All,

I was wondering if someone could offer advice for going through the DSB process. As most of you know I have been though the steps of the TSB regarding the dreaded vibration issue that some of us are experiencing. My truck has been to the dealer for over thirty days total and the three visits to address the vibration issue has been met.

Basically Ford told me to pound sand and that my truck was in acceptable tolerance. I called the dealer two days ago and told them that I will elect to move forward with the DSB process. I would just like to gather some experiences with this process or helpful advice.

Moderators: If this post is out of line please remove it; however I think this information would be helpful to some of us that are experiencing this issue.

Thanks,
Ron

 

PA:

I don't know why you feel that that would be out of line, U must have just talked to the FSE who makes it sound like your fault.

Actually, you should be all set. I am going through the DSB now and if I have any issues there, I will go to:

http://www.michiganlemonlaw.com (sure they could help you for your state, or steer you to someone who can).

You can call the DSB @ (800) 688-2429... They can send you info and give you some help along the way...

Sure there would be some info. for you... I am 27 days and 6 times for vibration issues... I also have other outstanding issues...

It seems the FSE said that I may be oversensitive to this type of truck... WTF does that mean? Oversensitive to a F150 light duty truck??? A F-150 or any vehicle should not vibrate... Mine rumbles, vibrates and shudders... It's not right and my dealer stated on the DSB forms that they tried to fix it, I still have a problem, and it's not a normal characteristic of the truck. Also, the service manager wrote me a letter after I saw what the FSE wrote. I skipped the morning off work on tuesday and the service manager and I took about an hour drive... He verified all of my drivability concerns... I went from very upset to very pleased in no time...

See my buddy came from VA to MI and bought his 2003 Ford Mustang GT Convertible from McDonald Ford in Freeland, MI. Then I bought a 2003 Ford Explorer XLS Sport 4DR. (New Style). My X-Girlfriend then bought a 2003 Ford Explorer XLS Sport 2DR. (Old Style). All from my recommendations. I was going to keep my Explorer because I was very happy with it... I was coming back from the lake and stopped by the dealer to say hi. Well, I left with a new truck, they really catch your eye. At 100 miles I talked to service about orange peel on the hood and a crazy vibe. (Before I found this site). They replaced some trim pieces (CUSTOMER SATISFACTION) that were scratched before delivery. I said don't worry about the hood and vibe now, lets get the easy trim fixed first. So it was easy and fixed right away... I mean I have 35,900 miles of warranty left. But driving back and forth to work while it vibrates really makes you upset. Some vehicles vibrate, but vibration is not a normal characteristic of any vehicle unless something is out of balance or wrong with the vehicle.

I would like to buy a 2004 (If they can still get one) or a 2005 F-150 FX4 like I currently have, but without test driving it for 100 miles or something crazy like that, I would like to go to the dealer say ya I like that one and take it off the lot and not worry about vibe. or other quality issues...

 

As a machine mechanic a vibe is a no-no. A vibration will destroy any and all associated parts. The thread in and now the back to vibe had a link explaining what could be the cause i read it and sounds very logical. So if ford says it's a normal charactor of this truck b/s . I'm a lucky one with no vibe but if i had it i would be at the Ford door constantly. iv'e got rotor, brake squeek. Bad bed shake it's starting to rattle my $1000 hard cover. It will not take it long with out destoying mounting brackets. Sorry i was venting .

 

Can anyone else offer some advice??

Ron

 

I am just finishing up the final paperwork on my DSB . I got the reward of either a buy back or replacement of my truck. I am going to take the refund until I can find a truck that does not vibrate. Don't let them tell you that it a normal characteristic of the truck because it is not they told me that also time after time. I filed my case back in April and I am just now getting finished up after two board presentations and a meeting with an independent inspector. It will probably take a while. If I could give you any advice just don't give up . Also your dealer can be your best or worst ali try to be calm them no matter how frustrating it gets sometimes keep in mind they have to do what they are told to do by ford. And study your states lemon laws very carefully.

 

The only concern is that the documentation I received from the dealer is written on scrap paper and photocopied. I have no idea what they did to my truck other than it was in the shop for over thrity plus days, met the three required visits, and went through all steps of the TSB.

What can I expect from the DSB process? I did print out a ton of vibration threads from various different boards to let them know this is not an isolated issue with this model.

Ron

 

Go to your dealer and talk to the Service Manager and ask him to print out all of the invoices they have sent to Ford. They should be very helpful., Because they want your business back again., he will also help you with any questions on the DSB Form make sure you mention in the paperwork all of the days out of service and I'm sure there are other things like Engine noise and other things that bother you. and be honest. request a phone confrence call and you will be given 10 mins to give your thoughts on the problem to the board... and in about a week you will get your decision via snail mail.... and then wait for Ford to do the paperwork...... started mine in august had confrence call sep 9th got letter on sep 16th sent back to dsb on the 20th. Waiting on paperwork to work thru the system to get sent to dealership.,b4 I can get my new truck... Sorry so Long just hang in there....

 

Request a DSB application from the dealer or Ford. The application will have a list of required information. Include anything from the web that may help your case. Some web info can sound like a compirecy theories so choose wisely If the DSB thinks your case has legs it will request all service information from the Dealer and Ford (if a FSE drove your truck). Compare the time in the shop and count weekend days not just work days. My dealer only counted work days but he had my truck over 4 weekends. Write a cover letter but don’t be a @SS, the DSB is there to help not work against you. I think they were fair and to the point on my phone interviews. It took a while but Ford had to buy back my truck.