Three problems related to transmission solenoid have been reported for the 2006 Ford F-150. The most recently reported issues are listed below. Please also check out the statistics and reliability analysis of the 2006 Ford F-150 based on all problems reported for the 2006 F-150.
Ford's iwe solenoid has a tendency to malfunction due to a poor design. TSB 06-8-15 was issued to replace these solenoids, but only if there was a problem and only if it was giving a problem. My vehicle was in storage for 5 years and after it was brought out and to NY, the water leaked on the solenoid due to the inadequate design, causing the iwe's to malfunction. I still don't know what exactly it did but driving the car down the road, it caused me to feel like I was driving over small speed bumps with the front drivers side tire. I'm afraid that if this failed at a high rate of speed it could cause the iwe to engage and possibly lock up one of the front tires.
Iwe solenoid fails to engage 4wd system. 1st failure during ice storm. Dealer replaced iwe. 2nd failure 6 mo's later, dealer replaced iwe added "bare bond tape" to cover over solenoid. 3rd/4th failure has occurred during rainy conditions or after I washed the truck. The 4wd would not engage until I had driven the vehicle over 5 miles. Vehicle back at dealer for same problem 3 times in less than 12 month period.
I drive a 2006 Ford f150. In July 2007 I started hearing a grinding noise coming from my front wheels. I brought it to holman Ford in turnersville new jersey. They replaced auto 4wd vacuum solenoid. Now 15 months later the noise is back and they said their parts and labor warranty is only good for 12 months. I know other people who had the same problem but they said there is no recall. It is obvious there is a defect.