SSM 2023–2025 Super Duty Lack of Cooling — 54738

Ford Tremor Forum · Apr 13, 2026

Special Service Message · SSM 54738

This is a Special Service Message, not a recall. SSMs are informational notes Ford sends dealers about a known condition or a change in procedure. They are not repair orders, and they don't by themselves change what is covered.

Published: Apr 13, 2026
Applies to: F-250, F-350 (2023–2025 model years)

Also listed in the source (outside this forum's coverage): Escape 2023–2025, F-450 SD 2023–2025, F-550 SD 2023–2025, Transit 2023–2025

Summary (official text)

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

Sources

SSM 54738 (PDF, NHTSA document 11031302) — Apr 13, 2026

Details from NHTSA as of Oct 7, 2026. If NHTSA or Ford revises this notice, this post is updated and significant changes are noted in a reply. The linked documents are the authority, and a dealer can confirm whether it applies to your VIN.

Have you experienced this issue with your truck? Let us know your model year and engine, plus any diagnosis or repair details.