# Service bulletin SSM 54738

A bulletin is a manufacturer's communication to its dealers, as NHTSA indexes it. The summary is NHTSA's. The document is the manufacturer's: read it at NHTSA. A bulletin is not a recall, and listing a model year does not mean every vehicle of it is concerned.

- Type: Service bulletin
- NHTSA id: 11031302
- Published by NHTSA: 2026\-04\-14
- Manufacturer's number: SSM 54738
- Manufacturer's date: 2026\-04\-13
- NHTSA component: ENGINE; POWER TRAIN
- Manufacturer's system: HVAC

## NHTSA's summary

Some 2023\-2025 Escape 1.5L/F\-Super Duty/Transit vehicles may exhibit a lack of cooling from the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning \(HVAC\) system, which may be accompanied by abnormal rattling, grinding and/or squealing noises from the engine compartment. This may be due to damage to the air conditioning \(A/C\) compressor internal components and/or clutch assembly. Confirm ambient air temperature is above approximately 0°C \(32.0°F\). On the HVAC controls, set the temperature to full cold \(not MAX A/C\), select PANEL, set the fan speed to the highest setting and select the A/C button \(indicator on\). If the A/C compressor clutch engages and the A/C compressor is noisy, and/or the belt is slipping on the A/C compressor pulley or the A/C compressor is seized, install a new A/C compressor as indicated in Section 412\-00 of the Workshop Manual \(WSM\). For claiming, use causal part 19703 and labor operation MT19700SSM up to 0.3 hours to check for a damaged compressor. If the compressor requires replacement, claim labor operations 19700A and 19700A4. Also claim available Service Labor Time Standards \(SLTS\) op

## The document

- [NHTSA's copy of the document (PDF)](https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/tsbs/2026/MC-11031302-0001.pdf)
- [If that address does not open, try this one](https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/tsbs/2026/MC-11031302-9999.pdf)

The document is the manufacturer's. This site does not hold it.

## Components

Engine, Transmission and driveline

## Vehicles listed

- 2023 to 2025 FORD ESCAPE
- 2023 to 2025 FORD F\-250 SD
- 2023 to 2025 FORD F\-350 SD
- 2023 to 2025 FORD F\-450 SD
- 2023 to 2025 FORD F\-550 SD
- 2023 to 2025 FORD TRANSIT

## Recalls for the same vehicles and component

- [2026097](/recalls/tc/2026097.md), 2026-03-03: Powertrain
- [2026094](/recalls/tc/2026094.md), 2026-03-03: Engine
- [26V122000](/recalls/nhtsa/26V122000.md), 2026-03-03: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:GAS RECIRCULATION VALVE \(EGR VALVE\)
- [26V119000](/recalls/nhtsa/26V119000.md), 2026-03-03: POWER TRAIN:AXLE ASSEMBLY:AXLE SHAFT
- [2025396](/recalls/tc/2025396.md), 2025-07-25: Powertrain
- [25V344000](/recalls/nhtsa/25V344000.md), 2025-06-13: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:HARD PARTS INTERNAL/MECHANICAL
- [2025306](/recalls/tc/2025306.md), 2025-06-03: Engine
- [25V372000](/recalls/nhtsa/25V372000.md), 2025-06-03: ENGINE
- [2025284](/recalls/tc/2025284.md), 2025-05-23: Engine
- [2025281](/recalls/tc/2025281.md), 2025-05-23: Engine

## Other bulletins for the same vehicles and component

- [TSB 26\-2375 v2](/bulletins/11038441.md), 2026-10-13, Service bulletin: UNKNOWN OR OTHER; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; POWER TRAIN. NOTE: This bulletin has been updated, refer to the change log at the bottom for details. Issue: Some of the vehicles listed in the Model statement above may exhibit all of the following conditions: • Poor shift quality • Illuminated powertrain malfunction \(wrench\) indicator with DTCs P2704 and P0771 stored in the PCM / TCM . This may be due to a calibration in the TCM and/or wear between the input shaft and the E clutch hub causing theinput shaft O\-rings to become damaged resulting in an open E clutch circuit. Action: For vehicles that meet all of the criteria in the Issue and Model statements, follow the Service Procedure toreprogram the PCM / TCM and/or replace the E clutch hub and input shaft O\-rings
- [SSM 55221](/bulletins/11038438.md), 2026-10-12, Service bulletin: UNKNOWN OR OTHER; POWER TRAIN; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. For 20222026 vehicles equipped with a 8F35 transmission, a revision to the Road Testing Vehicle procedure has been made in the WSM, Section 307\-01 \> Diagnosis and Testing. This updated procedure improves the diagnosis of customer reported transmission concerns and aids in locating the proper root cause. During diagnosis and testing, details regarding whether the condition is more prevalent when the vehicle is hot or cold, throttle percentage at the time of occurrence, vehicle speed, the specific shift involved, and whether the issue occurs during transmission engagements \(N\>R, N\>D, R\>D, and/or D\>R\) should be noted in the warranty claim. Engineering requests including these detailed operating conditions that will significantly assist with root cause analysis. Diagnosis, testing, and repair should use established labor times outside this article.
- [SSM 55218](/bulletins/11038166.md), 2026-10-06, Service bulletin: POWER TRAIN; UNKNOWN OR OTHER. For 20202026 vehicles equipped with the 10R140 transmission, a new Transmission Clutch Circuit Leak Test has been introduced in the Ford Diagnosis and Repair System \(FDRS\). This test utilizes the pressure and vacuum transducer \(PVT\) when available. Workshop Manual \(WSM\) updates related to this diagnostic procedure are planned for release in Q4 2026. The new test improves the accuracy of detecting leaks within transmission fluid circuits and replaces the previous air check method. The previous air check procedure has been shown to produce a high rate of false positives, which may lead to unnecessary repairs when no actual leak is present. Accordingly, the air check procedure is not to be used for diagnosing internal transmission hydraulic leaks or as justification for transmission replacement.
- [SSM 55211](/bulletins/11038163.md), 2026-10-06, Over\-the\-air update: ENGINE; FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM; UNKNOWN OR OTHER. 2023\-2026 Escape and 2025\-2026 Bronco Sport vehicles equipped with a 1.5L EcoBoost engine may require removal of the turbocharger wastegate control actuator linkage for various reasons. The Workshop Manual \(WSM\), Section 303\-04 Fuel Charging and Controls \- Turbocharger \- 1.5L EcoBoost \> Removal and Installation \> Wastegate Control Actuator Linkage service procedure has been added. In addition, the wastegate control actuator linkage rod with retaining clips \(6K682\) and actuator linkage rubber boot seal \(9E416\) have been released as lower\-level components to complete the repair without replacing the entire turbocharger wastegate control actuator assembly.
- [TSB 26\-2428](/bulletins/11037776.md), 2026-10-02, Service bulletin: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM; UNKNOWN OR OTHER; POWER TRAIN. This bulletin supersedes 25\-2326. Reason for update: update the service procedure to include the fuel tank isolation valve replacement, update the causal part number, and increase the labor time allowance to include the fuel tank isolation valve replacement. Some of the vehicles listed in the Model statement above may exhibit an illuminated malfunction indicator lamp \(MIL\) with diagnostic trouble code \(DTC\) P2450 stored in the powertrain control module \(PCM\). This may be due to the software in the PCM and/or the fuel tank isolation valve.
- [TSB 26\-2428](/bulletins/11037775.md), 2026-10-02, Service bulletin: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM; POWER TRAIN; UNKNOWN OR OTHER. This bulletin supersedes 25\-2326. Reason for update: update the service procedure to include the fuel tank isolation valve replacement, update the causal part number, and increase the labor time allowance to include the fuel tank isolation valve replacement. Some of the vehicles listed in the Model statement above may exhibit an illuminated malfunction indicator lamp \(MIL\) with diagnostic trouble code \(DTC\) P2450 stored in the powertrain control module \(PCM\). This may be due to the software in the PCM and/or the fuel tank isolation valve.
- [TSB 26\-2408](/bulletins/11037559.md), 2026-09-30, Service bulletin: POWER TRAIN. This bulletin supersedes 26\-2309. Reason For Update: update the Model section to remove Aviator 10R80, update the Parts list to add 3.3L to W520514\-S440, and add L1MZ\-7Z490\-G valve body separator plate for Aviator. Some of the vehicles listed in the Model statement above may exhibit at least one of the following conditions: \* Harsh 3\-4, 4\-5 upshifts \* Harsh 5\-3, 4\-3 downshifts \* Harsh reverse engagements These symptoms may be worse when cold. This may be due to the F clutch friction plates brinelling into the clutch and planetary container cylinder \(7B177\).
- [TSB 26\-2252](/bulletins/11037296.md), 2026-09-12, Service bulletin: UNKNOWN OR OTHER; POWER TRAIN. Some of the vehicles listed in the Model statement above may exhibit at least one of the following conditions: Poor shift quality Illuminated powertrain malfunction \(wrench\) indicator with diagnostic trouble codes \(DTCs\) P2704 and P0771 stored in the powertrain control module \(PCM\)/transmission control module \(TCM\) This may be due to the software in the TCM \(diesel only\) and/or sticking valves in the main control valve body and/or damaged E clutch friction plates and E clutch steel plates. Additional model information: 6.7L Diesel Engine 7.3L Gas Engine 10R140 Automatic Transmission
- [SSM 55142](/bulletins/11037059.md), 2026-09-04, Service bulletin: POWER TRAIN; ENGINE; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. Some 2023\-2025 Escape vehicles built on or before 16\-Sep\-2024 equipped with 1.5L EcoBoost engine may exhibit an "Engine Coolant Over\-Temperature" warning message displayed in the IPC and an illuminated MIL with DTCs P1285 and/or P1299 stored in the powertrain control module \(PCM\) during hard acceleration or under high load conditions. This may be due to machining chips trapped in the cylinder head causing a potential blockage in the coolant passage near the cylinder head temperature 2 \(CHT2\) port. To diagnose this condition, start the vehicle and idle for 15 minutes. Perform a road test at a temperature above \-20°C \(\-4°F\) and apply wide\-open throttle \(WOT\) hard accelerations in rapid succession. If the concern cannot be replicated, drain and refill the coolant system. If the concern can be replicated, drain the coolant system. Perform the Engine Cooling System Flushing procedure in Workshop Manual \(WSM\) \> 303\-03A Engine Cooling \- 1.5L EcoBoost \> General Procedures. Do not use the VC1 flush additive. Reassemble the engine. Fill and bleed the coolant system and re\-evaluate the concern. If the concern pers
- [25M03](/bulletins/11036553.md), 2026-09-01, Other: UNKNOWN OR OTHER; ENGINE. Customer Satisfaction Program 25M03 Certain 2020\-2025 Model Year Escape, 2021\-2025 Model Year Corsair and 2022\- 2025 Model Year Maverick Vehicles equipped with a 2.5L Hybrid or Plug\-In Hybrid engine \- Exhaust Gas Recirculation \(EGR\) Differential Pressure Sensor Replacement, if Required After Dealer Evaluation

JSON: [/v1/bulletins/11031302](/v1/bulletins/11031302)

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