Speed Sensor Problems of Ford F-150 - part 1

An intermittent failure of the output speed sensor (oss) in the transmission may result in an unintended downshift to first gear.

See all problems of the 2013 Ford F-150 🔎.

This began in November of 2022 as an intermittent concern. At first, it appeared that I could temporally correct by pulling over completely shutting off the truck and re-starting (re-booting) but is rapidly becoming worse and today (02/09/2023) became untenable, no matter what I did; the speedometer would not work or behaved erratically for brief periods; the information center display disappeared and then became dashes; the transmission randomly down-shits gears causing the wheels to lock up briefly or does not shift at all, causing engine rpms to spike. While thankfully this has only occurred at speeds below 40 mph, I feel that this is a safety concern for myself and others as operation of my vehicle becomes haphazard and unpredictable and I am very concerned that it may happen at higher speeds causing a crash. While I have not had the "wrench" displayed, I have read the following codes: u0401 invalid data received from ecm/pcm; p0316 misfire at start; p0722 output speed shaft sensor the local dealer sates that he believes it to be a molded lead frame issue that was recalled in previous F-150 models but as mine was a 2014, it was not covered. Obviously, the problem has not been resolved for subsequent models. Additionally, the needed replacement part is unavailable and on indefinite back-order, or as the dealer put it, on "inter-galactic back-order" so now, I have an expensive paper weight in my driveway, waiting for a part that may be months or even up to a year to arrive.

See all problems of the 2014 Ford F-150 🔎.

The most recent incident resulted in transmission having a harsh downshift to first gear causing vehicle to jerk and engine revs up. This has happened several times in the past including a few days before taking it in for the recall repair in 2019. ( recall 19v -075). This problem, according to Ford, is due to intermittent failure of the output speed sensor ( part of the molded leadframe in the transmission). Two latest incidents occurred on a city street. Have had at least one occasion on an expressway where vehicle had very jerky transmission shift while in cruise control. Have complained about this to Ford and took the vehicle in on two occasions ( see attached invoices). The problem has never been resolved and no warning messages or trouble codes have been found during the repairs. Ford issued an extended warranty coverage ( program # 19n01) on may 2019 and my vehicle still qualifies. I took the vehicle in this week to request they replace the molded leadframe since the problem is still present. They refuse to replace the part because they say no trouble codes are present. I have found others on Ford forums who say they have the same problem and they also have no trouble codes stored either. Ford needs to acknowledge that the lack of trouble codes does not ensure the problem is not present. I continue to have concerns that my family's safety and others is jeopardized by Ford not agreeing to take responsibility and making the necessary repairs. They themselves say in the recall notice that "this condition could result in a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash. ".

See all problems of the 2011 Ford F-150 🔎.

Multiple times while in motion 45mph + (spontaneously) , orange wrench comes up on my dash, speedometer drops to zero, engine power is cut to almost nothing, and a few times at higher speeds 60mph +, the wheels lock due to transmission downshifting out of nowhere. This has happened on the loop, city streets, highways, it's random. I can only limp my way to a safe spot to pull over, turn engine off then back on and everything generally starts working again. Last night on a city road doing about 55mph it locked up again but refused to drop out of 5th gear though I was at a dead stop. Even turning the key of and on would not re set it. It finally got to 1st after messing with it and I got it home, hooked it to my obd2 reader and it is throwing a p0720 output speed shaft sensor malfunction code and my check engine light will not go off. I have attached a picture of the code it is now showing, and date of malfunction is most recent.

See all problems of the 2012 Ford F-150 🔎.

The wrench symbol comes on and the digital instrument screen goes blank and the transmission either gets stuck in 5th gear or will start off in 3rd and only shift through 5th gear. You can turn the truck off and restart it and most of the time it will reset and start off in first and the screen will return to normal. Unusually when this occurs when starting to drive again it will not shift out of first gear and at this time you have to disconnect the battery and reconnect after 15 seconds to regain mobility. I have replaced the pcm to no avail. The new pcm is registering a code now for the output shaft speed sensor which has had a recall in other 2011-12 f150 models. Through research and conversations on Ford truck forum's I have learned a lot of other people are having the same issue.

Vehicle started nose diving as I like to call it from going 45 miles per hour to a claw. Speed controls quit working and tool light came on. Code reading: p0722, was told there was a recall for the output speed sensor (oss) and I need to check into it.

I have had this happen twice but the speedometer doesn't work and won't come out of 1st or second gear. Luckily both times it was in my driveway after I started it. Codes p0720 and p0722 came up both times which is the speed sensor problem. There is or was a recall on this year and make, model and I need it fixed please. Thank you.

After experiencing a speed sensor failure in my Ford F-150, I took it to a local dealer to have the recalled part replaced (speed sensor/lead frame). They did not replace the part, instead flashed the sensor with new software. The next day, encountered a related issue, after taking it back, the service rep stated that it seems to be the lead frame and would be covered by Ford but did not off an additional appointment, advised to call back if the problem persists. I have continued having these issues. Issue: vehicle stops shifting, locks into the gear that it is in, speedometer stops working, all data goes blank and transmission acts like it slips. Then, stop the vehicle, turn it off, restart, then runs fine until next occurrence. After much much research and agreed discussion with the service rep at 2 different dealerships, it displays the exact symptoms of the lead frame which is mentioned in the recall issued related to this issue. 2 different dealerships have now refused to replace the part because the error code is not present when I get the vehicle there and that is because I have to get the issue to clear so I can continue driving it. I have also contacted Ford motor CO. Customer service and have had the issue escalated 3 times, each time they come back with a response "there are no current programs available to assist" even though there is a Ford issued recall issued in Feb. 2019. I have also waited for a week for a call back from the service manager but no response. The issue persists with no action from Ford. I am stuck driving my truck everyday in fear of being stranded and causing an accident. I have also sent an email to the general manager of peoria Ford in phoenix az and have yet to receive a response.

Tl- the contact owns a 2013 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds the check engine light would remain illuminated and the vehicle would not properly accelerate when pressing the accelerator pedal. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the speed sensor was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer and local dealer were not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 140,000. Jft.

I have a 2014 f150 ecoboost and there is a recall from Ford for a temporary loss of signal with the output shaft speed sensor however not for my year. I tried to go to Ford to have them reflash the pcm like the other years they could not do it I have had my truck go into 1st gear on several occasions while on the freeway at 60+ mph. I have had it stutter in 1st gear and then shift to 5th with the wrench light turning on while trying to pull out into traffic.

I was driving along rt. 837 highway on my way to work, going about 45 mph, when all of a sudden all of the gauges on my dash went blank and my speedometer went to zero. Then a big orange wrench appeared on my dash. The truck dropped into first gear and I had very little power. I was able to turn my hazard lights on and pull over to the side of the road without being rear ended. I ended up making it to work, which was about 3 minutes away, in first gear. After shutting off the ignition and restarting the engine all of the gauges were working again. I made it home fine that day and an advanced auto scan of the vehicle brought up no codes. Two days later I had the same problem occur on rt. 30 highway and I had a scan tool I had bought with me. I got 2 codes, (p0720, p0722) both relating to the output shaft speed sensor circuit.

2013 Ford F-150. Consumer writes in regards to output speed sensor safety recall. The consumer stated the manufacturer had not notified the dealer of the recall; therefore, the recall was unable to be completed.

The truck will sometimes just refuse to go and will jump a lot and other times all of a sudden the check engine light will come and the speedometer will stop working and this can make the truck jump a lot. Had truck put on computer and it comes up with speed sensor code.

Car started to rust quick had air bubles built up on vehical went to the nearest dealer to get that done they told me they cant do anything about it when I bought the car and the speed sensor they dont want to fix it for dealer is located on rt 30 in plainfield. And my feul meater on the dasboard is inacurate.

Truck's output speed sensor and harness failed while moving through an intersection and downshifted the vehicle into low gear almost causing an accident. Ford has a current recall on the software but not the sensor. Prior year vehicles also had the same recall and Ford replaced the sensor as customer satisfaction. See link: https://media. Ford. Com/content/fordmedia/fna/us/en/news/2016/04/27/Ford-motor-company-issues-three-safety-recalls-and-two-safety-CO. Html.

Ford f150 supercrew 5. 0 v8 6 speed auto transmission. Erratic shifting while driving. Sometimes will stay in 5th gear at a stop wont shift down, sometimes when pulling out in 1st gear will not shift up. Bounces back and forth between 1st gear and third or 5th while driving. Shutting off vehicle and restarting sometimes solves issue but becoming more frequent, recall for reprogramming speed output sensor was performed with no resolution. Appears to be the lead frame module issue that was recalled in 2011-2012 Ford f150 but not recalled or extended warranty on 2013 models. Very very dangerous, cannot drive this vehicle!.

Takata recall. I put my truck in drive and as soon as I get over 2-5 mph it shifts from 1st gear to 3rd. When this happens I loss the speedometer and my turn signals will not turn off. Check engine light comes on with a big wrench in the center of my gauges. Will not down shift below 3rd and will not go into 6th. Also the odometer,mpg, and trips all go blank. Code p0720. Output speed sensor circuit. I'm told by Ford and a transmission shop that it's in the transmission! truck just hit 69147 miles and I haven't owned it three weeks yet.

On the evening of 2/14/19 while returning home from the car wash, my 2012 Ford F-150 suddenly downshifted into 1st gear from 6th gear while the vehicle was in motion. There was no loss of control as the road was dry and my speed was 40 mph. The next morning I called the service department at jack demmer Ford in wayne mi to speak with my service rep. He did not pick up and did not return my call despite my leaving a detailed message and calling again later in the day. On the morning of 2/19/19 while on the freeway at approximately 70 mph, the vehicle went into what I assume is "limp mode". It dropped from 6th to 5th gear and a wrench logo appeared in the message screen. There was no description of the problem, just a logo. When I got off the freeway, I realized that I no longer had 1st, 2nd, or 6th gear. I arrived at work and called the dealer immediately. They gave me a runaround about how an official fix was not available yet and asked me if I had tried turning the car off and back on again. After insisting repeatedly that something be done, I was told I could bring the truck in the have the power train module "reprogrammed". This was done at no cost but I was told this was all they could do for me at this time. The next day in the evening, the truck downshifted to second gear while I was on the freeway doing 55 miles an hour. The road was wet and starting to freeze. I nearly lost control of the vehicle but was able to regain control. The truck returned to normal after this. As of 2/20/19, no further contact has been made with Ford regarding the issue. I will be calling tomorrow to customer care about this issue and demanding a rental car until the vehicle is safe to drive. It is my understanding that this is related to recall 19s07. The transmission output speed sensor is reported to be losing communication with the powertrain control module, causing a downshift.

Molded lead frame and oss replacement. I was not notified of the molded lead frame recall 16n02. I experienced the electrical issue described in the recall in my driveway. My dashboard lit up like a christmas tree and would only drive in first gear. I drove to a mechanic that was closer than the Ford dealer and was off of back roads so I could drive in first gear. I paid for the repair. I recently received a recall notice 19s07 which is for programming the oss sensor. I asked to be reimbursed for my repair and I was told no by crescent Ford & trucks. They said 19s07 is for programming only. I believe Ford should reimburse me for the lead frame, connector, automatic transmission fluid, and the speed sensor.

Speed sensor lead frame problem. Vehicle would periodically get stuck in a gear, digital speedometer would go to all dashes, and air bag light would pop up. Other times, in highest gear, the vehicle would drop a gear unannounced. Would take off in 5th gear at times. Would shift hard at times.

Recently experienced speedometer, odometer, cruise control, blinker control, and transmission shifting quits working. If I shut off and start again problems goes away. I had researched the issue and it is the speed sensor. They have a TSB but my vehicle is not included even though it has the exact same issues. A Ford dealer said to replace the lead frame, again the exact same issue of the TSB. Today, while traveling at 70mph on the highway it suddenly downshifted causing the tires to lock up and squeal and dropping my speed rapidly. Thank goodness no one was riding my tail. Very scary incident, afraid to drive vehicle now. Very disappointed with Ford as I have seen many people have this same issue and it has not been addressed. It's unsafe for us that have these vehicles and for others on the road with us. Maybe we need to file a class action lawsuit.

Tl the contact's father owns a 2012 Ford F-150. While the contact's father was driving unknown speeds up a hill or bridge, the vehicle felt as if it were dragging. There were no warning indicators illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who stated that the output shaft speed sensor needed to be replaced and there was no signal. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer (charlotte county Ford, 3156 tamiami trail, port charlotte, FL 33952, (888) 699-4370) where it was diagnosed that the output speed sensor was not distributing a signal and needed to be repaired. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000. The VIN was not available.

While driving 75 mph down the interstate the transmission shifted to 2 gear and locked up tires for a split second before shifting back up. I was in traffic and took truck off road into the median, thankfully was able to maintain control of the vehicle before coming to a complete stop. The transmission basically has a mind of its own at times I've been told it is a output speed sensor and will have that replaced. It appears that the 11' and 12's have a recall but not 13' this is a very dangerous issue that needs serious attention be taken care of by Ford.

My 2013 Ford f150 will shift into different gears while driving causing the truck to lock up. I was driving 65 mph down the interstate this morning when it shifted into 1st gear causing my tires to lock up and skid all over the road. Luckily I was able to get it off the road before crashing. I have heard this is the output speed sensor which has happened to millions of other f150's. . Read more...

This problem happens at all speeds but most recently while on the highway doing 70 mph my truck went into first gear and locked up my truck rear end. I slid onto the berm of the road and almost down a hill. The dreaded wrench light came on, the speedometer went inoperable, the airbag light came on and the truck went into sort of a limp mode and drove real weird. The code was a p0720 output shaft speed sensor. Of course my VIN was not included in the recall even though it is a 2012, built in dearborn with the same transmission as the recalled ones, go figure! I have an appointment with sharpnack Ford in willard ohio the day after tomorrow with the truck where I will pay $1000 to get the lead body in the transmission replaced. This is totally ridiculous that all VIN's for 2012 are not covered. I own three Fords and I am starting to wonder why!.

The speed odometer jumps around and the gears change sporadically. After having this check by my mechanic, they feel that it is the power train control module and speed sensor. They found a recall for this model f150 but it did not include the date of build on my vehicle. Recall 16s19. It is dangerous because you don't have any notice as to when it might act up and you loose power without any warning. It happens when driving on whywayans side streets, high and low speeds. It feels as if the gear is dropped from 5th to 1st and back.

Without warning my rear wheels & drivetrain locked up while driving. My vehicle suddenly lost control and I had to drive into the grassy shoulder at around 35 mph to avoid being in traffic. As the problem was occuring, the speedometer went to 0 mph and the airbag light illuminated. The vehicle mileage in the cluster showed all dashes. The transmission felt like it was disconnected from the engine, and transmission was stuck in 5th gear at low vehicle speeds. I cycled the ignition, and truck drove normally after that. This is an intermittent problem and very dangerous to drive with as vehicle will lose power and transmission can shift to 1st gear at high vehicle speeds. My vehicle has the 6r80 faulty transmission with the same type of 6r80 molded lead frame defect problem reported in previous f150 model years. Upon contacting dealership they seemed like they never heard of the issue before. Ford should issue a recall for all vehicles with p0722 output shaft speed sensor diagnostic trouble codes. A simple electrical issue on a $100 part should not cause this type of dangerous reaction. See Ford TSB 13-4-9 and 13-2-3 and recall #16v248000 that should apply to all 2013 F-150's too.

My lead frame, output speed sensor went out at around 110,000 miles and caused my vehicle to stall completely. This occurred while in the middle of a very busy state hwy intersection and almost caused me to get hit by a semi truck and trailer. Very dangerous situation. The readout on the mechanics computer was "output speed sensor".

My lead frame, output speed sensor went out at around 110,000 miles and caused my vehicle to stall completely. This occurred while in the middle of a very busy state hwy intersection and almost caused me to get hit by semi truck and trailer. Very dangerous situation. The readout on the mechanics computer was "output speed sensor".

I had filed a complaint last year after a recall was put in place for 2011 f150 for the power control module and lead frame speed sensor and was told that my vehicle was not in the date range. I had the Ford dealership repair this at my expense and was told that I would be reimbursed by Ford if a recall was announced for my date of manufacture. Now that my vehicle is included in the recall, I asked the dealership to submit the paperwork so that I could be reimbursed and got a call back saying that Ford was not going to reimburse me for my expense. Can you assist with this matter ?.

While driving my transmission changed gears speraticly from 1 to 2 to 5th back to first causing my rear end to lock up temporarily then service light came on. The meters showed that it was the output shaft speed control sensor. I was in waynesboro, ms on john perry mcmichael rd. This problem had occurred in many of the 6r80 transmissions of this same year.

Output speed sensor (oss) failure (recall: 16n02). I was driving down a city street at approximately 45 mph, when the vehicle suddenly down shifted from fifth gear to first gear and then shifted back into fifth gear after approximately 10-15 seconds. Later that day, I was accelerating from a stop light when the vehicle felt like it had lost power and began to jerk when I pressed the gas. The speedometer stopped working, the info center displayed all dashes, the rpm's increased and the service advanced trac message displayed and the engine light illuminated. I had the codes from the engine light read and it came up as p0720 fault. My vehicle is experiencing all of the signs listed in the recall, but is not included. My truck was manufactured in the dearborn plant within the time frame of the recall dates. I have contacted Ford and the dealership and they could not explain why. I have attached a pdf of the recall.

I am experiencing the exact same problem with my 2013 Ford F-150 XLT as those that have been recalled in the 2011 and 2012 models. My truck was also built in dearborn, michigan and has the 6r80 transmission. I took my truck into the dealership this week to find that the lead frame needed to be replaced. The dealer is replacing the powertrain control module software and the lead frame at my cost of $1,362 . The problem: a problem with the output speed sensor on the vehicle's transmission lead frame could cause the transmission controls to force a temporary downshift into 1st gear. Depending on the speed of the vehicle at the time of the downshift, the driver could experience an abrupt speed reduction that could cause the rear tires to slide or lock up, resulting in loss of vehicle control and increasing the risk of a crash. Earlier this week on multiple occasions, my truck will not shift out of first gear after coming to a stop. I was nearly involved in an accident due to this problem when I was unable to accelerate from a stop light and there was no place for me to pull over. The problem only corrects itself when I shut the engine off and restart it.

The speedometer begins swinging erratically then the truck automatically downshifts from 6th gear to 1st gear at full highway speed (70 mph) causing the back tires to lock up and skid down the road. Extremely dangerous. Contacted Ford and they said they were aware of the problem and there is actually a recall on this very problem, but not for my truck since it was not within the recall dates by a few months. Took the truck to two different Ford dealerships and they said they don't know what is wrong with it, but could do the work outlined in the recall as long as I paid for it. See attached recall notice from Ford's website- Ford issues safety recall and customer satisfaction program for certain 2011-2012 Ford F-150, and 2012 Ford expedition, Ford mustang and Lincoln navigator vehicles in north America to update powertrain control module software and inspect for certain diagnostic trouble codes Ford is issuing a safety recall for approximately 202,000 2011-2012 Ford F-150, and 2012 Ford expedition, Ford mustang and Lincoln navigator vehicles for a potential issue with the output speed sensor on the vehicle's transmission lead frame. Under certain conditions, the transmission controls could force a temporary downshift into first gear. Depending on the speed of the vehicle at the time of the downshift, the driver could experience an abrupt speed reduction that could cause the rear tires to slide or lock up. This condition could result in loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash. Ford is aware of three reports of accidents and no injuries related to this condition.

Was traveling along I-85 about 70mph in my 2013 F-150 stx 5. 0 when out of nowhere the truck down shifted from overdrive to 2 gear the truck started wheel hopping and barking the tires and was nearly uncontrollable! I was almost hit in the rear several times until I could limp it to the shoulder and if anyone knows the area I was almost in charlotte nc traffic is terrible. Once I gathered myself noticed the seatbelt light came on odometer showed 2 dotted lines with the a wrench sign, also tried to take off aging little power speedometer was not working and would not shift out of 2nd gear. I stopped and cut the truck off and waited about 5 minutes and seem to be okay. The very next day going down the highway about 55mph and it did the same thing except this time the back wheels seem to have locked up and when it let loose I almost got hit trying to the shoulder once again did the exact things as the day before still no check engine light. I called the local dealer and was told nothing could be done until a check engine light came on. Once again after letting the truck set for a bit it seemed okay. So for about 3 days it run fine and I was to leave the next morning for out of town work and my truck is the only means of transportation and just as I pulled from my house it started to act up and the check engine light came on just so happens I live near a parts store chain and the person put the code device on and the code came up with I believe it was p 0720 which was the output speed sensor switch located in the transmission. . Dealer repaired at a cost of $987. 00 that I paid that hurt my wallet. I called Ford customer service and the agent said that it has happened to other years with same code and the same fix and would open a case to see if there is a way to get Ford to pay, so I am keeping my fingers crossed.