Active Air Dam Issue

[Asphaltman]

I’ve straightened mine several times since I noticed this problem, and it seems to get stuck daily now. It also feels loose on each side.

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[Pedaldude]

Everyone was speculating that the airdam would be vulnerable to plastic bags and 2X4s and now we learn that it simply self-destructs!

 

[Bryan Simon]

Perhaps there is a lower limit switch in ForScan that will reduce the downward travel.
I would venture to guess that air pressure on the ends are bowing the center outward and beyond the upper piece

 

[BLoflin]

Since a number of different people are reporting (and the pics look similar), my guess is something to do with the tie-downs during rail or truck transport, or the ramps to get vehicles into place on the rail or truck transport marginally violate the approach angle max, on some of the transport carriers.

 

[Tecdiver]

So is there a permanent fix for this? Or will it get stuck every time it raises and tries to lower again?
[/QUOTE]
Taking delivery of my PB next week, but looking at the pics - is it something you could hit with a torch (gently) to make the plastic a little pliable, then pull it out until it cools and sets in place? I know it's a little bit of jimriggery, but I've a little of that in my blood.

 

[dre276]

I've tried bending it back but no good. I have this issue happening on a daily basis and i hate taking it to the dealer since they all suck...at this point I just want to rip the damn thing off.

 

[Pedaldude]

It’s possible that some time with a heat gun could allow them to pop back, some plastics do have a memory.

I wouldn’t use a torch, it’s likely too hot and so many parts on new vehicles are plastic, even if you hold it far away from what you’re looking to heat up, you might accidentally torch something else.

There needs to be some warning labels for the transport drivers to not be tying them down where it could damage the active air dam.

If there’s enough problems with these, it’s just possible that Ford would try and weasel out of warranty repairs and start calling it a ‘wear item’ even Honda pulled this shit when they used bad glue for the 5th gen. Civic’s sun visors. Absolute nonsense!

 

[F150 4X4]

Mine is doing the same thing, pull it out and the next day it's the same. Taking it in on the 17th.

 

[BHunted1]

Since a number of different people are reporting (and the pics look similar), my guess is something to do with the tie-downs during rail or truck transport, or the ramps to get vehicles into place on the rail or truck transport marginally violate the approach angle max, on some of the transport carriers.

Active Air Dam Issue | F150gen14.com -- 2021+ Ford F-150 and Raptor Forum (14th Gen)

 

[Asphaltman]

Anyone had luck with a fix for this? Service advisor acted like they just pop them in place, but I assured him that doesn’t fix the problem. Also FWIW, I talked to an auto transport friend of mine, and it’s not chain damage, seems to be a bad design.

 

[Vulnox]

Would be interested to see if any correlation to build dates for trucks. While mine is still very new, it came off the line May 3rd and so far, knock on plastic air dam, it doesn't look out of form. Ford fixes stuff all the time, whether it's ensuring new software is rolled out, or maybe adjusting the torque specs on a part that is failing prematurely. Would be interesting to see if vehicles before a certain build period have this problem.

 

[F150 4X4]

Mine goes in Monday for this, will see what they have to say.

 

[BuiltFordTough]

Add me to the list. I discovered this today. When I learned the truck had this I thought no way will that survive all the road kill in the Texas roadways. I currently have a small 1 x 2 wedged in there trying to bend it back into place as it is parked. Bracket also seems lose so I’m not sure it will help.

If the dealer doesn’t fix it I’ll just remove it. No way it actually improves MPG enough to justify the cost to replace it. What a stupid design. It’s ashamed manufacturers get credit for improved MPG when they implement terrible solutions like this that won’t last 2000 miles.

 

[frankie40]

Just checked - mine is like this as well. Will make it a point to bring this up when I schedule my windshield recall appointment.

What windshield recall??

 

[frankie40]

Add me to the list. I discovered this today. When I learned the truck had this I thought no way will that survive all the road kill in the Texas roadways. I currently have a small 1 x 2 wedged in there trying to bend it back into place as it is parked. Bracket also seems lose so I’m not sure it will help.

If the dealer doesn’t fix it I’ll just remove it. No way it actually improves MPG enough to justify the cost to replace it. What a stupid design. It’s ashamed manufacturers get credit for improved MPG when they implement terrible solutions like this that won’t last 2000 miles.

Your spot on. I already ran something over and mine is jacked. Removing it forsure.

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