Thought you guys could appreciate-

Took in my new to me (04, 18k mi.) truck to the local Ford dealer. After reading alot on this board, believe me I went in with more than a little apprehension. All warranty work - 3rd brake light, rear shutter, erratic throttle response. I let my SA know that I know just a little more than JQP, and had been reading up on these issues here. He offers up that all have TSB's out on them and would be taken care of. He even tells me he's driving an 04 SCrew and that the PCM flash didn't help him, but he'd do it to mine.

Well SA writes me up, says no problem, give him about two days. Wouldn't/couldn't do the flash to adjust odo/spdomtr to tires-says it's now illegal for them to do as it involves emissions!!

Calls me a little while ago, says tech heard a little howl in the rear end on test drive (which I hadn't noticed), and when he opened the diff saw several teeth that didn't look right. So they are going to go ahead and replace all the gears involved in the howl TSB! Oh yeah, and it'll still be ready later today!

So far, so good. And all he wants is a favorable review on the customer survey card-damn thing must be made of gold for these guys!

Anyway, I will let you know how it turns out (if ya'll care!). For those in SoCal, the dealer is Rancho Ford in Temecula. SA is Kenn.


I miss my truck (sniff)...

 

Hell yeh man, that survey card is there life. Bad card too many times, there out.

Can you find out more about the howl in the rear? I just noticed mine howling the other day when I got over 80mph. I usually dont drive that fast, but the parkway was haulin a$$, and it was either move or get moved. I guess I should have it checked out at least.

 

BREWDUDE,

I'll let you know as soon as I get my truck back.

 

http://www.oly4x4.com/newgearbreakin.htm


Pay attention to this when you get it back. The running temp on my rear dropped almost 80 degrees in the first 300 miles..

 

Dunk, great info. Thanks!

 

Thanks, I'll be patiently waiting.

 

Just to chime in on the Excellent Service topic, I need to mention Autoway Ford in Bradenton, FL. These guys (and girls) are absolutely unbeleivable! I couldn't possibly ask for better service!

 

BREWDUDE,

RE: The Howl. I am sure many of the threads here could shed more info, but this is what my SA said.

Ford tried coating the ring and pinion with a teflon-like substance that isn't working. For whatever reason, this is causing a tolerance issue and they are finding irregular wear and the howl complaint.

He told me that if you were close to bring the truck in and he'd take care of it-hopefully you can get the same treatment from your dealer.

By the looks of the parts list, they replaced all of the diff innards, including the clutch packs for the shuddering. Had to pu the wife at the airport tonight (about 150 mi r/t) and I gotta say the difference is very noticable. What felt disconnected and loose now feels immediate and responsive, if you know what I mean. Of course I followed Dunk's recommendations on break-in .

As far as the PCM flash, we'll see. I have read here that I need to wait awhile for it to 'learn' my driving, so I'll reserve judgement. It is much more linear in response, especially off the line (I tend to feather my throttle on take-off, looking for smoothness).

Hope this helps. Ford gets a this trip!