Took my truck to the dealer today because of transmission problems. This is the 3rd time for me to take my truck to the dealer to have my transmission rebuilt in 16,000 miles. See this post for more information https://www.f150online.com/forums/sh...d.php?t=286013

I get a call from my dealer saying that they had to call Ford to help them figure out this problem. Ford recommended checking the tolerances on the clutch packs in the 1st and 2nd gears. They've already ordered the clutches. Basically going to rebuild the transmission for a 3rd time.

I asked why don't we just put a new transmission in and go on. The service adviser said Ford had policy that they would only replace the transmission if the rebuild cost is 70% the cost of replacing the transmission. Also, ford's warranty only covers the cost of a rental car for 3 days. It's going to take longer than 3 days to fix my truck. I don't think I should have to pay anything for a rental car while my truck is still covered under the full factory warranty.

My 4X4 system is also being worked on right now. I think I may have a lemon. Hopefully, the transmission will crap out after this repair and I'll qualify for the Texas lemon law.

I've been a Ford fan all my life, but looks like this may be the end of that. I went to the Nissan dealer and test drove the 2008 Titan. They've really improved the interior on those trucks and it has more bells and whistles than the Lariat F150. Oh, and the transmission shifts like a dream. Nissan can put me in a new Titan LE Crew Cab for around the same payments as my Ford right now. I really don't want to give up on Ford but enough is enough. I travel all the time and can't deal with having my truck in the shop once a month getting the transmission rebuilt.

 

Um, ever considered trying another dealer? Maybe their trans guy ain't up to snuff and isn't putting them back together very well.

 

Well that's a damn shame but I can't say I blame you at all. Ford loses customers day after day to the Japanese so they should be fighting like hell to keep you.

 

Yep, I thought about doing that, but I want to deal with one dealer from start to finish. The service adviser would probably rather have a new transmission installed, but Ford motor company has a policy concerning transmission replacements.

 

Yeah, you would think they would try and help me out. My parents talked to their Ford dealer back home about this issue and the dealer asked why they didn't replace the transmission. He did say Ford is starting to get really **** about keeping track of all the maintenance done on your vehicle (having your maintenance log filled out) . If you can't show proper records they will then have a way to void your warranty.

 

Tell the dealer you are looking at filling Lemon paper work if it isn' fixed right this time. I promise he will relay that to Ford who will probably replace the tranny then. You have to know how to deal with the paper pushers.

 

I've already warned them that if I have one more problem with this transmission that I'll file a lemon law against my truck. In Texas you have to have 2 problems in the first 12,000 miles (met that). Also, have to have 2 more problems within the next 12,000 miles after the 2nd problem (half way there). I'm at number 3 right now. Then you have to write Ford Motor company (not the dealer) and give them a chance to fix the problem. They have 30 days to fix it. I'm kinda hoping this transmission is still screwed up so I can get my money back on my truck. I pretty much owe what the truck is worth right now. I'd like to be able to get a reimbursement on my extended warranty and my down payment back if Ford has to buy it back. I have a friend who is a lawyer and has dealt with this situation before. I'm ready to fight this in court if I have too. I'm probably not getting another F150 until they do a major redesign on the drivetrain. I love everything else about the truck except the damn transmission.

 

If you get the Titan, which is not as nice as the F-150 inside or capability wise, at least you won't have these issues. The F-150 is the nicest truck out there, no doubt. But, you have to get what makes you happiest.

 

Just for fun I pulled out all my repair records. Ford has (will probably) spend over $6000 in just over a month repairing this truck already. I can't imagine keeping this truck after my warranty expires. It's unfortunate because this was the truck I planned on keeping till the wheels fell off. Hell, $6000 dollars would definitely buy a new transmission.

I've only had it since November of 2006, and already have 16,000 miles on it. It's sat idle at the airport for at least a month, and it's been at the dealer for a total of 3 weeks since I bought it. I'll have 100,000 on it in no time. I travel all over Texas with my job, so that's why I have so many miles on it. It's a huge inconvenience to me to have to change to a different vehicle, because I have so many tools and things I have to transfer to the rental car of the week.

 

What dealership are you using?

 

I'm using Mac Haik Ford located in Georgetown, TX. The sales office is amazing, but not too sure of the service department right now.

I just remembered I have a friend that can get an employee discount at Nissan. I'm thinking I might be able to pull out of this with at least the same payments I'm making now.

 

I figured you were using Champion from the sounds of the trouble. Mac Haik has a outstanding service dept here in Houston, So I'd assume the GT one would be just as good. Best bet is to try and talk to the highest guy possible, show them all the recipts and such on how much has already been spent on it and if that fails, bitch and moan as Mac Haik acutally does care about their customer service image. That said, if it was me, after going through the lemon process, Id still buy another ford, yes lighting can strike twice, but the odds are slim to none.

 

Just to show you how small of a world it is. The guy that owns Mac Haik ford has a mother that lives in the same town where I'm from in Mississippi. I have a family friend that knows his mother. I'm sure I could take it all the way to the top if the situation requires it. I probably won't take it that far, but might bring that up in the meeting with the top service guy.

 

So let me see if I understand the situation. This isn't costing you anything (other then some time), Ford is footing the entire bill while your dealer tries to figure out what's causing your transmission problems, but because they won't do what you want and replace the tranny you want to dump Ford and buy a Nissan? I believe that's it in a nutshell right? Good move, you'll solve the transmission problem, but then you'll be replacing differentials every 6 months. Whatever floats your boat.

 

Well, it's pretty damn obvious to me that the first 2 rebuilds didn't work too well (nearly stranded me on the side of the road one time). Every time they had to tear down the transmission. The Ford dealer my parents use are wondering why they didn't replace the transmission to begin with, but they're located in Mississippi. Oh, and they still may want me to pay for a rental car while my car gets fixed ($30 a day). The only reason I have a rental car is because I bought the extended warranty, and it only covers rentals for 3 days. So, I may have to pay for a rental car while my truck with 16,000 miles on it is having the transmission rebuilt for the 3rd time. I may be a little pissed off right now, but I've lost confidence in my truck.

I'm out of town for 4 days a week. I have Friday's off, thats when I'm available to take care of business. So, having a truck put into the shop turns into a week long affair. Not to mention I have tools I need to carry around with me at all times. Hence, the reason I needed a truck not a damn Ford focus rental car.

Nissan has supposedly worked out the differential problems. I strongly considered Nissan, but chose the Ford because I've never really had a problem with any Ford product until now. Also, no one should ever have to pay a dime for a rental car for major repair items while under the full factory warranty.