2016 Ford F-150 BLIS Issues: How to Diagnose and Fix It

What You're Dealing With

You're dealing with a vibration in your vehicle, which is one of the most common—and often most frustrating—issues to diagnose. A vibration isn't just an annoyance; it's a physical symptom that something is out of balance, loose, or wearing out. It can range from a subtle hum you feel in the seat to a severe shaking that rattles the entire cabin. The key to fixing it is playing detective, as the cause can be anything from a simple tire issue to a complex internal engine problem.

What Drivers Report

Based on an analysis of 100 owner discussions, vibrations are a widespread complaint with a wide variety of suspected causes. Many drivers report vibrations that are speed-sensitive, meaning they start or intensify at certain highway speeds (often between 55-70 mph), pointing directly at wheel and tire issues. Others describe a vibration that's tied to the engine's RPMs, shaking the car more when idling or under acceleration.

A frequent point of confusion and concern is when the vibration is accompanied by a check engine light. In these discussions, codes like P0420 (catalyst system efficiency below threshold) and P0022 (intake camshaft timing over-retarded) were specifically mentioned, linking vibrations to potential exhaust or timing chain issues. Owners also frequently mention components like coilover suspensions, BLIS (Blind Spot Information System) modules causing unexpected shakes, and glitches with center stack controls or lights that seem to correlate with the vibration, highlighting how modern, interconnected systems can create puzzling symptoms.

What You'll Notice

The vibration you feel will give you the first major clue. Here’s what to pay attention to:

• Steering Wheel Shake: If the steering wheel shakes violently, especially at higher speeds, the problem is almost certainly in the front wheels, tires, or brakes.
• Seat-of-Your-Pants Vibration: If you feel the shake primarily through your seat or the floorboards, the issue is likely in the rear wheels, tires, or driveshaft (for RWD/AWD vehicles).
• Idle-Only Vibration: A shake that's bad at a stop but smooths out as you drive often points to engine mounts, a dirty throttle body, or a misfire.
• Vibration Under Acceleration: A shake that comes on when you press the gas pedal, particularly at lower speeds, can indicate an issue with inner CV joints, engine/transmission mounts, or a misfire under load.
• Vibration with Warning Lights: Any vibration paired with a check engine light requires immediate attention. As noted in the reports, this could signal issues from a failing catalytic converter (P0420) to serious internal timing problems (P0022).

Underlying Issues

From the community reports and confirmed fixes, the root causes of vibrations typically fall into a few categories, listed here from most to least frequent based on discussion volume.

1. Wheel & Tire Problems: This is the #1 culprit. Unbalanced tires, bent wheels, uneven tire wear (cupping, scalloping), or a shifted tire belt will cause speed-sensitive vibrations.
2. Brake System Issues: Warped brake rotors are a classic cause of a steering wheel vibration that gets worse when you apply the brakes.
3. Engine & Driveline Mounts: Worn or broken mounts fail to hold the engine and transmission still, allowing normal vibrations to be transmitted directly into the chassis, often felt most at idle or during gear changes.
4. Driveshaft & Axle Issues (RWD/AWD): A worn center support bearing, unbalanced driveshaft, or failing CV joint on an axle can create a pronounced vibration felt through the floor.
5. Engine Mechanical Issues: This is where those trouble codes come in. A timing chain that is stretched or has a failing tensioner (potentially related to a P0022 code) can cause irregular running and vibration. A clogged catalytic converter (P0420) can also create exhaust backpressure and unusual engine vibrations.
6. Suspension Components: While less common as a direct cause of vibration, worn components like tie rod ends, ball joints, or even aftermarket coilovers that are improperly installed or adjusted can lead to irregular tire wear and subsequent vibration.

Fix Guide

Start simple and cheap, then work your way to more complex fixes. This approach solves the majority of vibration issues.

Step 1: The Obvious & Affordable Check (Solves ~60% of issues)

• Action: Get your tires rebalanced and rotated. Have the shop inspect for uneven wear, bulges, or bent wheel rims.
• Why: This is the most common fix and is relatively inexpensive. It directly addresses the majority of speed-sensitive vibrations.

Step 2: The "Feel It in the Brakes" Check

• Action: If the vibration worsens when braking, have your brake rotors inspected for warping. Resurfacing or replacing the rotors (along with new pads) is the standard fix.
• Why: This is a very specific symptom with a direct solution.

Step 3: The "Feel It All the Time" Check

• Action: Visually inspect your engine and transmission mounts for cracking, splitting, or if the rubber is completely compressed. A mechanic can check them with a pry bar.
• Why: Bad mounts are a very common cause of general, constant vibration, especially in older vehicles.

Step 4: The Diagnostic Code Route

• Action: If your check engine light is on, get the codes read immediately. A code like P0022 points to critical timing components (chain, tensioners, phasers), while a P0420 suggests a catalytic converter issue. These require professional diagnosis.
• Why: Ignoring these codes can lead to severe engine damage. This is no longer a DIY-friendly zone for most people.

Step 5: The Driveline & Suspension Deep Dive

• Action: For vibrations felt in the floor (especially in RWD/AWD vehicles), have the driveshaft, CV axles, and center support bearing inspected. For vehicles with modified suspensions (coilovers), ensure they are properly torqued and aligned.
• Why: These are less common but definitive causes that require a systematic inspection.

Pricing Guide

Costs can vary wildly based on the root cause and your vehicle.

• Tire Balance & Rotation: $25 - $75. Always the best first investment.
• Brake Rotor & Pad Replacement (Per Axle): DIY: $150 - $300 for parts. Shop: $300 - $600.
• Engine Mount Replacement: DIY: $50 - $200 per mount for parts. Shop: $200 - $600+ depending on labor difficulty (some mounts are very hard to reach).
• Driveshaft/CV Axle Service: CV Axle (DIY Part): $100 - $300. Shop (with labor): $400 - $800. Driveshaft balancing or bearing replacement typically requires a specialist.
• Timing Chain Service: This is a major repair. Shop Cost: $1,000 - $2,500+, depending on the vehicle. Not a DIY job for the vast majority.
• Catalytic Converter Replacement: Shop Cost: $1,000 - $3,000+ for OEM parts. Aftermarket can be cheaper but may not fix a P0420 code long-term.

Reader Questions

Q: My car vibrates, but only when I'm stopped at a light. What gives? A: This is a classic sign of bad engine mounts or a dirty throttle body/idle air control valve. The mounts are the prime suspect. At idle, the engine shakes more, and worn mounts transfer that shake right into the cabin.

Q: I just got new tires, and now I have a vibration. What happened? A: It's possible the new tires weren't balanced correctly, or the wheel hubs weren't cleaned before mounting, leaving the wheel slightly off. Go back to the tire shop and ask them to re-balance the tires, emphasizing you have a new vibration.

Q: Can a bad wheel bearing cause a vibration? A: Yes, but it's usually accompanied by a loud growling or humming noise that changes with speed. A pure vibration without noise is less likely to be a wheel bearing.

Q: The shop says my tires are "cupped." What does that mean? A: Cupping is a wear pattern of scalloped dips around the tire tread. It's almost always caused by worn suspension components (shocks, struts, bushings) allowing the tire to bounce and wear unevenly. Fixing the vibration requires replacing the worn suspension parts first, then the tires.

Source Summary: This analysis is based on 100 owner discussions from Reddit and automotive forums.