So...

I go to start my '06 Lariat SCrew. Key won't turn.

My wife says "did you jiggle the steering wheel?" (which ticks me off, so I tell her no and let her try).

Tow truck driver says "did you jiggle the steering wheel?" so I tell him no and let him try.

Boy, it sure stung to see my truck on the hook. Glad my (Chevy-truck-driving) neighbor wasn't around.

Ford dealer says "did you jiggle the steering wheel?" so they try.

Dealer says that Ford Focus' have a problem with stuck ignition cylinders but they've never seen one in an F-150... usually requires replacement of the cylinder.

Now, two days later... they've ordered me a new steering column which is 7 - 10 days away... (I'm in Canadastan)

Anybody seen anything like that? A new steering column?

That's not going to happen when I have my family on a camping trip, right? (there's no "limp-home" mode when you can't unlock the steering wheel)

 

ive never heard replacing a whole colum to fix the lock. The colum itself is just a [collapsable] metal rod with a mounting point for the steering wheel, and a gear on the bottom for the steering rack

 

Yah.

It sounded like the repair of last resort for somebody who couldn't figure out what the heck had gone wrong (or how to fix it). So I'm sitting here (truckless) thinking I should have called a lock smith.

Plus, of 'course, I'm half sure that by the time I get my truck back the remote starter won't work anymore either.

The dealer's technicians seem to take it as a point of pride to screw that thing up whenever an opportunity presents itself.

 

well im a technician (not for Ford) but i cant say every vehicle ive seen leave our shop is perfect, but i know my master tech and i do everything we can to do our jobs correctly

 

That's a testament to your master tech's ethic and the service manager's ability to building a team of committed individuals. Good on all of you.

Our labour market is so constrained, however, (you litterally can't walk into a restaurant, shop, wal-mart or other place of business that doesn't have a "help wanted" sign on the door) that service at every possible level has suffered.

Most of us try to be patient and understanding... but I did see a 15-year old girl behind the counter at Tim Horton's (donut shop) reduced to tears because their 17-year old donut 'chef' quit (without notice) and a customer was up in her face cause he couldn't get a cruler.

Anyway... after 42 people (including the dealer) treated ME like an idiot ("did you try and jiggle the wheel?") I feel entitled to a rant.

No?

 

if there is something wrong with your repair take it back let them try to make it right. They wont know they screwed up if you dont take it back, and the tech cant fix his mistakes for future services.

Oh have you tried jiggling the wheel trick....? JK

 

Jiggle the wheel? Really? I'll have to try that!