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How many PCV valves does a Ford F150 have?

Most Ford F-150s have a single PCV valve; certain engines use two PCV valves or a dual-PCV arrangement.


The Ford F-150 line spans multiple engines and model years, including the 2.7L and 3.5L EcoBoost V6, the 5.0L V8, and the 3.3L V6. While a single PCV valve is the norm for venting crankcase pressure into the intake in most configurations, some turbocharged or high-output setups employ a dual-PCV system to better manage ventilation. The exact count depends on the engine family and production year, so checking your specific vehicle’s engine code or service manual is the safest approach.


Engine configurations and PCV valve counts


Below is a generalized guide to understanding which F-150 engines typically use a single PCV valve versus a dual-PCV arrangement. Always consult your vehicle's service manual for your exact engine code.


Single-PCV valve configurations


Most F-150 engines maintain a single PCV valve, with a hose from the valve cover or near the valve cover feeding into the intake manifold.



  • Typical configurations include popular engines such as the 2.7L EcoBoost, 3.5L EcoBoost, 5.0L V8, and the 3.3L V6 in standard setups.

  • The PCV valve is usually mounted on one valve cover, with hoses routing to the intake manifold or throttle body area.

  • Routine maintenance involves inspecting the valve and hoses for cracks, wear, or clogs and replacing as needed.


This arrangement serves as the baseline for most F-150s across model years that use a single PCV valve.


Dual or multi-PCV configurations


In some engines, especially those with twin banks or turbocharged layouts, Ford uses a dual-PCV system (two valves, one on each bank, or two valves feeding a single intake). The exact layout varies by engine and year.



  • Some twin-bank or high-performance configurations may implement two PCV valves to better manage crankcase ventilation under boost or high load.

  • Other dual-PCV setups may use separate PCV valves on each valve cover connected to the intake by individual hoses or a shared manifold.


Confirming the exact count requires checking the specific engine code (via VIN lookup or the owner's manual) or consulting Ford’s service documentation for your exact year and engine family.


How to verify on your own F-150


To know the exact number on your truck, inspect the engine area for PCV valves and hoses, or check official documentation for your engine code.



  • Open the hood and locate the PCV valve(s), typically mounted on or near a valve cover with a hose to the intake manifold.

  • Count how many PCV valves are installed and observe whether each is on a separate valve cover or if there are two valves feeding a single intake path.

  • Reference the vehicle’s VIN and engine code through the owner's manual, Ford's service portal, or a dealership to confirm the configuration for your exact year and engine family.


If in doubt, a certified Ford technician can confirm the exact PCV valve count for your model/year and perform any needed maintenance.


Summary


In short, the Ford F-150 generally uses one PCV valve, but some engines or model years employ two PCV valves or a dual-PCV arrangement. The precise setup depends on the engine type and production year, so verify with the owner's manual or a dealer for your specific truck.


Bottom line: knowing your engine code or VIN helps you confirm the exact PCV configuration and avoid confusion when diagnosing crankcase ventilation issues.

How do you know if your PCV valve is bad on your F150?


If your engine has a rough idle or is misfiring, that can indicate that you have an issue with your PCV valve function. The existence of oil in your PCV valve or hose can indicate that the valve is stuck open. If you have trouble starting your engine, it can be as a result of a failed PCV valve.



How many oxygen sensors does a Ford F-150 have?


A Ford F-150 typically has four oxygen sensors, two upstream (before the catalytic converters) and two downstream (after the catalytic converters). Some older models might have a different configuration, but four is the standard for the most common F-150s. 

  • Upstream sensors: Located before the catalytic converters, these monitor the air-fuel mixture to ensure proper combustion.
  • Downstream sensors: Located after the catalytic converters, these monitor the efficiency of the catalytic converters themselves.
  • Why four?: Having two upstream sensors allows the system to monitor each side of the V-engine, while the two downstream sensors help confirm that both catalytic converters are working correctly.



When should a F150 PCV valve be replaced?


Replace the valve if it doesn't move freely or shows wear. Ensure the hose connections are tight and free of cracks to prevent vacuum leaks. Regular replacement every 30000 miles helps maintain proper engine pressure and prevents unusual noises or performance issues related to the PCV system.



Where is the PCV valve located on a Ford F-150?


The Ford F-150 PCV valve location depends on the model year, but it is typically found on the left or right valve cover. You will need to locate the valve cover and find the hose connected to it; the valve itself may be twisted into a grommet or mounted to the intake manifold, requiring removal of an air intake resonator on some newer models to access it. 
Common locations by model year

  • 2009 and earlier: On the right-side valve cover.
  • 2010–2014: On the left-side valve cover.
  • 2015 and later: On the right-side valve cover. 

Specific locations on different engines
  • 4.6L V8: Look on the passenger-side valve cover, to the left of the oil cap. 
  • 5.0L V8: On the passenger-side valve cover, often a blue-colored valve. 
  • 5.4L V8 (2004 model): Look on the left side of the intake manifold, above the fuel rail. 
  • 5.0/302 Engine (1995): It is located in the valve cover and the connecting hose goes back to the intake manifold. 

What to do if you can't find it
  • Remove the engine cover: On some models (like the 2016), you may need to remove the engine cover to see the PCV valve clearly. 
  • Check for a resonator: On 2010 and later models, the air intake resonator may need to be removed to gain access. 
  • Look for a hose: Trace the hose from the valve cover to see where it connects. The PCV valve will be at one end of that hose. 


Kevin's Auto

Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.