The 1999 F-350 with the 7.3L Power Stroke is a workhorse diesel that earns loyalty when maintained, but expect injector issues, transmission cooler failures, and eventual turbo/EBPV problems as miles pile on. The 7.3L is bulletproof compared to later models, but it's not maintenance-free.
Under-valve-cover injector harness failure (UVCH)
Common · high severity
Typical onset: 100,000-180,000 mi
Symptoms: Hard starting, especially cold, Rough idle, white smoke on startup, Oil contamination in electrical connectors under valve covers, Check engine light with injector circuit codes
Fix: Both valve covers come off to replace the injector harnesses and pigtails. Often done with valve cover gaskets at same time. 4-6 hours labor depending on rust and accessibility.
Estimated cost: $800-1,400
Transmission oil cooler line failure in radiator
Common · high severity
Typical onset: 120,000-200,000 mi
Symptoms: Transmission fluid in coolant (strawberry milkshake appearance), Coolant in transmission causing slipping and damage, Overheating or transmission failure if not caught early
Fix: Radiator replacement is mandatory—the cooler lines corrode internally and contaminate both systems. Transmission flush required, sometimes full rebuild if contamination went unnoticed. Radiator swap alone is 3-4 hours; add 15-25 hours if E4OD/4R100 needs rebuild.
Estimated cost: $600-1,000 radiator only, $2,500-4,500 with transmission rebuild
Exhaust back pressure valve (EBPV) and actuator failure
Common · medium severity
Typical onset: 80,000-150,000 mi
Symptoms: Loss of power, black smoke under load, Exhaust brake not functioning, Check engine light with EBPV circuit codes, Valve can stick closed causing severe restriction
Fix: Most techs delete the EBPV and install block-off plates rather than replace, as it provides minimal benefit and is a known failure point. Delete takes 1-2 hours and a simple kit.
Estimated cost: $150-350 for delete, $400-700 for OEM replacement
Turbocharger compressor wheel and pedestal leaks
Occasional · medium severity
Typical onset: 150,000-250,000 mi
Symptoms: Oil leaking from turbo pedestal onto exhaust manifold, Reduced boost pressure, sluggish acceleration, Blue smoke on acceleration, Whistling or grinding noise from turbo
Fix: Pedestal O-rings fail and leak oil; compressor wheel shaft play increases with age. Pedestal reseal is 3-4 hours, turbo replacement/rebuild adds 6-8 hours total with manifold work.
Symptoms: Constant clicking from relay under hood, Hard cold starts or no-start in freezing temps, Wait-to-start light stays on or flashes, Burned relay contacts visible on inspection
Fix: The GPR is a known weak point; aftermarket heavy-duty relays are better than Ford OEM. Replacement is 30 minutes, but often done with glow plug harness inspection.
Estimated cost: $150-300
CPS (Camshaft Position Sensor) failure causing no-start
Occasional · high severity
Typical onset: 60,000-140,000 mi
Symptoms: Sudden no-start with no warning, cranks but won't fire, Stalling while driving, then won't restart until cooled, No tachometer signal when cranking
Fix: Located behind the harmonic balancer on front cover; failure leaves you stranded instantly. Replacement requires removing balancer and is tight work. 2-3 hours labor. Smart owners carry a spare in the glovebox.
Estimated cost: $300-500
E4OD/4R100 transmission torque converter and overdrive issues
Occasional · high severity
Typical onset: 140,000-220,000 mi
Symptoms: Shudder or slipping in overdrive (4th gear), Delayed or harsh shifts, especially 2-3, No overdrive engagement on highway, Transmission overheating
Fix: The E4OD/4R100 is marginal for heavy towing; torque converter lockup and overdrive clutches wear. Often needs full rebuild with upgraded components. 15-20 hours labor for R&R and rebuild.
Estimated cost: $2,800-4,200
Owner tips
Change fuel filters religiously every 10-15k miles—the 7.3L's Achilles heel is dirty fuel damaging the HEUI injection system
Flush coolant every 2 years with proper diesel coolant additive to protect the oil cooler and head gaskets
Bypass or monitor the factory trans cooler-in-radiator setup before it grenades your transmission
Carry a spare CPS and glow plug relay—both are cheap insurance against being stranded
If towing heavy regularly, install an aftermarket transmission cooler and temp gauge
Absolutely buy one used if maintained—the 7.3L Power Stroke is the last truly mechanical diesel Ford made, but budget $2-3k for deferred maintenance catching up and expect transmission work if it's been towing hard.
AI-assisted summary drawn from NHTSA recall data, our labor-times database, and platform knowledge. Not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection on a specific vehicle.
Fitment notes: Diesel engines require high CCA rating; dual battery configuration common on this model
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Control Modules — 1999 Ford F-350
Every control module on the 1999-2004 Ford F-350 — where it lives, replacement time, and what it takes to program a replacement. Modules marked dealer / factory tool won't work after a part swap alone — budget for programming.
📍 Distributed system: transceiver in Instrument Cluster, authentication in PCM
🔧 Ford NGS or Ford IDS
⚠️ Not a separate module. Key programming requires dealer tool access to PCM and IC. Two programmed keys required to self-program additional keys.
Lighting Control Module (LCM)dealer / factory toolwith automatic headlamps or advanced lighting features▸ programming details
📍 Integrated within GEM/SJB
🔧 Ford NGS or Ford IDS
⚠️ Not a separate module; function integrated in GEM/SJB. Configuration handled during GEM programming.
Aftermarket tool coverage varies by software version and vehicle build — treat "aftermarket tool" rows as "usually possible" and verify against your tool maker's coverage list before promising a customer. Spot a wrong location or hour? Tell us — corrections ship fast here.
CERTAIN CEQUENT 90 DEGREE 7-WAY RIGHT ANGLE ADAPTORS SOLD BY DISTRIBUTORS IN TOW PACKAGES FOR AFTERMARKET SALES TO TOW 5TH WHEEL RV TRAVEL TRAILERS. DUE TO INCORRECT WIRING OF THE HARNESS, THE TRAILER LIGHTS MAY NOT OPERATE PROPERLY.
Consequence: IF THE TRAILER LIGHTS ARE NOT WORKING PROPERLY, A VEHICLE CRASH CAN OCCUR.
Remedy: ALL OF THE DEFECTIVE TOW PACKAGES ARE STILL AT THE DISTRIBUTOR LEVEL AND HAVE NOT BEEN SOLD TO ANY CONSUMERS.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL · 06V286000
2006-08-01 · EA05005
ON CERTAIN TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH SPEED CONTROL, GASOLINE OR NATURAL GAS ENGINES, THE SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH MAY OVERHEAT.
Consequence: OVERHEATING COULD RESULT IN SMOKE OR BURN AND AN UNDERHOOD FIRE.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A FUSED WIRING HARNESS INTO THE SPEED CONTROL SYSTEM FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 7, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD AT 1-866-436-7332. (NOTE: ALSO SEE RECALLS 05V017 AND 05V388)
PARKING BRAKE:CONVENTIONAL:MECHANICAL:LINKAGE AND CABLE · 02V068000
2002-03-11 · EA01002
ON CERTAIN PICKUP TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH MANUAL TRANSMISSIONS, FAILURE OF THE FRONT PARKING BRAKE CABLE INPUT BUTTON COULD RESULT IN FAILURE OF THE PARKING BRAKE SYSTEM TO HOLD THE VEHICLE STATIONARY.
Consequence: THIS COULD RESULT IN UNINTENDED VEHICLE MOVEMENT AND A VEHICLE CRASH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FRONT PARKING BRAKE CABLE AND THE CONTROLLER AND VERIFY THE PERFORMANCE OF THE PARKING BRAKE SYSTEM. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN APRIL 5, 2002. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT FORD AT 1-866-436-7332.
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PICKUP TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH GASOLINE ENGINES AND 8 FOOT BOXES, MAY NOT FULLY SATISFY THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 301, "FUEL SYSTEM INTEGRITY." IN A 30 MPH FRONTAL BARRIER CRASH TEST, A FUEL TANK VAPOR RECOVERY VALVE SEPARATED INTERNALLY. DURING THE SUBSEQUENT STATIC ROLLOVER TEST, FUEL SPILLAGE EXCEEDED THE SPECIFIED RATE.
Consequence: FUEL LEAKAGE, IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A STOP PLATE ASSEMBLY ON THE VEHICLE FRAME TO PREVENT RECOVERY VALVE CONTACT WITH A FRAME CROSSMEMBER DURING THE IMPACT SEQUENCE.
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: GASOLINE AND DIESEL ENGINE PICKUP TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH 8 FOOT BEDS, DO NOT FULLY SATISFY THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 301, "FUEL SYSTEM INTEGRITY." THE FUEL TANK FRONT STRAP ISOLATOR MAY NOT BE PROPERLY POSITIONED WHICH COULD RESULT IN THE STRAP CUTTING THE TANK DURING A 30 MPH FRONT BARRIER TEST, RESULTING IN FUEL SPILLAGE.
Consequence: DURING THE SUBSEQUENT STATIC ROLLOVER TEST, FUEL SPILLAGE EXCEEDED THE SPECIFIED RATE, INCREASING THE RISK OF A FIRE.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPOSITION THE FRONT STRAP ISOLATOR.
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: GASOLINE AND DIESEL ENGINE PICKUP TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH 6" AND 8" BEDS MANUFACTURED FROM JANUARY 5, 1998 THROUGH MARCH 21, 1999, DO NOT NOT FULLY SATISFY THE POST CRASH TEST STATIC ROLLOVER REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 301, "FUEL SYSTEM INTEGRITY." SIX ATTACHMENT BOLTS (M12 BOLTS) MAY HAVE BEEN DAMAGED DURING THE 30 MPH FRONT BARRIER TEST ALLOWING THE BOLTS TO SHIFT OR BECOME DETACHED, RESULTING IN FUEL SPILLAGE.
Consequence: FUEL LEAKAGE IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL AUGMENT THE BOX-TO-CHASSIS ATTACHMENT BY INSTALLING BOX-TO-CHASSIS RETAINING CABLES.
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PICKUP TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH 6" BEDS MANUFACTURED FROM JANUARY 5, 1998 THROUGH JUNE 4, 1999, DO NOT NOT FULLY SATISFY THE POST CRASH TEST STATIC ROLLOVER REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 301, "FUEL SYSTEM INTEGRITY." CONTACT BETWEEN THE FUEL TANK AND A FUEL TANK LOCATOR BRACKET DURING A FRONT BARRIER IMPACT TEST RESULTED IN A CUT IN THE TANK, RESULTING IN FUEL LEAKAGE.
Consequence: FUEL LEAKAGE IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FUEL TANK LOCATOR BRACKET WITH A SIMILAR BRACKET WHOSE DESIGN HAS BEEN REVISED TO INCORPORATE MORE ROUNDED SURFACES WHERE CONTACT WITH THE TANK OCCURS.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL · 99V062001
1999-03-30
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: CERTAIN 1997-1999 RHD EXPLORER EQUIPPED WITH 4.0L OHV/SOHC ENGINES AND CRUISE CONTROL BUILT FROM MAY 29, 1996 THROUGH MARCH 4, 1999; 1998-1999 EXPLORER/MOUNTAINEERS EQUIPPED WITH 4.0L OHV/SOHC OR 5.0L ENGINES OR 1998-1999 RANGERS EQUIPPED WITH 2.5L, 3.0L FFV/EFI OR 4.0L ENGINES AND CRUISE CONTROL BUILT FROM JANUARY 5, 1998 THROUGH MARCH 4, 1999; 1998-1999 MUSTANGS EQUIPPED WITH 3.8L, 4.6L 2-VALVE OR 4-VALVE ENGINES AND CRUISE CONTROL BUILT FROM MARCH 2, 1998 THROUGH MARCH 4, 1999; 1999 F250/F350/F450/F550 (OVER 8,500 LBS.) TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH 5.4L OR 6.8L ENGINES AND CRUISE CONTROL BUILT FROM MARCH 2, 1998 THROUGH MARCH 4, 1999; AND 1999 F-53 STRIPPED CHASSIS EQUIPPED WITH 5.4L OR 6.8L ENGINES AND CRUISE CONTROL BUILT FROM MARCH 2, 1998 THROUGH MARCH 4, 1999. A CRUISE CONTROL CABLE CAN INTERFERE WITH THE SPEED CONTROL SERVO PULLEY AND NOT ALLOW THE THROTTLE TO RETURN TO IDLE WHEN DISENGAGING THE CRUISE CONTROL.
Consequence: IF THE CRUISE CONTROL IS USED AND THIS CONDITION IS PRESENT, A STUCK THROTTLE COULD RESULT, WHICH COULD POTENTIALLY RESULT IN A CRASH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE CRUISE CONTROL CABLES. AT THE PRESENT TIME, THE REPLACEMENT CABLES ARE NOT AVAILABLE. CUSTOMERS ARE BEING ADVISED NOT TO USE THE CRUISE CONTROL SYSTEM UNTIL A REPLACEMENT CAN BE MADE.
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:SENSOR/CONTROL MODULE-INACTIVE · 98V303000
1998-12-01
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: LIGHT DUTY TRUCKS. THE CAST TOW HOOKS CHANGES THE CRASH PULSE OF THE VEHICLE IN FRONTAL BARRIER IMPACTS AND THE AIR BAG SENSOR WAS NOT CALIBRATED TO THIS NEW CRASH PULSE WHICH MAY CAUSE THE AIR BAGS TO DEPLOY IN LOWER SPEED IMPACTS THAN DESIGN INTENT.
Consequence: UNEXPECTED AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT CAN RESULT IN PERSONAL INJURY.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE CAST TOW HOOKS WITH FORGED HOOKS.
STEERING:GEAR BOX (OTHER THAN RACK AND PINION) · 98V116000
1998-05-29
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MEDIUM DUTY TRUCKS AND CHASSIS-CABS. ONE OR MORE OF THE FOUR RIVETS ON THE LOWER STEERING SHAFT FLEX COUPLING MAY NOT HAVE BEEN CRIMPED DURING THE SUB-ASSEMBLY PROCESS.
Consequence: IF A RIVET IS NOT CRIMPED, THE FLEX JOINT CAN ROTATE ON THE SHAFT AND THERE WOULD BE A REDUCTION IN OR LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE LOWER STEERING SHAFT RIVETS AND REPLACE ANY SHAFTS WITH UNCRIMPED RIVETS.
PARKING BRAKE · 98V101000
1998-05-15 · RQ00010
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: SUPER DUTY SINGLE REAR WHEEL PICKUP TRUCKS. THE PARKING BRAKE SYSTEM, WHEN ENGAGED WITH A FORCE OF 125 POUNDS APPLIED TO THE PARK BRAKE FOOT CONTROL, MAY NOT HOLD THE VEHICLES ON A 20 DEGREE GRADE. THIS DOES NOT COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 105, "HYDRAULIC BRAKE SYSTEMS."
Consequence: THIS COULD ALLOW A VEHICLE TO ROLL ON AN INCLINE, INCREASING THE RISK OF A VEHICLE CRASH, PERSONAL INJURY, OR PROPERTY DAMAGE.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL BURNISH THE PARKING BRAKE USING A SPECIFIED PROCEDURE.
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: SUPERCAB PICKUP TRUCKS. THE POSITIVE BATTERY CABLE IS TAPED TO THE NEGATIVE CABLE WHICH CONTAINS A CLIP TO SECURE THE ASSEMBLY TO THE SIDE FRAME RAIL. IF INCORRECTLY POSITIONED, THE POSITIVE BATTERY CABLE CAN CONTACT THE AIR CONDITIONING COMPRESSOR PULLEY.
Consequence: IF THE CABLE WEARS, A COMPLETE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM FAILURE CAN OCCUR AND POTENTIAL SPARKING AND/OR IGNITION OF FLAMMABLE MATERIAL.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND/OR MODIFY THE BATTERY CABLE CLIPS TO ENSURE THAT THEY ARE PROPERLY LOCATED.
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: SUPERCAB PICKUP TRUCKS WITH DUAL REAR WHEEL, AND WIDE FRAME. THE JACKS PROVIDED WITH THESE VEHICLES ARE TOO LARGE TO BE STOWED SECURELY UNDER THE SEAT AS INTENDED AND WERE PLACED LOOSE ON THE FLOOR IN THE REAR OF THE CAB.
Consequence: THE JACKS CAN MOVE ABOUT THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT CREATING THE POTENTIAL FOR PERSONAL INJURY DURING A CRASH OR SUDDEN STOP.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THESE JACKS.
Vehicle Info — 1999 Ford F-350
Performance
Horsepower
235hp
Torque
500lb-ft
Capability & size
Towing capacity
12,500lb
Payload
5,295lb
Curb weight
6,800lb
Wiper blades
Tenth generation F-Series Super Duty (1999-2004). First year of new Super Duty platform with larger windshield.
Size-standard part numbers — verify your connector type before buying. Rear blades are model-specific; check the package's vehicle list.
Fuel economy figures are EPA data via fueleconomy.gov (median across matching trims). Performance figures are compiled estimates for the 1999 Ford F-350 7.3L V8 Power Stroke Diesel and can vary by trim.
🔧 Built by master technician Chris Hackleman · Master Technician · 20+ years.