Pre-Purchase Inspection

Comprehensive pre-purchase inspection of a 2015-2020 Ford F-150 with 5.0L Coyote V8 to assess vehicle condition, identify potential issues, and verify proper operation of all major systems.

Warnings

Tools required

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level, solid ground and engage parking brake
2. Ensure engine is cold for accurate fluid level checks
3. Gather inspection checklist and documentation materials
4. Verify VIN on dashboard matches title and door jamb sticker
5. Check service history if available from seller

Procedure

1. 1

   Exterior and Body Inspection
   Walk around vehicle inspecting paint condition, panel gaps, and body alignment. Use paint thickness gauge if available to check for previous bodywork or accident damage. Inspect all glass for cracks or chips. Check door, hood, and tailgate operation for proper alignment and function. Examine bed condition for dents, rust, or liner damage. Verify all exterior lights function correctly including headlights, taillights, brake lights, and turn signals.
2. 2

   Tire and Wheel Assessment
   Measure tread depth on all four tires using tread depth gauge; minimum legal limit is 2/32 inch but recommend replacement below 4/32 inch. Inspect for uneven wear patterns indicating alignment or suspension issues. Check tire sidewalls for cracks, bulges, or damage. Verify tire age using DOT date code; tires over 6 years old should be noted. Inspect wheels for curb damage, bends, or cracks. Check lug nuts for proper torque feel and condition.
3. 3

   Under-Hood Visual Inspection
   Open hood and inspect engine bay for overall cleanliness and signs of leaks. Check engine oil level and condition on dipstick; oil should be between MIN and MAX marks and not excessively dark or contaminated. Inspect coolant overflow tank level and color; should be orange Motorcraft coolant between MIN and MAX marks. Check brake fluid reservoir level and color; should be clear to light amber, not dark brown. Inspect battery terminals for corrosion and ensure battery is secure. Look for fluid leaks, damaged hoses, cracked belts, or loose components. Check air filter condition by opening air box.
4. 4

   Cooling System Inspection
   With engine cold, carefully remove radiator cap and inspect coolant condition inside radiator. Use coolant hydrometer or refractometer to test freeze protection; should protect to at least -34°F (-37°C). Check for oil contamination in coolant or visible corrosion. Inspect all coolant hoses for cracks, soft spots, or bulging. Examine radiator for damage, leaks, or bent fins. Check overflow tank and cap for cracks. Inspect water pump area for leaks (weep hole on bottom of pump).
   ⚠️Never open radiator cap on hot engine - pressurized coolant can cause severe burns
5. 5

   Engine Mechanical Assessment
   Inspect valve covers and oil pan for leaks. Check spark plug boots and ignition coils for oil fouling or damage (Coyote engines prone to spark plug blowout on early models; verify repair if 2011-2014 swap). Look for oil leaks at timing cover, rear main seal, and oil filter housing. Examine serpentine belt for cracks, glazing, or fraying. Check belt tensioner for proper operation. Inspect engine mounts visually for cracks or separation. If compression tester available, perform compression test on all 8 cylinders; should be 170-210 psi with less than 15% variation between cylinders.
6. 6

   Raise Vehicle and Secure
   Using hydraulic jack at front crossmember, raise front of vehicle and support with jack stands under frame rails. Repeat for rear using rear axle housing as jack point and supporting at frame rails. Ensure vehicle is stable on all four jack stands before proceeding underneath. Verify parking brake is engaged and wheels are chocked.
   ⚠️Never work under vehicle supported only by hydraulic jack - always use rated jack stands
7. 7

   Undercarriage Inspection
   Inspect frame rails and crossmembers for rust, damage, or previous repair. Look for evidence of accident damage or frame straightening. Check all suspension components including control arms, ball joints, tie rod ends, and sway bar links for wear, cracks, or torn boots. Inspect shocks/struts for leaks or damage. Examine exhaust system from manifolds to tailpipe for rust, holes, or loose hangers. Check catalytic converters for damage or signs of theft attempt. Inspect transmission pan and rear differential cover for leaks or damage.
8. 8

   Fluid Leak Inspection
   Using flashlight, carefully inspect for fluid leaks at engine oil pan, oil filter, transmission pan, transmission cooler lines, transfer case (if 4WD), rear differential, brake lines, and fuel lines. Check power steering rack boots for tears or grease leaks. Inspect driveshaft U-joints for wear or grease leaking from caps. Look for coolant leaks at hoses, water pump, and radiator connections. Document any active leaks or heavy seepage with photos and location notes.
9. 9

   Brake System Inspection
   Remove all four wheels to access brake components. Inspect front brake pads and rotors; pads should have at least 3mm thickness remaining, rotors should be smooth without deep grooves or heat cracks. Check rear brake pads and rotors using same criteria. Inspect brake calipers for leaks, seized pistons, or damaged slide pins. Examine brake hoses for cracks, bulging, or fluid seepage. Check brake lines for rust or damage. If brake fluid test strips available, test fluid condition; contaminated fluid should be noted for replacement.
10. 10

    Differential and Driveline Check
    Inspect rear differential cover for leaks or damage. Check differential vent tube for blockage. Grasp driveshaft and attempt to rotate; should have minimal backlash (1/4 to 1/2 inch rotational play is normal). Excessive play indicates worn ring and pinion gears. Check driveshaft for dents, balance weight loss, or runout. Inspect U-joints by attempting to move driveshaft up/down and side-to-side; no clunking or excessive movement should be present. If 4WD model, inspect front differential and transfer case similarly.
11. 11

    Transmission Inspection
    Inspect transmission pan for damage or leaks. Check transmission cooler lines for leaks, damage, or rubbing against chassis. Examine transmission mounts for cracks or separation. Look for fluid leaks at output shaft seal and transmission-to-engine junction. Check transmission dipstick (if equipped) or use fill plug method to verify proper fluid level; fluid should be red to dark red, not brown or burnt smelling. Document any burnt odor or metal particles in fluid.
12. 12

    Reinstall Wheels and Lower Vehicle
    Reinstall all four wheels ensuring proper seating on hub. Thread lug nuts by hand to prevent cross-threading. Using torque wrench, torque lug nuts to specification in star pattern. Carefully lower vehicle from jack stands one end at a time. After vehicle is on ground, perform final torque check on all lug nuts in star pattern.
13. 13

    Interior and Electrical Assessment
    Inspect interior condition including seats, carpet, headliner, and trim for damage or excessive wear. Check operation of all power windows, locks, mirrors, and seats. Test climate control system in all modes including A/C cooling performance. Verify radio, navigation, and infotainment system function. Check instrument cluster for warning lights; only oil pressure and battery lights should illuminate briefly at key-on. Test horn, wipers, and washer system. Inspect pedal pads and floor mats for excessive wear indicating high mileage.
14. 14

    OBD-II Scan and Diagnostic Check
    Connect OBD-II scanner to diagnostic port located under driver side dash. Turn ignition to ON position without starting engine. Retrieve and document all diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) from all modules including pending and permanent codes. Check freeze frame data for any stored codes. Verify readiness monitors; some monitors may be incomplete on recent battery disconnect, but most should show ready status. Document current mileage from scanner and compare to odometer. Clear any codes only after documenting for buyer review.
    ℹ️Known issues for 2015-2020 F-150 5.0L include cam phaser rattle on cold start, spark plug ejection on early production engines, and oil consumption in high-mileage examples
15. 15

    Road Test and Performance Evaluation
    Start engine and note any unusual noises, smoke, or rough idle. Listen for cam phaser rattle during first 30 seconds of cold start (common on these engines but excessive noise may indicate failure). Allow engine to reach operating temperature. During road test, verify smooth acceleration without hesitation or misfires. Test transmission shifts through all gears; should be smooth without harsh engagement or slipping. Test brakes for straight stops without pulling or pulsation. Evaluate steering for looseness or unusual noises. Listen for driveline vibrations or clunks during acceleration and deceleration. Test 4WD engagement if equipped. Verify cruise control, throttle response, and highway stability. After test drive, inspect under hood for new leaks and check coolant level.

Reassembly

1. Ensure all wheels are properly torqued after test drive
2. Close and secure hood ensuring proper latch engagement
3. Return all checked fluids caps and dipsticks to proper position

Verification

• Review all documented findings and compile comprehensive inspection report
• Verify no tools or equipment left in engine bay or under vehicle
• Confirm all warning lights extinguish after engine start except those corresponding to documented issues
• Ensure OBD-II scanner is disconnected and diagnostic port cover replaced
• Provide buyer with detailed written report including photos of any concerns, fluid condition results, tire measurements, and diagnostic codes
• Recommend further specialist inspection for any major concerns identified (transmission issues, engine problems, frame damage)

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