Recipe - Ford 3.5L EcoBoost Gasoline (F-150, Expedition, Transit, Raptor - 2011-present)
Specific Fix build
Reliability tier: aggregated - verify before ordering, see /disclosure/
CAC-condensation shudder fix: the Gen1 pattern (humid-day single shudder after light-throttle cruising) traces to pooled condensate in the charge-air cooler. Ford's service direction was relocating the CAC air deflector so airflow evaporates the pool; an updated cooler accomplishes the same. Replace ignition parts only after this check - the shudder is not a misfire in the ignition sense.
Parts
- 3.5L EcoBoost CAC Air Deflector (BL3Z-19E672-A) - CAC air deflector (BL3Z-19E672-A) - the relocation fix part, F-150 2011-2014 (qty 1)
- 3.5L EcoBoost CAC Air Deflector (CL3Z-19E672-A) - companion deflector (CL3Z-19E672-A), F-150 2012-2014 (qty 1)
- 3.5L EcoBoost Charge Air Cooler, Gen1 (DL3Z-6K775-B) - Gen1 CAC (DL3Z-6K775-B) when the cooler itself is due (qty 1)
- 3.5L EcoBoost Charge Air Cooler, Gen2 (FL3Z-6K775-B) - Gen2 CAC (FL3Z-6K775-B) for the 2015-2020 trucks (qty 1)
Install order
- confirm the pattern: humid/rainy day, light-throttle cruise, one hard shudder, multi-cylinder misfire codes that clear
- inspect the CAC and deflector position; check for pooled moisture at the cooler outlet
- relocate/replace the deflector per Ford's direction (lower position evaporates the pool)
- if the shudder persists: updated CAC assembly; verify no charge-pipe leaks while in there
- owner practice: periodic sustained boost purges residual moisture
Expected outcome
The humid-weather shudder event stops; ignition parts stay untouched. If it continues in dry weather, pivot to the boost/ignition branches.
Parts budget
About $25-$460 in parts. It depends on what the diagnosis finds; each option below is what you buy together. Prices marked "at Dave's" are Dave's Auto Center's, the same as in his store; the others are approximate prices from OEM and maker catalogs, rounded (a manufacturer's list price can run higher). Parts only, no labor.