always wondered why vehicles don’t have a pre-lube system. Most engine wear happens on startup, and pre-lubing could make a big difference.
@Zara
Yeah, but I guess they figure if engines fail around 100-120k, people just buy new cars. My 2017 needed $8k in work, but it was only worth $14k in trade. Transmission, paint issues, HVAC – you name it.
I have so many regrets with my 2018. Easily the worst car I’ve ever owned.
Zion said:
I have so many regrets with my 2018. Easily the worst car I’ve ever owned.
Same story with my Ford Fusion. Going through a buyback program due to a bad hybrid battery, and getting my money back to spend elsewhere.
@Harper
Lucky you! Ford told us to deal with it. 
Just got mine back from the shop for this, and ended up with a new transmission. Extended warranty covered most of it, so I only paid around $500 plus another $500 for a rental. Took two weeks. It’s a known issue for 2019s, but I still love mine – got it at 50k miles, now at 113k and going strong.
How many miles does yours have?
Zev said:
How many miles does yours have?
84k!