I have a 1997 Ford F150 with a 4.2 L engine that just turned 100,000 miles. I bought it second hand from a Ford dealership June 1999 with about 45,000 miles on it. This truck was meticulously cared for over the years. After noticing that the coolant level was down after a a recent refill I refilled it again. I didn't drive the vehicle for about ten days but when I went to start it the engine made a clunk and wouldn't crank. I suspected the battery after a charge yielded the same results. The battery was replaced but still the same result and also after refinishing lead terminals and starter replacement. I checked the oil filler cap and there was a thick light brown substance I had never seen before on it and all the way down around the inside wall of the filler tube. I suspected a leak in the head gasket or elsewhere and went to the internet sites for clarification. After some research I realized I was far from being the only one with this problem. As I suspected the coolant leaks via the loose seal of the head gasket into one or more of the cylinders. It appears that this was a known defect and recall that Ford never conveyed to all the owners of this model.

- Rainier, WA, USA

When attempting to clean the positive battery terminal engine started.

- Caryville, TN, USA

My airbag light keep on flashing after the battery was replace due to bad battery. Shouldn't not have to take the truck to the dealer everytime the battery have to be replace.

- Fresno, CA, USA

Battery failed.

- Dallas, TX, USA

Ongoing problem with cargo lights and courtesy lights remaining on intermittently or staying on for 45 minutes or more, also, ignition switch alarm remains on even after vehicle started. Dealer / manufacturer notified, and infomred consumer that vehicle was out of its warranty, and repairs would only be at consumer's cost. The cargo and interior light stayed on draining the battery.

- Edmont, OK, USA

Starting on 01-09-98 and continuing only in the winter months, my vehicle has failed to start. In all instances the vehicle has been parked overnight in an enclosed garage. In all incidents the battery was completely drained. After the first incident, gordie boucher installed a new battery. On 01-14-98 the vehicle again failed to start as the result of a dead battery. On both occasions the battery was completely drained, to a point where the power door locks would not function. I had no further problems in 1998. On 01-17-99 and 01-18-99 the vehicle again had a dead battery. The vehicle was checked again by gordie boucher however they were unable (again) to find a problem. On 02-16-99 and 02-21-99 and 03-25-99 the vehicle again had a dead battery. On all the above listed dates, all power points (lights (interior/exterior), radio, wipers, fans, etc were turned off. There is no obvious reason for why the battery is being drained, except that something in the system must be failing to shut completely off. My warranty on my truck is up in 05-99 and I need something done to my truck. I contacted NHTSA 03-03-99 and filled out the questionaire, but never received a reply. Please help.

- Janesville, WI, USA

Consumer states the battery drainage continues to occur. Battery was replaced and incident has occurred approximately four times. Dealer contacted and cannot remedy the problem. Problem still exist. Provide further information...

- Janesville, WI, USA