When it comes to a TSB, is it my responsibility to bring it to the service department attention or are they supposed to look them up when a vehicle is brought in?

 

Recalls is on them, TSBs are on you and will be handled with specific complaints.

 

Meaning the service people will NOT apply a TSB unless you describe specific issues (and they can replicate them).

Taking the TSB with you and showing it to the dealer is not always the best option. It usually better to describe the issue and then demonstrate your truck does it.

 

As the other replies have said, the TSB is a solution for a known problem on some vehicles. Your dealer isn't likely to waste time implementing a fix unless you can prove to him that your truck has that specific problem.
Also, the TSB is only a solution for a problem, and is independent of your warranty. In other words, if your truck is under warranty and they fix something it is covered whether or not they used a TSB. Same goes for if your truck is out of warranty... you will pay for the fix whether or not they used a TSB for the solution. On rare occasions they might allow a TSB to be covered under warranty even after the warranty is expired if it was a larger issue but not saftey related so there was no original recall.

 

Here is why I ask. In June of 2007, I bought a 2008 Escape. About a year later, the seat began to stain with of all things, water{I thought I heard one time about bio-degradable seats}. We started to complain around the 2nd half of 2008. We complained to 2 guys in the service department, including the manager, both of which are friends of ours. We also complained to the general manager of the dealership who we also know and ran into one night. We got the same story, Ford will not cover this. We continued to complain for the next 2 1/2 years.

Now, about 4 weeks ago, I was at the service deptartment again, but with my truck and presented them with the TSB. They looked the TSB up and I was told to get the Escape there before it had 36,000 miles on it. My wife did several days later with close to 36,000 but under. They looked at it and confirmed that it was the TSB that I informed them about. But now am told it is over the 36 month warranty.

These are buddies of mine and have done me great service over the years. I also reminded them that we have been complaining about this for almost 3 years. A week ago I was given a courtesy call and was told they are still working on it. I'm hoping for the best, and will remind them again about the last 3 years when I talk to them again. Maybe suggest the dealership replace them since I purchased it there and complained there and they know all about it.

 

If you have a record of it, they should handle it under warranty. I would try again with the dealer, and if no satisfaction, contact Ford direct.

 

hopefully you have these gripes listed on a paper receipt that states could not replicate on their part which physically shows how long youve been complainig about it. gives a better timeline than "i told my buddy who works at the dealer"