We Service and Repair
Most Ford Cars and Trucks

Ford Auto Repair Shop

Serving the greater San Francisco Peninsula including San Francisco, South San Francisco, & Daly City, CA

Ford Repair

Fords are built to roll off the lot with muscle and confidence. They’re supposed to handle commutes, road trips, and heavy-duty jobs without sweating. But sometimes, they slip up. One weird clunk, one odd jolt, and suddenly you’re driving a question mark on four wheels. At Cowden Automotive in San Francisco, we see these glitches up close. We fix them fast, so you can get back on the road with zero fear. Ready to see which seven Ford trouble spots might be lurking under your hood?

The “Will It Shift?” Transmission Crisis
Ever press the gas and feel your Ford pause like it’s deciding which gear to pick? That’s a sign your transmission is tired of guessing. You might sense a jerk when it finally shifts or hear a whining sound in lower gears. It’s not just older Focuses or Fusions dealing with this—modern models aren’t immune.

Our fix? We pop the hood, scan for errors, and inspect your fluid for grit or that burnt smell. If we find worn clutches, damaged solenoids, or questionable fluid, we swap parts with Ford-approved replacements. Because a Ford should surge forward on command, not shrug and stall. Every second of hesitation is a second you don’t have on busy Bay Area roads.

Spark Plugs That Launch Like Missiles
Nothing’s more terrifying than driving along, minding your business, when a loud POP explodes under the hood. That’s a spark plug ejecting itself from the cylinder head—uninvited, unwelcome, and absolutely disastrous if left alone. Trucks and Mustangs from certain eras seem especially prone to it.

At Cowden Automotive, we check for weak threads and correct torque settings. Sometimes, we install special inserts that lock those spark plugs down for good. A secure spark plug means a stable engine, no jump scares, and definitely no costly cylinder-head drama.

Overheating: Red Light Roulette
Maybe you’re coasting along I-80 in heavy traffic, and that temperature gauge starts creeping up. You crank the heater on full blast, praying you’ll limp off the next exit before the engine seizes. Overheating can strike any Ford if the cooling system is compromised. Radiator leaks, coolant line cracks, or a failing thermostat could be the root.

We run a pressure test, inspect every seal, and flush out contaminated coolant. If the water pump’s shot or the head gasket’s on the brink, we replace them immediately. Overheating doesn’t just shut your engine down; it can warp heads and ruin your entire day. You deserve a stable temperature no matter how gnarly San Francisco’s traffic gets.

Fuel Pump Failures That Kill Your Commute
Picture this: you’re merging onto the freeway when your Ford starts sputtering. The accelerator goes soft, and your engine starves. That’s a failing fuel pump, and it strikes without mercy. One minute you’ve got power. The next, you’re stuck on the shoulder, hoping a tow truck gets there fast.

Our approach is systematic: we check the pump’s pressure, listen for whining sounds, and examine the fuel filter. If anything is out of whack, we install fresh parts that meet Ford’s exact specs. Because losing power on an uphill climb in San Francisco is the last thing anyone wants.

Ghostly Electrical Glitches
Dancing dash lights. Radio static. Windows that freeze halfway up. Ford’s electrical systems can turn on you in a second if a ground wire is loose or a sensor is sending bad signals. A misbehaving alternator can also deliver low voltage that scrambles your electronics.

We grab our diagnostic tools and run a full scan, hunting down any short circuits or dying batteries. Sometimes, the fix is simple—clean a corroded terminal, tighten a bolt, or replace a worn harness. Other times, we need a new alternator or module. Regardless, we chase every lead until your Ford’s electronics behave. No flickers. No freak-outs.

Timing Chain Terrors
Hear a rattle when you fire up the engine in the morning? That might be your timing chain playing fast and loose. If it stretches too far or the tensioners quit, valves and pistons can collide—instant engine meltdown. EcoBoost engines are known for strong torque but can face timing chain issues if neglected.

At Cowden Automotive, we’re not about partial solutions. We open it up, measure chain stretch, inspect the guides, and replace anything suspect. A stable timing chain equals a steady heartbeat for your engine. And steady means you cruise through those San Francisco hills without any cringe-worthy clatter.

Suspension Shakes That Knock Your Nerves
Fords, especially SUVs and trucks, are supposed to handle bumpy roads and construction zones like champs. But worn shocks, battered bushings, and loose ball joints can make every pothole feel like a crater. You hear squeaks or clangs, the steering might drift, and your ride feels more roller coaster than a comfortable cruise.

We test each suspension point for signs of slop or damage. We replace dead shocks, tighten control arms, and align the wheels so your Ford hugs the road like it was built to. No more clunks when you roll over those hills near Lombard Street.

From Frustration to Freedom
You shouldn’t have to wrestle with a car that’s supposed to serve you. When your Ford stumbles—whether it’s a spark plug fiasco or a meltdown in the tranny—one call to Cowden Automotive can restore your peace. We’re rooted in San Francisco, but our mission is to fix Fords from every corner of the Bay. We use genuine or factory-approved parts, we document every step, and we’re not satisfied until your Ford purrs like it should.

If any of these issues sound uncomfortably familiar, come see us. We run real diagnostics, explain the problems in plain English, and deliver repairs built to last. Don’t wait for that random stall, that flying spark plug, or that dreaded overheat. Take charge, bring your Ford in, and leave with a drive that feels fresh off the assembly line. Because you deserve a Ford that’s always ready, always steady—and never a question mark.