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Subject: 97up-list-digest V2 #302
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97up-list-digest Sunday, November 7 1999 Volume 02 : Number 302



=======================================================================
Ford Truck Enthusiasts - 1997 and Newer Trucks and Vans
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In this issue:

Re: FTE 97up - Steering problems - wandering
FTE 97up - Wheel Well Liners
Re: FTE 97up - Steering problems - wandering
Re: FTE 97up - Wheel Well Liners
Re: FTE 97up - Musty Odor in Vents
FTE 97up - Re: post about steering wander
FTE 97up - Musty odor fix
RE: FTE 97up - Musty odor fix
FTE 97up - Warranty on new engine
FTE 97up - Air Bag Light
Re: [FTE 97up - Steering problems - wandering ] sendback
Re: FTE 97up - Musty odor fix
Re: FTE 97up - Musty odor fix
FTE 97up - Remove and re-set the Steering Wheel, Not the Front-End
Re: FTE 97up - Musty Odor in Vents
FTE 97up - California Lemon Law

=======================================================================

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Date: Sat, 6 Nov 1999 06:50:42 -0500
From: "Steve J. Hodson"
Subject: Re: FTE 97up - Steering problems - wandering

This isn't a problem with all 99 SD's and the Dealer is just trying to avoid
saying 'we don't know what the problems is and we're losing money trying to
figure it out'. Go back to the dealer and tell them you want to test drive
(with the service manager riding along) some of the other SD's on the lot to
confirm that this is a problem with all of the trucks. Get the regional
manager from Ford involved if they are not cooperative.

You might suggest that they rotate the tires (front to rear) or even switch
the tires with another vehicle. Now and then tires can slip through the QC
process that have ply seperation and they will never drive well on any
vehicle. Swiching to a new set might fix the problem.
Steve Hodson
- -----Original Message-----
From: Joseph Veres
To: 97up-list ford-trucks.com
Date: Saturday, November 06, 1999 5:55 AM
Subject: FTE 97up - Steering problems - wandering


Hi Y'all - This is a problem that has been posted before - I've
read most of them, still can't get my problem solved. Maybe Nathan or
someone else can help me out.
I've got a 99 SD SC PSD - took it home last December. I Noticed
right away that there was a steering problem of some type. The truck
was hard to keep in the lane, kept wanting to "wander" from side to
side.
In June, I took it into the dealer for a list of things to be done.
I noticed that the steering wheel was not properly aligned, and added
that to the list, as well as the steering problem.
when I got the truck back, I was happy to discover that the
steering was much better - stayed solidly in the lane with ease. But I
noticed that they forgot to align the steering wheel.
I took the truck back to the dealer in September for another
"list", and included the centering of the steering wheel to the list.
When I got the truck back, the steering wheel was aligned, but the
steering was sloppy again, wandering all over the lane.
Took it back in October complaining about the steering. I was told
that this is "normal due to caster being low. All Superduties have a
lower caster". They said it can't be fixed - even though they had fixed
it once! They claimed that their records showed that they didn't do
anything to it last time to make it steer better, and couldn't explain
why it improved.
Took it back in November. As per previous posts, I suggested that
they back off the adjusting nut on the steering box a bit - when I got
the truck, the invoice said, "Found steering gear too tight - adjusted
steering gear to operate smoother."
If they did anything, it didn't help - still wanders badly.
Don't know where to go from here - the way it is, it's quite tiring
to drive for any distance at all.
Sorry for the long post - sure would appreciate any suggestions or
fixes. Thanx in advance. Gary



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Date: Sat, 6 Nov 1999 07:15:45 -0500
From: "Robert T. Salisbury"
Subject: FTE 97up - Wheel Well Liners

Does anyone know where I might find Polyethylene rear wheel well liners for
my 2000 F-250 SD? Here in the northeast winter road salt plays havoc with
the inside fender areas of our vehicles. I have found that installing these
wheel well liners eliminate this problem. I have bought them from JC Whitney
in the past but they do not carry them for the late model Fords. Any
information would be helpful. Thanks, Bob Salisbury

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------------------------------

Date: Sat, 6 Nov 1999 07:53:00 EST
From: NORTONMC aol.com
Subject: Re: FTE 97up - Steering problems - wandering

Make copies of all of the repair invoices and go to Ford Motor Company about
the problem.
I helped my neighbors get a complete refund on a Chevy Astro van because the
dealer jerked them around too much about repairing the noisy differential.
They put 18,000 miles on the original van and got a 100% refund from Chevy
when the factory had to take the van back.
I live in New Jersey where consumer laws are very strong. Look into it where
you're at, it might be worth the effort. If nothing else the threat of
invoking Lemon Law action may cause the dealer to actually fix the truck
which is all you really want anyway.
The way our law works is the dealer gets three tries to repair the same
complaint. After that you can start the hearing process.
Good luck.

Dennis McNamara
79 Ranchero
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Date: Sat, 6 Nov 1999 08:38:47 EST
From: CERESJohnG aol.com
Subject: Re: FTE 97up - Wheel Well Liners

Bob;

Whiney generally doesn't stock stuff like that. It's a factory direct ship.
Whitney just acts like an agent. That said, the package generally comes with
the factory identification on it. Do you have a clue as to who made the liner
you used previously? Most of these guys now have at least a token web site
with a phone number.

John G
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Date: Sat, 6 Nov 1999 08:46:29 -0500
From: "Edward C. Miller"
Subject: Re: FTE 97up - Musty Odor in Vents

I have the same problem in my '98 Explorer. It stinks with both the AC or
Heater on. I've got to get it back to get cleaned before my warrenty runs out
in 8K miles.


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Date: Sat, 06 Nov 1999 10:16:08 -0500
From: Bill
Subject: FTE 97up - Re: post about steering wander

I read a post in the past few days about 1999 super duty
wander and hard steering. As I was driving home this
morning I remembered a similar thing happening the first
time I had my 1999 SD in for an oil change. When I picked
the truck up and was headed home I notice a difference in
steering effort and a tendency to wander. Finally after 2
weeks I was checking tire pressure and found the front at
45psi and rear at 55psi. I had been using 60 front and 65
rear. After increasing pressure and driving the wander and
high effort steering was gone. This may not be the posters
problem, but its worth checking.
- --
This message was sent using 100% recycled electrons.
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------------------------------

Date: Sat, 6 Nov 1999 12:13:42 EST
From: PaulinMO aol.com
Subject: FTE 97up - Musty odor fix

I had this problem on my mother's Honda Accord. It was so bad you couldn't
turn on the vents without getting knocked over by the smell of mold. I parked
it and turned on the vent fan full, with the windows of the car open, and
sprayed PineSol into the air intake in front of the windshield. Then leave
the fan running for awhile to blow out a good deal of the PineSol scent. The
PineSol disinfectant should kill some of the mold organisms, and at least the
scent of the PineSol is tolerable compared to say, Lysol.

It seemed to help. A couple of treatments a few weeks apart, and now I don't
notice any smell at all. (I drive this car every day now.) And believe me, it
was BAD.
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Date: Sat, 6 Nov 1999 13:04:18 -0500
From: "Zinski, Steve"
Subject: RE: FTE 97up - Musty odor fix

Surely you meant to say "Lysol".

--Steve


- -----Original Message-----
From: PaulinMO aol.com [mailto:PaulinMO aol.com]
Sent: Saturday, November 06, 1999 12:14 PM
To: 97up-list ford-trucks.com
Subject: FTE 97up - Musty odor fix


I had this problem on my mother's Honda Accord. It was so bad you couldn't
turn on the vents without getting knocked over by the smell of mold. I
parked
it and turned on the vent fan full, with the windows of the car open, and
sprayed PineSol into the air intake in front of the windshield. Then leave
the fan running for awhile to blow out a good deal of the PineSol scent. The

PineSol disinfectant should kill some of the mold organisms, and at least
the
scent of the PineSol is tolerable compared to say, Lysol.

It seemed to help. A couple of treatments a few weeks apart, and now I don't

notice any smell at all. (I drive this car every day now.) And believe me,
it
was BAD.
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------------------------------

Date: Sat, 6 Nov 1999 13:40:54 EST
From: MWL66 aol.com
Subject: FTE 97up - Warranty on new engine

Does anyone know what the warranty will be on a new 5.4 engine that's being
replaced by the dealer for then infamous Piston Slap?? I was really
surprised when they told me they had ordered a new engine for my 99 F-150
truck.
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------------------------------

Date: Sat, 06 Nov 1999 10:56:05 -0800
From: Kent Tombs
Subject: FTE 97up - Air Bag Light

Could anybody with a manual for the Superdutys look up a code for the
air bag light. Mine flashes twice and then seven times, it does this
reapeatably then stays on . I think it is the passenger side airbag
switch as this flickered a few times when first doing it and now does
not work anymore.
Thanking you in advance Kent
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------------------------------

Date: 6 Nov 99 14:46:35 PST
From: lee cowell
Subject: Re: [FTE 97up - Steering problems - wandering ] sendback

Joseph,

looks like dealer's not going to fix it. you may eventually have to conta=
ct
the regional manager & get him involved. ascertain that you have all aspe=
cts
of these "trips" to the dealer documented in WRITING. then have the deale=
r
check the ALL TSB's relative to your model because one of them is a fix f=
or
your exact problem. note that this TSB info was posted somewhere on the
Edmund's "SD Cont'd" site because I remember seeing it over there. hope t=
his
helps.

akmomndad webtv.net (Joseph Veres) wrote:
Hi Y'all - This is a problem that has been posted before - I've
read most of them, still can't get my problem solved. Maybe Nathan or
someone else can help me out.
I've got a 99 SD SC PSD - took it home last December. I Noticed
right away that there was a steering problem of some type. The truck
was hard to keep in the lane, kept wanting to "wander" from side to
side.
In June, I took it into the dealer for a list of things to be done.
I noticed that the steering wheel was not properly aligned, and added
that to the list, as well as the steering problem.
when I got the truck back, I was happy to discover that the
steering was much better - stayed solidly in the lane with ease. But I
noticed that they forgot to align the steering wheel.
I took the truck back to the dealer in September for another
"list", and included the centering of the steering wheel to the list.
When I got the truck back, the steering wheel was aligned, but the
steering was sloppy again, wandering all over the lane.
Took it back in October complaining about the steering. I was told
that this is "normal due to caster being low. All Superduties have a
lower caster". They said it can't be fixed - even though they had fixed
it once! They claimed that their records showed that they didn't do
anything to it last time to make it steer better, and couldn't explain
why it improved.
Took it back in November. As per previous posts, I suggested that
they back off the adjusting nut on the steering box a bit - when I got
the truck, the invoice said, "Found steering gear too tight - adjusted
steering gear to operate smoother."
If they did anything, it didn't help - still wanders badly.
Don't know where to go from here - the way it is, it's quite tiring
to drive for any distance at all. =

Sorry for the long post - sure would appreciate any suggestions or
fixes. Thanx in advance. Gary =

=

=


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tml


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Get your own FREE, personal Netscape WebMail account today at http://www.ford-trucks.com//lc/lc.php?action=do&link=http://webm=
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------------------------------

Date: Sat, 6 Nov 1999 18:40:01 EST
From: NORTONMC aol.com
Subject: Re: FTE 97up - Musty odor fix

Ford has a specific fix for the musty odor in the A/c unit. It may be covered
under a hidden recall. They use a special product and procedure to kill the
fungus growing in the evaporator. It works. I took two Grand Marquis company
cars to the dealer and had it done. Odors gone and did not come back.
I wouldn't have known about it except for the Mitchell On Demand program I
use at work for servicing our company fleet.
Contact the dealer and have them do it. I doubt they will let you know how to
use the product, though I'm sure they will sell it to you.

Dennis McNamara
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------------------------------

Date: Sat, 06 Nov 1999 22:40:14 -0800
From: Glenn See
Subject: Re: FTE 97up - Musty odor fix

PineSol is a disinfectant cleaner sold mainly in the south.

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------------------------------

Date: Sat, 6 Nov 1999 23:50:26 -0500
From: "Keith Veren"
Subject: FTE 97up - Remove and re-set the Steering Wheel, Not the Front-End

When you steering is perfect and "dead-on", doing anything to the front-end
will not improve it and is guaranteed to make it worse, even the simple
thing as adjusting tie-rod ends to re-center the steering wheel. In the
older days, when we had the front end aligned perfectly but the steering
wheel was not "squared-up" when going straight, we just pulled the steering
wheel and re-set it in the proper position. Don't know if you can do that
with cars and trucks these days, but if you can, that's what you should do!

Keith



akmomndad webtv.net (Joseph Veres) wrote:
Hi Y'all - This is a problem that has been posted before - I've
read most of them, still can't get my problem solved. Maybe Nathan or
someone else can help me out.
I've got a 99 SD SC PSD - took it home last December. I Noticed
right away that there was a steering problem of some type. The truck
was hard to keep in the lane, kept wanting to "wander" from side to
side.
In June, I took it into the dealer for a list of things to be done.
I noticed that the steering wheel was not properly aligned, and added
that to the list, as well as the steering problem.
when I got the truck back, I was happy to discover that the
steering was much better - stayed solidly in the lane with ease. But I
noticed that they forgot to align the steering wheel.
I took the truck back to the dealer in September for another
"list", and included the centering of the steering wheel to the list.
When I got the truck back, the steering wheel was aligned, but the
steering was sloppy again, wandering all over the lane.
Took it back in October complaining about the steering. I was told
that this is "normal due to caster being low. All Superduties have a
lower caster". They said it can't be fixed - even though they had fixed
it once! They claimed that their records showed that they didn't do
anything to it last time to make it steer better, and couldn't explain
why it improved.
Took it back in November. As per previous posts, I suggested that
they back off the adjusting nut on the steering box a bit - when I got
the truck, the invoice said, "Found steering gear too tight - adjusted
steering gear to operate smoother."
If they did anything, it didn't help - still wanders badly.
Don't know where to go from here - the way it is, it's quite tiring
to drive for any distance at all.
Sorry for the long post - sure would appreciate any suggestions or
fixes. Thanx in advance. ://www.ford-trucks.com/faq.html

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------------------------------

Date: Sun, 7 Nov 1999 00:36:03 EST
From: Fordman4L aol.com
Subject: Re: FTE 97up - Musty Odor in Vents

I appreciate your reactions to my problem of the odor. The dealership I
brought my truck from also told me that it is normal for any vehicle made by
Ford to have that odor in the vents and a.c. But when I asked them to show
me one on the lot that did that, they couldn't find one, so I am now having
my truck serviced at a better and bigger dealership. I will ask them to
check the drainage hose and pan to see if that is the problem. I thought
that might be the problem this time around because during the past month, it
seems that it has not been dripping as much water as it used to. I will also
ask them about the deodorizer but I think that is what they have been using
to fix the problem. Oh yeah, by the way, I leave my a.c. in the on position
because I live in North Alabama and I usually need it to be on when I get in
my truck. Well, hopefully they will fix my truck right this time with a few
"suggestions."

Daniel Moore
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------------------------------

Date: Sun, 7 Nov 1999 03:16:32 EST
From: Cookies aol.com....

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