I have an 03 f-150, 5.4 with a bad case of piston slap. The dealership has told me that this noise is normal and should not be worried about. When I called the customer relations number, they put me on hold and called the dealer for their version of the story and to my astonishment this is how they base their decisions against unsatisfied customers. I was told that this was the end of the line for complaining and they wished me all the best. Then when reading my owners manual I discover that there is a process called arbitration, if requested by the customer. Has anyone ever gone this far over piston slap and if so how far did it get you?

Thanks for the info

 

about a year ago i took my truck to a ford dealership to investigae a loss of power and a ticking noise comming from my engine. i had the engine installed on my 1986 f150 at a dealership in CA and moved to Texas. i presented my engine warrenty information and ask that the problem be diagnosed in accordance with that warrenty. i get a call 3 days later telling my my truck is fixed and the engine is fine. i went to pick up the truck and was presented with a bill for $235. i explained about my warrenty and how i dont have to pay. to keep a long story short i ended up only paying a $75 diagnostic fee as i did not approve any repairs outside of the warrenty. upset i started digging around on the net and found an address for customer relations at fords corprate office i sent then a letter and a copy to the dealership about 2 weeks later a ford representive called me i explained that i recived poor service and paied for something i did not request. i was instructed to return to the dealership and i recived a refund and an aplogy from the manager. i know its not piston slapping but its still customer service and ford takes it very serious. complain to the right people and things happen. here is the information i have


United States Ford Motor Company
Customer Relationship Center
P.O. Box 6248
Dearborn, MI 48126

United States
(800) 392–3673
(800) 232–5952 (TDD for the Hearing Impaired)
United States Office Hours
8:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. ET (Monday–Friday)
9:00 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. ET (Saturday)

hope this helps

 

Ask your dealer for the phone number for the "Ford Dispute Settlement Board" -- They are required to give it to you.
I went through this process about 1 1/2 years ago, and Ford bought my 99 back because of a rough idle (full refund minus a $1500.00 charge for the mileage I put on it before I first complained to the dealer). I replaced it with a 2002. You must be patient and and courteous (I think) and have a good case. I think my 99 was at the dealer for the same problem 15 or so times.

 

Thanks for the info guys. I talked to the dealership owner today for the first time. So far I am pretty happy with what he is suggesting. He has agreed to suggest a new motor to Ford but says he cant promise anything. He is telling me that it is Fords call on the motor and customer service is telling me that it is the dealerships call, does anyone know the truth? Meanwhile I have been looking at other vehicles just in case this goes nowhere. I pulled in my driveway with a different vehicle and my neighbor began applauding, he said he was glad to see I was getting rid of my diesel sound alike. Oh and by the way the owner of the dealership voluntarily gave me the number to the arbitration board. Its a start I guess.

Thanks again