2023 F-150 4x4 Issue in Freezing Temps – Anyone Else Seen This?

[TX_Tim]

I’m having a problem with my 2023 F-150 XLT (base 4×4 system — just 2H, 4H, and 4L, no 4A). When the temperature drops below freezing, my front end starts acting like the 4×4 is trying to engage even though I’m in 2H.


On cold mornings, the truck pops and bangs when I turn, almost like the front axle is binding or locking up. It feels bad enough that I’m worried about breaking a CV shaft. Once the weather warms up, the issue disappears completely.


The dealer claims they haven’t heard of this happening, but from what I can tell, it seems like the IWEs (integrated wheel ends) are partially engaging due to vacuum loss in cold weather. That would explain the popping and banging on turns — the hubs are trying to lock even though the truck is still in 2WD.


Possible causes I’m considering:

• Moisture freezing in the IWE vacuum lines
• A weak or failing IWE solenoid
• Check valve not holding vacuum
• Water inside the IWEs causing them to stick

It’s a known issue on earlier F-150s, so I’m surprised the dealer is acting like it’s new. Before I push harder with them, has anyone else with a newer (’21–’24) truck run into this same problem in cold weather? If so, what fixed it for you?


Any insight or experiences would be appreciated.

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[no more white ranger]

why not try a different dealer? maybe get some cell phone video to show them - does not sound normal at all.

 

[Greyford]

My 2022 does this when temperatures are below-18 while in 2 high. I have the 4 A. It happens on left turns at low speeds

 

[keb]

There’s a new TSB out there 25 2513 that includes 2023 to 2025 F1 50s for this problem. I have a 2023 that I bought in August 2024 and mine has the same problem which I’m looking at going to a dealer next week I live in Minnesota, so I am experiencing cold temperatures TSB supersede one from 242189

it is a known problem

 

[TX_Tim]

I wish TSB 25-2513 addressed the cold weather part of the issue.

 

[Goldeneye36]

My understanding is that the '21+ trucks don't use vacuum-actuated IWEs, so it wouldn't be a vacuum-related problem. I learned through another thread here that when temps go below freezing, these trucks will engage the IWEs for the first couple miles of driving to exercise them or check to make sure they aren't stuck due to ice or some other reason. Some people have reported humming or groaning noises when that happens. 4wd is not engaged when this happens, just the front hubs so what you are describing sounds like the transfer case is partially engaged or trying to engage for some reason.

Personally, I haven't noticed any of these issues but we've only had a couple of below freezing days so far.

 

[TX_Tim]

I’ve heard the same thing about the newer trucks not using the old vacuum IWEs, but Ford’s TSB 25-2513 still talks about incomplete IWE disengagement on 2021–2025 models. So something up front is definitely still being engaged and disengaged.


I also get that the truck might do a quick hub check in freezing weather, but what mine is doing goes way past a small hum. I’m getting loud pops when turning, almost like the front axle is binding, and a grinding or rumble while driving straight in 2H. The part that really stands out is that it all stops instantly when I shift into 4H. That makes me think the front wheel ends are partially engaging in 2H, not just doing a light exercise cycle.


So I don’t think this is normal behavior. Seems more like whatever system Ford is using now in place of the old vacuum IWEs isn’t releasing fully in the cold. We’ll see if others start noticing it as the temperatures drop.

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