Hi All,
I've been a member for a long time, usually finding the info I need by reading through other posts, but now I need serious advice.

Last Friday, I traded my 2004 F-150 FX4 Supercab in on a 2006 Ford Expedition Eddie Bauer (family needs). I got a nice deal on the trade and the new truck. There were a few options that were not included, but I was told that they could put them on without a problem. These options were the Reverse Sensing System, and the tuner and antenna for Sirius Satellite Radio. Also, they installed a security system, which I received for "free," so that the vehicle cannot start unless these little RF tags are with me.

I drop the Expo off last night, and they install everything today. When I pick it up, I see that they only put in 2 rear sensors, when all of the other Expo's on the lot have 4. I ask about this, and the associate assures me that these are "Genuine Ford Accessories, and that these work better, and that I only NEED 2 sensors." OK, it made a little sense. I get in to test it, and am only able to get within 18" of an object. This is significant, because my neighbor has the factory sensors on his Expo, and he can get within 4" of an object. On top of this, I look down to find that they SCREWED the small speaker directly into my dash!! Oh yeah, the owner's manual for this system is an owner's manual for an Audiovox system. That's not Ford. I realize that Ford uses many companies to produce their vehicles, but every Genuine Ford Part that I've seen says "Ford" on it somewhere, even in the manuals.

Next problem: My satellite antenna. All of the F-150's and other vehicles on the lot that had Sirius from the factory had a very small antenna that is bolted through the roof, so that there are no wires (or "tails") that can be seen. They installed my antenna in the very front of my roof, and they used a magnetic antenna that has a 6" tail on it. This does not look factory!!

Lastly, the security systems causes there to be a split second delay before the engine starts, and nows the lights do not turn on when I unlock the doors at night. This doesn't seem right.

I spoke with the Manager on Duty, and he made some phone calls to try to resolve these issues. He told me that they should have installed 4 sensors on the rear, but he wasn't sure what to do about the other stuff. We even jumped into another Expo on the lot with the reverse sytem on it to see how it operated...the radio attenuates, and the "park assist" message appears in the message center. Mine doesn't do this. I told him that if they can't make my system operate the same way, that I don't want it. He agreed to remove it, but what am I suppose to do about the screw holes??

He told me to go home, and that he would call me first thing in the morning with answers. My question to you guys is this...with having screw holes in my dash (it doesn't look like it is on a piece that could be easily replaced), and them needing to replace my rear bumber to get rid of the sensors, should I push for a new vehicle? I have 430 miles on this truck.

How should I handle this?? Have any of you ever had similar experiences?

Thanks in advance for your help, and sorry this is so long.

Jason

 

Wow that is long. Ok I'll go read it now. lol

 

lol i was about to post somting just like that........ok now ill read it

 

I tried to warn you guys!!

 

I say, if there is no hassal just make them give you a new truck. They already fricked up the one you had and make sure they give you a truck with the stuff already in it

 

That's what I'm thinking, but I don't know what angle to push to make it happen. Thanks for your input.

 

Ok well I think there's a certain # of days that you can return the vehicle. It's no different than returning anything else... just a lot more expensive.

The "Audiovox" reverse sensing system is not OEM. For one, the OEM systems don't have a dedicated speaker, they work through the vehicle's radio speakers. I have seen some Ford vehicles that only have 2 sensors, but as far as I know the Expedition has 4. To my knowledge you can't really install an OEM reverse sensing system into the bumper, it has to be replaced with the bumper that has the factory sensor mounting spots.

Ford does sell some aftermarket Sirius kits and that's probably what they installed in your vehicle, so technically they may be considered a "Genuine Ford Part".

If you specified that you wanted the OEM parts then I wouldn't accept what they gave you.

What brand is the alarm? Code Alarm is the brand that makes the security systems for Ford, but last time I saw one the remotes still said Ford on them w/ the one blue, one red, and two black buttons.

 

It's not really an alarm, it's more of an ignition interuption device (It replaces the factory ignition relay with a relay that will only close with the RF tags in the vehicle). It's the "Identity System". I got it for free, so I'm not as concerned about this, also, I made them give me the original ignition relay, so I can change it back, if need be.

 

Just tell them that they screwed up and you are not acceptimg it. You were duped into buying it when you relied on their misrepreentations that they could add the factory options that were missing. But for those misrepresentations, you would not have purchased. You expected, and they promised, that they could and would add the options so it would be jsut like those equiped form the factory, but t's not. Tell them you rejet it, and they can tear up the contract or find one exactly like you want for the same price to give you the benefit of what you bargained for.

 

You don't plan on being in Maryland tomorrow, do you?? They definitely duped me on the revesre sensing, but for the Sirius, I duped myself. I never specified the type of antenna that I wanted, so I assumed it would be a similar style as all of the other vehicles on their lot. I guess I shouldn't have assumed...

 

The factory keys should have a transponder in them anyways and the ignition has a receiver module. The system is called PATS... passive anti theft system.

Are you sure they really gave you something extra?

 

Yeah, its these other little key fobs, about half the size of the Ford keyfobs. No buttons, just an internal chip. It must be a local company, because I haven't seen them anywhere, but that particular dealer. I don't even think they have a website.

 

You need to find out what the return policy is, I think it is state to state difference.

I would just tell them this is totally unacceptable for a new vehicle. If they give you any crap, call and freak out on Ford Customer Service, they may be abel to help.

 

I won't buy a vehicle unless it has ALL of the options that I require installed from the factory.

 

I feel for you. They obviously did a half-@ssed job. I would try very hard to not take delivery of the truck, but if you do, insist they fix everything right.


The Audiovox thing, not a big issue. Ford uses their stuff a LOT. Might involve who owns Audiovox...

Audiovox is quality stuff, but the 4 sensor is what you expected. You did NOT expect holes in the dash. The screws in the dash are totally out of line.

The antenna, did they put holes in the body for that? Or can you just insist they put a 'real' antenna on?


Best of luck,
Chris