Guys
I apologize if I don't attach this correctly, (I'm new), or I should put it in another category, but I couldn't find the thread where this came up before.

I took my Screw in for a few warranty items.

Radio Overheating : Been there, talked about it, done that.

Driver's Window 'banging' into place @ highway speeds : I believe this was mentioned by someonelse earlier, and I don't recall seeing a solution other than installing one of those visor vents. I didn't find that acceptable. The dealer looked at it and said there are numerous 'tabs' that secure the window, and I was missing one. (Didn't say if it fell off, or if it was missing). Anyway, they decided to replace the whole window to fix it. Also, I was very pleased that the dealer indicated he would pay to have the window retinted.

3rd Issue was a 'slipping' in the transmission when accelerating from a stop. They had to drive it 10 miles to duplicate the problem (they described it more as a 'shudder'. Ended up the dealer told me there was a 'new service bulletin' that came out, and they had to have a whole new driveshaft installed.

I haven't picked it up yet to get more detail on this 'service bulletin', but I thought I would pass it on.

The most amusing part was they couldn't start it after I dropped it off. Turned out (now, what are the odds here?) that the fuel pump shorted after I dropped it off. They replaced that to.

(Phew)

Rob

 

Well I have had all these problems but the fule pump (thank god)

Please let us know if the sliping feeling goes away with the replaced driveshaft as this has been a HUGE issue for the SCREWs and F-150s alike.

The window thing is not a big deal to me but if that missing clip thing fixed the problem again let us know.

See if you can get the full text of the bullitin for the slipping thing.

Also what dealer treated you so nicely???? I'm just curious...

 

Interesting to hear that a "shudder" would be caused by a driveshaft... interested in seeing the TSB too....

John

 

I have the same window problem on my truck (01 4x4 Screw), and am also interested in hearing how their fix was.

On the drive shaft....
On my '98 Ranger I was having the same problem as discussed here and after 4 trips to the dealer they finally replaced the drive shaft and the problem went away. On that final trip, the dealer told me it was something Ford knew about and had a TSB number for it. Had somthing to do with the splines not moving freely. The truck drove totally different!

 

would you guys describe the shudder as mostly happening when you pull up to a stop?? my truck has been doing this now for some time but it seems to be getting worse. what is odd is that it doesn't do it when you put the truck into neutral say 5 fee before stopping. it definitely seems like something is binding in the powertrain...thanks for any feedback.

 

Matteo, you are right on with the Ranger. I talked to the service guy some more. He didn't have any TSB #s for me, but he said there was one for the Ranger, and my truck was doing exactly the same thing. So they replaced the equivalent parts in the SCrew. I need to drive it some more to make sure, but I believe it went away.

TroyK, The shudder or slippage (whatever you want to call it) is at start-up from a dead stop, not stopping.

Dropping the truck off for the 3rd time on this window thing. They replaced the glass and did all kinds of adjustments, but it still isn't right. Glad I didn't get it retinted yet....

Rob

 

To all,
Also had a window problem on my 01(which I bought on 4/00). My problem sounded like a flat spot in a lower roller at almost 75% down. dealer took the door apart and said that they replaced the rollers but the problem came back 15K later. That's been over 40K ago and either I got used to it or it resolved itself. Other than that no other problems or recalls addressed or noticed.

 

Well, it took 3 times but they were able to adjust the window so it doesn't bang into place. (I tested it @ 75mph with fan on vent and hi, just for good measure) Not sure if they really ever needed to replace the glass.....

Rob

 

F150 Indy,

You said "Radio Overheating : Been there, talked about it, done that. " Did you get it resolved or still have the problem... cuz mine makes the CD's hotter that cat poop on a tin roof in July. Dealer says that's just the way it is... I think it's crap but can't get anyone to fess up that it just ain't right.

Cheleri

 

I have an 02 Screw and this is my first Ford since my 74 Pinto. I expect a $30K plus truck to not have any problems. I was wondering if the GM or Dodge trucks have the same kind of issues. Does anyone know? It would make feel better if the other trucks are worse that the "Built Ford Tough" trucks.

 

Cheleri
Your dealer is taking you for a ride. The radio overheating is a well known problem that has been discussed on this board over and over (thus my 'been there, done that' comment'. It is not a 'recall', but it is a known issue with a known fix.

Your dealer should give you the option of sending your radio back and waiting for it to get fixed (which means you are tune-less for several weeks) or you can get on a waiting list and they send your radio in and give you an equivalent core return.

I am on the waiting list (should be about a month). I can live with it until then.

Rob

 

Dodge has had a s**t load of problems with there automatics. So many that I would never recomend them. As for Chevy, they make good transmissions from what I have seen and heard. Also GM owns Alison Transmissions and they kick ***!

I think Fords main weakness is there transmissions but it's not like they all just have problems, it's more of a hit and miss in quality control. If there transmissions were just all built under stricter quality control, Ford would be able to kick there bad rep in this area. The Dodge transmissions on the other hand were just a bad design. They may have improved in the last few years, but who knows.

Unfortunatly most maunfatures take last years transmission and add/modify it instead of starting from the ground up.

I have almost 14,000 miles on my new SCREW and love it. Haven't had any problems (knock on wood) and will be keeping it for quite some time I figure.

I buy cars for the long run, I have never leased and may never lease. So I want my truck to last me. Chevys are nice but they have there problems too, and cost more to boot. Plus the look of the SCREW is really what got me hooked!

 

on my '01 screw the local deaership put in a different in dash cd player which had a fan in it somewhere. you could audibly hear the fan run as soon as the ignition was switched on. and the cds didn't get to warm after that.

what is interesting is that it appears ford is still using the same radios and only installing the fans when customers complain. my '02 s-crew has the six disc changer. but the in dash cassette player still gets very hot...!

 

My 99 SuperCab cooked the CDs. I didn't know it was a problem since it didn't wreck the CDs. It was a bit annoying when the CD almost burns your hand.

My 02 SCrew has a fan in the radio. I can hear it whenever the key is in the on or acc position. The CDs are just warm now, not hot like in my 99.

"Unfortunatly most maunfatures take last years transmission and add/modify it instead of starting from the ground up."

Actually most of the transmissons that the "big 3" sell today in their rear wheel drive applications are just upgraded and electronicized versions of their 70's transmissions. Even then they are really the most comlex part of the vehicle. If you include the mechanical wonderment of the valve body, torque converter, TCC, and all the other parts I'd say it's more complex than the engine management system.

I just wish I could buy a 5 or 6 speed stick SCrew. This is my first new automatic. Based on the trends of the last 10 years I'll have no choice but to buy more. Oh well. If I have tranny problems on my high milage screw maybe I'll just try to convert.

 

A really good example of the transmissions being reused and just added on to is the Dodge.

There old "Torque Flight" 3 speed automatic (I belive this was a non-computer controled automatic) was bullet proff, had one in our old Dodge van and even after many trips over the grape vine, carrying the whole family and gear for many summer vacations never once did the transmission have a problem. The vans still going tough (got it in 1985 and on it's second owner a good friend of ours).

Now Dodge took that same basic transmission aded a 4th gear to it and made it computer controled. More problems than you can possibly imagine!

The point, comon guys lets make these things from the ground up when you add a gear, or put it in a totally diffrent type of veicle with a totally diffrent engin.

Hopefully Ford will do something or at least contract it to someone who will.

I agree the transmission is most likley the most complex part of the truck/car and therefor is most likely to have something go wrong with it.