F 150 2WD V8-4.6L VIN W (2007)
1.
Attempt to seat the cowl panel by gently applying pressure, first downward, then rearward to the inboard rear area of the cowl panel, forward of
the windshield to determine if it will engage the sheet metal flange below. (Figure 1)
2.
Pull test will confirm if the hooks are engaged and that the sheet metal flange has not been bent too far forward. From the driver's side of the
vehicle, with your left hand place your thumb on the fender top, then place your fingers into the cowl's lower portion for the wiper arm and pull
lateral on the cowl panel. Panel will pop up at center when pulled outboard if the hooks are not properly engaged to the flange. (Figure 2)
1.
Remove the cowl panel(s). Refer to Workshop Manual (WSM), Section 501-02 for removal instructions.
2.
Confirm engagement and proper installation of cowl grill. The cowl design makes use of long J-hooks (Figure 2, view A) on the bottom side of the
cowl panel to engage a sheet metal flange below the cowl panel sur[ace area. On vehicles built prior to August 2006, you will need to visually
confirm that the J-hooks on the right hand (RH) parts are engaged to the sheet metal flange. The left hand (LH) part will need to be removed to
observe this. Vehicles built after August 2006 have a raised feature forward of the screw attachment support tower on the RH part (near the center
line of the vehicle), which is to ensure that the cowl panel is not built forward and is in the correct position for the J-hooks to engage the sheet
metal flange. Check if the LH cowl panel is installed correctly, you can either tug the part forward or outward (towards the fender). Each move
should cause the rear of the part or the split joint between the RH and LH cowl grills to pop up if the J-hooks were not engaged. Relying on an
audible confirmation of engagement could cause a false-positive assessment of the parts being installed and retaining correctly and should not be
used as the final indicator of correct installation.
3.
If the RH part does not have the split joint hook engaged to the sheet metal flange it must be set properly before the LH part can be corrected.
Remove LH cowl grill and set aside. Loosen screw on RH cowl grill. Push down and rearward over the hook to engage the sheet metal flange.
While holding part rearward, re-tighten the screw.
