Safety Warning
DIY auto repair can cause serious injury, fire, or vehicle damage. These guides are for informational purposes only. Always follow OEM torque specs, wear PPE, and consult a certified mechanic if you are unsure. You are solely responsible for your safety.
2011 Ford Mustang V8-5.0LFACTORY OEM SERVICE PROCEDURE
Engine Controls - Piston Rattle In Cold Temperatures
TSB 11-7-4
07/07/11
5.0L - PISTON RATTLE IN COLD AMBIENT
TEMPERATURES BELOW 10 DEGREES CELSIUS (50
DEGREES FAHRENHEIT) - BUILT ON OR AFTER
8/17/2010
FORD:
2011 Mustang
ISSUE
Some 2011 Mustang vehicles equipped with a 5.0L engine and built on or after 8/17/2010 may exhibit a piston rattle noise in cold ambient temperatures of 10 degrees Celsius (50 degrees Fahrenheit) and below. The noise normally occurs in the 2000-3500 RPM range and will decrease as engine temperature warms up. An update of the powertrain control module (PCM) calibration to reduce intensity and duration of the noise is now available.
ACTION
Reprogram the PCM to the latest calibration using IDS release 73.04 or later. This new calibration is not included in the VCM 2011.5 DVD. Calibration files may also be obtained at the website.
NOTE
PLEASE ADVISE THE CUSTOMER THAT THIS VEHICLE IS EQUIPPED WITH AN ADAPTIVE TRANSMISSION SHIFT STRATEGY WHICH ALLOWS THE VEHICLE'S COMPUTER TO LEARN THE TRANSMISSION'S UNIQUE PARAMETERS AND IMPROVE SHIFT QUALITY. WHEN THE ADAPTIVE STRATEGY IS RESET, THE COMPUTER WILL BEGIN A RE-LEARNING PROCESS. THIS RE-LEARNING PROCESS MAY RESULT IN FIRMER THAN NORMAL UPSHIFTS AND DOWNSHIFTS FOR SEVERAL DAYS.
WARRANTY STATUS: Eligible Under Provisions Of New Vehicle Limited Warranty Coverage IMPORTANT: Warranty coverage limits/policies are not altered by a TSB. Warranty coverage limits are determined by the identified causal part.
OPERATION DESCRIPTION TIME
110704A 2011 Mustang: Reprogram 0.3 Hr.
The PCM (Do Not Use
With Any Other Labor
Operations)
DEALER CODING
CONDITION
BASIC PART NO. CODE
RECAL 04
Disclaimer
07/07/11
5.0L - PISTON RATTLE IN COLD AMBIENT
TEMPERATURES BELOW 10 DEGREES CELSIUS (50
DEGREES FAHRENHEIT) - BUILT ON OR AFTER
8/17/2010
FORD:
2011 Mustang
ISSUE
Some 2011 Mustang vehicles equipped with a 5.0L engine and built on or after 8/17/2010 may exhibit a piston rattle noise in cold ambient temperatures of 10 degrees Celsius (50 degrees Fahrenheit) and below. The noise normally occurs in the 2000-3500 RPM range and will decrease as engine temperature warms up. An update of the powertrain control module (PCM) calibration to reduce intensity and duration of the noise is now available.
ACTION
Reprogram the PCM to the latest calibration using IDS release 73.04 or later. This new calibration is not included in the VCM 2011.5 DVD. Calibration files may also be obtained at the website.
NOTE
PLEASE ADVISE THE CUSTOMER THAT THIS VEHICLE IS EQUIPPED WITH AN ADAPTIVE TRANSMISSION SHIFT STRATEGY WHICH ALLOWS THE VEHICLE'S COMPUTER TO LEARN THE TRANSMISSION'S UNIQUE PARAMETERS AND IMPROVE SHIFT QUALITY. WHEN THE ADAPTIVE STRATEGY IS RESET, THE COMPUTER WILL BEGIN A RE-LEARNING PROCESS. THIS RE-LEARNING PROCESS MAY RESULT IN FIRMER THAN NORMAL UPSHIFTS AND DOWNSHIFTS FOR SEVERAL DAYS.
WARRANTY STATUS: Eligible Under Provisions Of New Vehicle Limited Warranty Coverage IMPORTANT: Warranty coverage limits/policies are not altered by a TSB. Warranty coverage limits are determined by the identified causal part.
OPERATION DESCRIPTION TIME
110704A 2011 Mustang: Reprogram 0.3 Hr.
The PCM (Do Not Use
With Any Other Labor
Operations)
DEALER CODING
CONDITION
BASIC PART NO. CODE
RECAL 04
Disclaimer
Factory Service Tools
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When to See a Mechanic
Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:
- • You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
- • Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
- • The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
- • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
- • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.
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