2003 Ford F53 problems

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The medium-duty version of the Ford F-Series is a range of commercial trucks manufactured by Ford Motor Company since 1948. Derived from the smaller F-Series pickup trucks, the medium-duty range is currently in its eighth generation. Initially slotted between the F-Series pickup trucks and the "Big Job" conventionals, later generations were slotted below the L-Series "Louisville" trucks; the last two generations are the largest vehicles produced by Ford since its exit from the heavy-truck segment.

The medium-duty F-Series has been used for an extensive number of applications, offered as a straight (rigid) truck and a truck-tractor (for semitrailers) in multiple cab configurations. Prior to the production of the Ford C-Series, the model line was also offered in a cab-over engine (COE) configuration; a cowled-chassis variant (the Ford B-series) was used for bus production.

For the 2000 model year, the medium-duty F-Series has been branded as part of the Ford Super Duty range, consisting of the Class 6–7 Ford F-650 and F-750; Class 8 versions of the F-750 have been produced since 2011. The current generation of the medium-duty F-Series is manufactured by Ford in its Ohio Assembly facility (Avon Lake, Ohio), replacing a joint venture with Navistar International named Blue Diamond Truck Company LLC located in General Escobedo, Mexico.

2003 Ford F53

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Common 2003 Ford F53 problems

Based on the complaints from owners of the Ford F53 2003 chassis, several common problems have been identified:

  • VSS (Vehicle Speed Sensor) Fault: Some owners have experienced the "Service soon" light coming on due to a VSS fault, leading to high revs and the O/D light blinking. This issue can be caused by a fouled sensor, which is a common problem in Ford vehicles. The VSS sensor is typically located on the top of the differential, and replacing it can resolve this problem.
  • Electrical Issues: Owners have faced challenges with electrical components like the coach's A/C due to difficulties in locating relays and fuses. The lack of clear markings on the fuse boxes by Ford has made troubleshooting electrical problems more challenging. Simplified wiring diagrams are available to assist in identifying the location of relays and fuses.
  • Starting Issues: Some owners have encountered starting problems with the Ford F53 V10 engine. These issues can be related to corrosion on terminals, problems with the starter solenoid or relay, or wiring issues. Checking the connections on the starter and ensuring full voltage to the starter side are essential steps in diagnosing and resolving starting issues.

These common problems highlight the need for thorough diagnostics and potential repairs to address issues related to transmission shifting, VSS faults, electrical components, and starting problems in the Ford F53 2003 chassis.

2003 Ford F53 engine

What is the suspension problem with the Ford F53?

The F53 problem stems from the long front parabolic suspension springs. What happens is they start to oscillate which then starts the steering wheel oscillatory which then transfers to the body.

What engine is in the Ford F53?

Engine Specifications

Engine Specifications
F53/F59
Engine type7.3L 2V DEVCT NA PFI V8 Gas
CastBosch Multicore MG1CS019
Displacement [ci.]445

What is the Ford F53 chassis used for?

The F-53 motorhome chassis is designed specifically for Class A motorhomes. Each is available in a range of wheelbases and GVWRs so they can be customized for a variety of uses. Both chassis feature the Ford 6.8-liter V10 engine that delivers 320 horsepower and 460 lb.

What is the GVW of a Ford F53?

Chassis choices feature a GVWR range of 16,000 to 26,000 pounds with a wide range of wheelbase options. The suspension is designed to optimize ride and enhance weight distribution characteristics with tuned Sachs shock absorbers front and rear.

What is the suspension problem with the Ford F53?

The F53 problem stems from the long front parabolic suspension springs. What happens is they start to oscillate which then starts the steering wheel oscillatory which then transfers to the body.

What engine is in the Ford F53?

Engine Specifications

Engine Specifications
F53/F59
Engine type7.3L 2V DEVCT NA PFI V8 Gas
CastBosch Multicore MG1CS019
Displacement [ci.]445

What is the Ford F53 chassis used for?

The F-53 motorhome chassis is designed specifically for Class A motorhomes. Each is available in a range of wheelbases and GVWRs so they can be customized for a variety of uses. Both chassis feature the Ford 6.8-liter V10 engine that delivers 320 horsepower and 460 lb.

Where is the F53 made?

Detroit Chassis has produced its largest-volume vehicle, the Ford F-53 motor home chassis since 1999, with production starting just eleven months after work began on the facility.

2003 Ford F53 complaints

The NHTSA has received 0 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2003 Ford F53.

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Additional sources

More sources of information about 2003 Ford F53 problems:

Ford F-53 Suspension/Steering issues 2003 - iRV2 Forums
Ford F-53 Suspension/Steering issues 2003 - iRV2 Forums
https://www.irv2.com/forums/f23/ford-f-53-suspension-steering-issues-2003-a-214122.html

Aug 3, 2014 ... The TSB that you listed fixes steering/suspension issues with sway/lean and popping noises. It involves moving the bottom sway bar link bolt to ...

Q&A: Ford F53 Motorhome Chassis Problems - 2003 Ford RV
Q&A: Ford F53 Motorhome Chassis Problems - 2003 Ford RV
https://www.justanswer.com/ford/ifg6g-2003-ford-f53-motorhome-chassis-speedometer-does.html

Dec 31, 2021 ... I have a 2003 ford f53 motorhome chassis. Speedometer does not work (stays at 0). Odometer, trip odometer and cruise - Answered by a ...

Diagnosing a HVAC vacuum issue on a Ford F53 - Good Sam ...
Diagnosing a HVAC vacuum issue on a Ford F53 - Good Sam ...
https://community.goodsam.com/t5/technical-issues/diagnosing-a-hvac-vacuum-issue-on-a-ford-f53/td-p/3047248

... common problem on Ford Class A chassis going back over 20 years. The ONLY sure fix is to install a 12 volt vacuum pump and plug the vacuum line from the engine ...

Coast Resorts Open Roads Forum: Class A Motorhomes: leaning to ...
Coast Resorts Open Roads Forum: Class A Motorhomes: leaning to ...
http://www.coastresorts.com/boards/index.cfm/fuseaction/thread/tid/29294941/print/true.cfm

I was told that is a common ... This is a known problem for the F53 ford chassis. ... 2003 Tiffin Phaeton, Roadmaster tow products, 2016 Jeep ...

F-53 suspension sagging on passenger side - Good Sam ...
F-53 suspension sagging on passenger side - Good Sam ...
https://community.goodsam.com/t5/motorhome-group/f-53-suspension-sagging-on-passenger-side/td-p/1538124

... Ford 5-53 (33 footer). The passenger side ... There is no "known" problem with the F53 chassis where they lean to one side. ... My 2003 had ride rites on the rear ...

Other years of Ford F53

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F53 2018
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F53 2019
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F53 2020
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F53 2021
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F53 1990
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F53 1991
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2003 Ford F53 photo