Ford Focus Forum banner

Parked Indefinitely... I've joined the crowd. (STILL NO CAR)

1.8K views 38 replies 30 participants last post by  inteller  
#1 ·
Parked Indefinitely... I\'ve joined the crowd. (STILL NO CAR)

Well got a pretty sad call today. But i'll give you background first.

I was leaving a local Ford Dealership early last week. When i was literally 2 blocks from the dealership @ a light this loud clicking and electronic actuating sound started. Freaked the hell out of me and i limped it back to the lot (even though everything still felt fine). Well a few days later i was told it was some kind of cable going to the transmission and it would be fixed in two days. Today i was told they must also change the Intake Manifold but its on INDEFINITE BACKORDER.

Even bigger problem, this weekend is my season finale Autox but its an Endurocross worth two full event points. I have a 25-30 point lead over 2nd place but if enough people show up i may lose my championship if i don't have my car!

I might have to start thinking buy back or Lemon soon....
Image


[ 12-09-2002, 12:23 AM: Message edited by: Thameth ]
 
#2 ·
Re: Parked Indefinitely... I\'ve joined the crowd. (STILL NO CAR)

Have you had the problem before?

If this is the first time it happened, you will not qualify under the lemon law.

Have you had other problems?
 
#3 ·
Re: Parked Indefinitely... I\'ve joined the crowd. (STILL NO CAR)

I've had the car in 4 times for 4 new Horns, Two new clutch pedal covers, Cat shield replaced during this visit, Drivers window readjusted twice for loud screeching noise, Idle Stumble problem, 2-3k rpm stumble, and on top of all that with this problem it will probably go over 30 days of being @ the dealership for service since i've owned the car.

Like everybody else though i still love the car and i would definitely want another one.
 
#5 ·
Re: Parked Indefinitely... I\'ve joined the crowd. (STILL NO CAR)

it's so unusual when i hear of these stories ..

i've had my car for 2 months and *knock on wood* i haven't had any major problems .. i had the usual power steering pump replacement .. but that's it ..

it rides like a beauty ..

so i'm wondering this: .. of all these cars with problems, how come there are so many .. ford should really run an employee schedule query on the cars build date .. and see if there is a trend .. then fire the people who are obviously doing horrible jobs ..

why every part on your car could break is beyond statistical logic (oxy haha) .. but either way, there are more forces at work here .. IE BAD EMPLOYEES ..

ford, fire them!!! ****ing unions ..
 
#6 ·
Re: Parked Indefinitely... I\'ve joined the crowd. (STILL NO CAR)

I have had mine since June.

I've driven it hard since day one and have taken it autoxing.

It has been fine no reason to take it in other than oil change.

So I hope that we are witnessing the very few that have problems.
 
#7 ·
Re: Parked Indefinitely... I\'ve joined the crowd. (STILL NO CAR)

Themeth, that is a bummer. If I were in your neck of the woods, I'd let you borrow my car for the finale.

You should hit Ford up for a replacement vehicle instead of continually repairing this one. Just ask for a loaner vehicle till the 2004's come out
Image
 
#8 ·
Re: Parked Indefinitely... I\'ve joined the crowd. (STILL NO CAR)

Geez sorry to hear about that Thameth.I hope that you get your car back in time for the the autox finale.As far as lemon law the dealer should have provided you with a lemon law booklet and what you need to know should it come to filing for one.Please keep us posted.-Jim
 
#9 ·
Re: Parked Indefinitely... I\'ve joined the crowd. (STILL NO CAR)

I feel your pain, I've had my car in the shop 5 times within the last 5 months, including right now. There was a leak in the cowl induction and it filled the front floorboard with water. I love my car to death, but it has been giving me more trouble that what it is worth.
 
#10 ·
Re: Parked Indefinitely... I\'ve joined the crowd. (STILL NO CAR)

Originally posted by Thameth:
Today i was told they must also change the Intake Manifold but its on INDEFINITE BACKORDER.
<font size="2" face="Verdana, Arial">I just had mine replaced last week! How can it be on indefinite backorder
Image

It took my dealer 2 days to get it. Is it possible that so many are going bad that there will be a recall in the near future? Maybe you should check with another dealer and see what they say about the part?
 
#11 ·
Re: Parked Indefinitely... I\'ve joined the crowd. (STILL NO CAR)

Originally posted by Thameth:
I've had the car in 4 times for 4 new Horns, Two new clutch pedal covers, Cat shield replaced during this visit, Drivers window readjusted twice for loud screeching noise, Idle Stumble problem, 2-3k rpm stumble, and on top of all that with this problem it will probably go over 30 days of being @ the dealership for service since i've owned the car.

Like everybody else though i still love the car and i would definitely want another one.
<font size="2" face="Verdana, Arial">all of that would qualify as a lemon here. SO would you take an 02 or an 03 when they replace it?
 
#12 ·
Re: Parked Indefinitely... I\'ve joined the crowd. (STILL NO CAR)

i had the same problem with mine they had to replace the upper and lower intake manifolds. it sounds really weird but the car still runs fine. i also have had my horn replaced, fixed sunroof(still not right), rattle in heatshield, rough idle, and i think thats it.
 
#13 ·
Re: Parked Indefinitely... I\'ve joined the crowd. (STILL NO CAR)

Originally posted by OTTOMATIC:
</font><blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><hr /><font size="2" face="Verdana, Arial">Originally posted by Thameth:
Today i was told they must also change the Intake Manifold but its on INDEFINITE BACKORDER.
<font size="2" face="Verdana, Arial">I just had mine replaced last week! How can it be on indefinite backorder
Image

It took my dealer 2 days to get it. Is it possible that so many are going bad that there will be a recall in the near future? Maybe you should check with another dealer and see what they say about the part?
</font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana, Arial">I've also heard of some people taking back-order problems up with SVT directly and having them expedite parts. Not personal experience tho...
 
#14 ·
Re: Parked Indefinitely... I\'ve joined the crowd. (STILL NO CAR)

Thank you everyone for your sympathy. I gotta figure out if i can find a G-Stock car for this saturday just to score some points

OTTOMATIC:

Well the car is basically undrivable, so i don't think i can just take it to some other dealer. i can check with them to see if they can check with other shops in the area. But i'll talk with the current dealer doing the work to see what they can do. Honestly you might have seriously gotten one of the last manifolds for a while.

inteller:

If i do end up going through the process, i would shoot to get a 2003 with the "supposed" fixes to the ECU and other probs. I don't know how any of that is really going to work out so we'll see. i gotta take these things a step at a time right now.

Thank again guys.
 
#15 ·
Re: Parked Indefinitely... I\'ve joined the crowd. (STILL NO CAR)

I'll trade you for mine! Of course mine has flipped through the air about 20+ feet, rolled 2-3 times and came to a rest on its roof and has a bent front frame and a-pillars.
 
#16 ·
Re: Parked Indefinitely... I\'ve joined the crowd. (STILL NO CAR)

Thameth,
If this weekend wasn't my first scca event of 2003 on the east coast I would be down to offer my car.
I run in STS because of the AEM-CAI and I now have the 225's on but that could be worked out.
I would get with the service manager and explain your problem.Next I would get the name of the area field Service Engineer- Customer Service Division.
You may even call SVT,that could'n hurt.
They should take one off a car sitting on some lot in the district.
This just sucks.I would be so pissed.
Good Luck,Bill
 
#17 ·
Re: Parked Indefinitely... I\'ve joined the crowd. (STILL NO CAR)

where are you located at, or where is your autox gonna be at?
 
#18 ·
Re: Parked Indefinitely... I\'ve joined the crowd. (STILL NO CAR)

Bill:

Thank you for the offer i really appreciate it.

Deezlins:

I'm Located in North Miami and the Autox will be in far South Miami.

I think my only option now is to sweat it out watching what goes on in my class while i run the rental in HS. Or find some kind of car to run in GS to score points..
Image
 
#20 ·
Re: Parked Indefinitely... I\'ve joined the crowd. (STILL NO CAR)

Originally posted by Thameth:
Bill:

Thank you for the offer i really appreciate it.

Deezlins:

I'm Located in North Miami and the Autox will be in far South Miami.

I think my only option now is to sweat it out watching what goes on in my class while i run the rental in HS. Or find some kind of car to run in GS to score points..
Image
<font size="2" face="Verdana, Arial">Ummm, why couldn't you just run the HS rental in GS...I'm pretty sure that the progression through the class leads HS into GS. Double check in the rule book, they have a chart showing where your lower classed car can race if you so desire.
 
#21 ·
Re: Parked Indefinitely... I\'ve joined the crowd. (STILL NO CAR)

Man hearing stories like this always worries me. I have had the car since the middle of April and so far the only problem is the dead horn issue. But now I am constantly thinking when is it going to happen to me.... That sucks Thameth, but with any luck maybe you will wind up with a new one and no miles
Image
 
#22 ·
Re: Parked Indefinitely... I\'ve joined the crowd. (STILL NO CAR)

Joe PM me if you want my SVT for the weekend. I dont know if mine is still legal for your class as Ive changed the exhaust and intake but the cars yours if you want it. I still have all the stock parts so maybe we could bolt them on.

Call me if your really desperate 561-723-4512
Randy
 
#23 ·
Re: Parked Indefinitely... I\'ve joined the crowd. (STILL NO CAR)

Image
`Thameth
Sorry to read about your problems with your "SVT"

I wish you a speedy `fix of your many problems. Ford accepts your money for their Special Vehicle & then steals your time ( = Life ), waiting for them to `fix problems that have not been addressed before release to the public.

Ford : Quality is "Job One" ?
Image

A company is only as good or bad as the products they produce & Service! I hope that you dealership fights to have your problems corrected so that you can go out & race and proudly represent their "Special Vehicle"...

Best of Luck on your mission to get back onto the highways of life. (So much better in an "SVT" with no problems)

Don't Worry ~ Be Happy!
`jd
Image
from a Space!
 
#25 ·
Re: Parked Indefinitely... I\'ve joined the crowd. (STILL NO CAR)

There is a recall on the UK version of SVT the st170. It is for a power steering hose rubbing and failing.....

Here they are.

Reference: 2C829 Date: October 28, 2002

Subject: Focus ST170 - Power Steering Hoses Vehicle Recall

Introduction
This recall is to address 2 possible component contact conditions on Focus ST170 vehicles:
A) Contact between the power steering low pressure hose and the right hand headlamp wiring/connector on vehciles fitted with standard (non HID) headlamp assemblies.

B) Contact between the power steering high pressure pipe and the underside of the battery tray.

These conditions may eventually lead to loss off power steering fluid if a power steering hose/pipe is breached and/or loss of right hand headlamp function if wiring insulation is degraded to the point of allowing an electrical short circuit.

Where applicable, Recall 2C849 and Service Program 2S848 should be carried out at the same time as this recall.

Ford is writing to customers and asking them to contact their Ford Dealer so that this check/rework may be carried out. For information a copy of this letter is attached.

Vehicles Affected
Model/Variant Focus ST170
Assembly Plant Saarlouis
Plant Code GC
From 01 Jan 2001
To 21 Jun 2002

Service Instructions
Fit revised routing fluid supply hose between the power steering resevoir and the power steering pump together with additional securing clip.
Check/Adjust the clearance between the power steering fluid high pressure pipe and the under side of the battery tray.

------------------------------------------------------------

Reference: 2C849
Subject: ST170 Brake Vacuum Hose - Vehicle Recall

Introduction
It is possible that some right hand drive ST170 vehicles may have been assembled with the brake vacuum hose incorrectly positioned. An incorrectly positioned hose may contact and abrade against an adjacent Air Conditioning hose connector.
This Recall is to inspect the routing and condition of the brake vacuum hose, replace if necessary and re-assemble correctly.

Where applicable, Recall 2C829 and Service Program 2S848 should be carried out at the same time as this recall.

Ford is writing to customers and asking them to contact their Ford Dealer so that this check/rework may be carried out. For information a copy of this letter is attached.

Vehicles Affected
Model/Variant Focus ST170
Assembly Plant Saarlouis
Plant Code GC
From 01 Jan 2001
To 02 Sept 2002

Service Instructions
Remove, inspect, and replace as necessary, and refit with correct routing the brake vacuum hose from the inlet manifold to the brake booster. (In the detailed instruction futher on in the bulletin it states the hose should run infront of the hydraulic clutch pipe, not behind)

------------------------------------------------------------

And, probably of more interest!!

Reference: 2S848

Subject: Focus ST170 - Powertrain contol Module - Service Program

Introduction
The engine calibration characteristics on some Focus ST170 vehicles may not provide sufficient inlet manifold vacuum recovery under certain drive modes, for up to 1 minute after a cold start. Depletion of vacuum reserve may reduce braking assistance with an associated increase in the amount of brake pedal effort required to acheive a set retardation. This program is to install a revised calibration, having improved recovery characteristics, at an affected vehicle's next workshop visit.

Where applicable, Recall 2C829 and Recall 2C849 should be carried out at the same time as this Programme.

Ford is writing to customers to advise them of the availability of this programme. For information a copy of the customer letter is attached.

Vehicles Affected
Model/Variant Focus ST170
Assembly Plant Saarlouis
Plant Code GC
From 01 Jan 2001
To 21 Jun 2002

Service Instructions
Ensure WDS is loaded eith CD B21 E of later. Connect WDS to the vehicle and select Module Programming/Module Re-proframme. Follow the on screen instructions to install the latest calibration (2M5F 12A650 AH).

------------------------------------------------------------

Or go to the site FFOC
 
#26 ·
Re: Parked Indefinitely... I\'ve joined the crowd. (STILL NO CAR)

My car is in the shop now for the "usual steering pump replacment" I lost the power steering at 2,200 miles. Only had the car a month.
The dealership tells me that it only needs a new hose. The pump is fine.

But regardless the car has been there over a week and they still have no idea when the part will come in. It is on "National Backorder" Whatever that means... Plus they wont give me the car back. So in the lot it sits.

If anyone has some more info on how I should handle this or if the pump should also be replaced please let me know,

Thanks,
Jon
shap_swa@yahoo.com