1985 Ford F100 problems

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The fifth generation of the Ford F-Series is a line of pickup trucks and commercial trucks that were produced by Ford from the 1967 to 1972 model years. Built on the same platform as the fourth generation F-Series, the fifth generation had sharper styling lines, a larger cab, and expanded engine options.

Three trim levels were available during the production of the fifth generation F-Series, though the names were changed in 1970. The "Base" trim became the "Custom" and the "Custom Cab" became the "Sport Custom" joining "Ranger" as optional levels of equipment and trim. Late in production the Ranger trim level was upgraded with the additional "Ranger XLT" option.

Year by year changes

  • 1967: Introduction of fifth-generation F-Series in 1966 for the 1967 model year
  • 1968: As federal regulations required all automotive manufacturers to install side marker reflectors or lights, Ford redesigned the hood emblems to incorporate reflectors as well as added reflectors to the rear of the bed
  • 1969: New grille design, new 302 Windsor V8 engine option
  • 1970: Mid-cycle update with many detail changes including a completely new grille including wraparound front turn signals, exterior trim changes, and new side marker lights

Argentina

A new engine choice to the local market is introduced in that year: the diesel engine, which was a Perkins 3.3 L (203 cu in) l4 engine with 120 hp SAE at 3,000 RPM. Also, another change is the alternator, replacing the dynamo.

1985 Ford F100

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Common 1985 Ford F100 problems

Based on the complaints from owners of the Ford F-100 1985, several common problems have been reported. Here is a detailed list of these issues:

  1. Safety Valve Failure: Owners have reported problems with the safety valve in the engines, particularly related to starting issues when the valve remains stuck, preventing the engine from starting.
  2. Swinging at High Speeds: Some users have experienced significant swinging of the vehicle at high speeds, making it challenging to keep the steering stable.
  3. Acceleration Delay: Owners of the 2007 F-100 have noted delays in response when accelerating or decelerating, possibly linked to electronic injection systems.
  4. Starting Failure: Starting issues have been reported by owners, with difficulties in starting the vehicle, leading to frustration and uncertainty about the cause.
  5. Trembling When Starting: Complaints include vibrations and trembling when starting the vehicle, especially noticeable during clutching and reversing, indicating potential issues with steering components.

These problems highlight various challenges faced by Ford F-100 1985 owners, ranging from engine-related safety valve failures to steering and acceleration issues. Addressing these issues promptly and accurately is crucial to maintaining the performance and safety of the vehicle.

1985 Ford F100 engine

Is a 1985 Ford F150 reliable?

The 1985 Ford F150 is a powerhouse pickup with the ruggedness and durability valued on farm, ranch, and worksite. You'll find plenty of these seemingly-immortal workhorses out there today, going off-road or all dolled up by the tuner set.

What was the worst years for the Ford F-150?

The worst model years of the Ford F-150 are 2018, 2010 - 2016, 2004 - 2005, and 1997 - 2002. This is based on reported problems, consumer feedback and ratings from major automotive review sites.

Why was the F-100 discontinued?

Ford F-100: Discontinued in 1983 as Ford Shuffles their Truck Line-Up. The Ford F-100 was discontinued in 1983 (at least for the U.S. market) as it started to look a bit redundant next to the F-150 which offered everything its predecessor had, plus a bit more.

Why did Ford change from F-100 to F-150?

Sixth Generation F-100: 1973-1979

In 1975, Ford introduced the F-150. No one thought much of its release at the time. It made sense to have a pickup in between the F-100 and its beefier sibling the F-250, but the real reason for the release was to get around emissions standards at the time.

Is a 1985 Ford F150 reliable?

The 1985 Ford F150 is a powerhouse pickup with the ruggedness and durability valued on farm, ranch, and worksite. You'll find plenty of these seemingly-immortal workhorses out there today, going off-road or all dolled up by the tuner set.

Why was the F-100 discontinued?

Ford F-100: Discontinued in 1983 as Ford Shuffles their Truck Line-Up. The Ford F-100 was discontinued in 1983 (at least for the U.S. market) as it started to look a bit redundant next to the F-150 which offered everything its predecessor had, plus a bit more.

What was the worst years for the Ford F-150?

The worst model years of the Ford F-150 are 2018, 2010 - 2016, 2004 - 2005, and 1997 - 2002. This is based on reported problems, consumer feedback and ratings from major automotive review sites.

Why did Ford change from F-100 to F-150?

Sixth Generation F-100: 1973-1979

In 1975, Ford introduced the F-150. No one thought much of its release at the time. It made sense to have a pickup in between the F-100 and its beefier sibling the F-250, but the real reason for the release was to get around emissions standards at the time.

1985 Ford F100 car problems categorized by type of issue

After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Ford F100 problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:

  • Electrical system problems

The graph below shows statistics for all 1985 Ford F100 vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

1985 Ford F100 complaints

The NHTSA has received 3 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1985 Ford F100.

1997-10-07

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1997-08-22
  • VIN: 1FTCF15N9FP
  • Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
  • Summary: VEHICLE STOPPED RUNNING, DUE TO IGNITION MODULE FAILURE.
1997-10-07

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1997-08-22
  • VIN: 1FTCF15N9FP
  • Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
  • Summary: IGNITION COIL FAILED.
1997-10-07

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1997-08-22
  • VIN: 1FTCF15N9FP
  • Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
  • Summary: DISTRIBUTOR FAILED.
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Additional sources

More sources of information about 1985 Ford F100 problems:

1985 F350 - Common issues? - Ford Truck Enthusiasts Forums
1985 F350 - Common issues? - Ford Truck Enthusiasts Forums
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1134943-1985-f350-common-issues.html

Jan 30, 2012 ... The firewall cracks and tears around the clutch master cylinder. The radiator support rusts out where it sits on the frame. The rear spring ...

Common 6.9 IDI Problems - 1985 Ford F250 Diesel Q&A | JustAnswer
Common 6.9 IDI Problems - 1985 Ford F250 Diesel Q&A | JustAnswer
https://www.justanswer.com/ford/3c9ig-1985-f250-6-9l-diesel-it-starting-problems-the.html

Apr 5, 2010 ... You say that sometimes it starts and sometimes it does not. what you need to do is make sure first that the times that is does not start are the ...

1985 Power Window Problem - Ford Truck Enthusiasts Forums
1985 Power Window Problem - Ford Truck Enthusiasts Forums
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/35607-1985-power-window-problem.html

May 15, 2001 ... This is a common problem with Ford electric window motors. If you take the door panel off and look at the steel inner panel, you will see ...

Ford F-250 Questions - 1985 Ford F250 ignition problems - CarGurus
Ford F-250 Questions - 1985 Ford F250 ignition problems - CarGurus
https://www.cargurus.com/Cars/Discussion-c4506_ds1002419

Feb 22, 2019 ... 1985 Ford F250 ignition problems - Hello together, I have the problem that my truck wont start. I put the key in and turn it in the ...

1977 Ford f150 problems - Community of Ford Truck Fans
1977 Ford f150 problems - Community of Ford Truck Fans
https://www.f150forum.com/f2/1977-ford-f150-problems-48289/

Mar 20, 2010 ... They were a common problem on these, and people would just throw rubber fuel lines on them. The down side. Like tires they would dry rot and ...

Other years of Ford F100

ford f100 1988 photo
F100 1988
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ford f100 1990 photo
F100 1990
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ford f100 1996 photo
F100 1996
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ford f100 1969 photo
F100 1969
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ford f100 1974 photo
F100 1974
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ford f100 1979 photo
F100 1979
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1985 Ford F100 photo