I own a 2002 L that is not currently on the recall list to fix the cruise switch that could cause a fire. I have confirmed with Ford that this is the exact same switch that is on my 2002, but is not included in the recall because not enough cases have been linked to this model year. I called the dealer and they are asking approx. $70 to replace my factory switch with the recall fix. Should I push to get this fixed for free? What chances do I have?

 

For $70????? If your that worried about it, just cough up the cash and call it a day.

 

You may be interested in reading this story on CNN

http://www.cnn.com/2005/US/06/16/for...les/index.html

...or maybe you've already seen it. Either way, best of luck to you.

I've unplugged mine and forgotten about it. I don't ever use cruise anway, it's unsafe to drive like that in nearly all circumstances in my opinion.

 

According to CNN, the switch is only about $20. If they want $70, then it's $20 for the switch and $50 for some dude to get off his dead a$$ to pull it from the parts bin. Ran into a similar situation. My headlight switch **** broke. They wanted $25 for just the **** ... figured that was $10 for the **** (which I can get on ebay for $10.50 including the switch) and $15 for the parts man to get off his dead a$$ to get it from the shelf. I'll glue it back on before I pay the $25.00

Time to get off the soap box ...

Larry

 

The switch is $20. They want $40 for labor. I would do it myself but I like the piece-of-mind of having on record that I had a certified Ford mechanic replace the switch with an approved fix per the recall from Ford. No loose ends. I have no problems paying the $70, but if I can moan enough to get it free I will. It's all about accountability.

 

Spoken like a true American.

No one ever takes responsability for anything and look for any reason to sue just about anybody...

 

I think that there have been only around 250 complaints outside of the recall?

Thats out of millions and millions of cars, I dont think ford is going to fix all those cars when the chance of any thing happening is less then 1/10th of a percent.

You can try. I would just spend $70 and hang on to the receipt. If they do recall it later, you can get your $70 back.

 

The way CNN is pumping this out, its going to really hurt Ford no matter what. People will try to make money out of this just like they did with Audi in the 80's and for the Explorer tire fiasco. Ford and Bridgestone/Firestone still haven't recuperated from that one.

TB

 

Well, now that some one has died from it, I expect Ford probably will have to do some thing soon.

Old Lady killed by her burning Ford.


The investigators havent made any findings on what exactly caused the fire, But damn, Ford sure seems to know that it wasnt their fault.

I am willing to bet that if the F150's Cruise control did cause the fire, Ford might be in for it.

But I can understand their reluctance to recall all Ford vehicles from 1996-2003. At $70 a peice that would cost them in the Billions.

 

Ford is only worth 20 Billion. The total market cap of Ford shares is just 20.67 billions. This could finish them off.

 

Ford certainly doesn't pay $20 for that switch. Plus, how many of the vehicles in the (potential) recall are still in service? Certainly not all of them. In addition to that, how many people that get the letter will actually show up to get the serivce? Half? Maybe.

Ford will be fine me thinks.

 

An analyst said recently that if Ford and GM were airlines, they would already be in Chapter 11 especially GM. Do you realize that Toyota is worth 10 times what GM and Ford put together with significantly lower debt.

GM are moving their production to China. In the next 5 years, half of the GM and Ford dealerships and plants could be closed. There are more foreign owned plants in the US than domestic.

Its game over for GM and Ford and what was traditionally the US industry.

Don't believe it , just watch.

TB

 

With almost $2,000 of EVERY car going to retiree benefits, methinks your right.

 

funny i hadn't heard of this. does it affect 2003 lightnings? anyone know? OK, sumbody give me the part number please.... my bedroom is directly over top of where my lightning is parked in the garage

 

Should affect all Gen II Lightnings.