Symptom Related Diagnostic Procedures

Symptom Chart(s)

Symptom Chart: Suspension System

Diagnostics assume a certain skill level and knowledge of Ford-specific diagnostic practices. REFER to Diagnostic Methods Diagnostic Methods for information regarding Ford-specific diagnostic practices.

Preliminary Inspection

1. Road test the vehicle.
- If any suspension alignment or ride height concerns are present, REFER to Visual Inspection Chart: Suspension.

- Verify the customer concern by carrying out a road test on a smooth road. If any vibrations are present, REFER to Symptom Chart: NVH.

2. Inspect the tires.
- Check the tire pressures with all normal loads in the vehicle and the tires cold. REFER to Vehicle Certification (VC) Codes .
- Verify that all tires are sized to specification. REFER to Vehicle Certification (VC) Codes .
- Inspect the tires for incorrect wear and damage. Install new tires as necessary.

3. Inspect the chassis and underbody.
- Remove any excessive accumulation of mud, dirt or road deposits from the chassis and underbody.

4. Inspect for aftermarket equipment.
- Check for aftermarket changes to the steering, suspension, and wheel and tire components (such as competition or heavy duty). The specifications shown do not apply to vehicles equipped with aftermarket equipment.

Visual Inspection Chart: Suspension System





- If an obvious cause for an observed or reported condition is found, correct the cause (if possible) before proceeding to the next step.

- If the fault is not visually evident, REFER to Symptom Chart or REFER to Symptom Chart: NVH.










Symptom Chart: NVH

Diagnostics assume a certain skill level and knowledge of Ford-specific diagnostic practices. REFER to Diagnostic Methods Diagnostic Methods for information about these practices.

NOTE: NVH (Noise, Vibration, or Harshness) symptoms should be identified using the diagnostic tools that are available. For a list of these tools, an explanation of their uses and a glossary of common terms, REFER to Glossary of Terms Noise, Vibration and Harshness (NVH). Since it is possible any one of multiple systems may be the cause of a symptom, it may be necessary to use a process of elimination type of diagnostic approach to pinpoint the responsible system. If this is not the causal system for the symptom, REFER to Symptom Chart(s) for the next likely system and continue diagnosis.