Parts Missing from an Ordered Vehicle?!

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Dec 16, 2003 | 02:17 PM

Badger

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From: San Antonio, TX

Parts Missing from an Ordered Vehicle?!

I recently ordered (on Nov 10) a F350, CC, LB, 6.0L, Lariat, FX4 (insert Tim Taylor grunts here). It arrived at the dealer 6 days ago (Dec 10).

I took it for a ride. Nice, nice, nice.

Popped the hood to, of course, admire the mammoth engine. I glanced up and noticed that there was no fireguard cloth (felt?) on the underside of the hood. Interesting. I brought it to the dealer's attention who scratched his head and went off to look at a couple of other similar trucks that had recently arrived. They all had it. Mine did not.

Has anybody else noticed "stuff missing" from the factory? I'm wondering if there is a list of commonly overlooked items that might not get caught once leaving the factory.

In any case, they are ordering the proper pad and should have it installed soon.

Dec 16, 2003 | 02:36 PM

1956MarkII

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From: Tampa Bay, FL USA

Unfortunately, it happens now and then. I once had a customer order a Windstar LX that was supposed to come standard with power driver's seat. Guess what? No power seat. Took forever to resolve it and get a power seat installed. Ford said we should have caught it when it came off the carrier and report it as a "shortage." What if it was a truck that was supposed to get a limited-slip differential? Are we supposed to disassemble the rear axle to check its components?

Dec 16, 2003 | 03:46 PM

Badger

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From: San Antonio, TX

Well, I can see missing things that are optional. i.e. power seat vs. not, limited slip vs. not.

But Ford's QA should certainly catch stuff that is standard on everything out there like the fabric in question.

I mean, its like missing a firewall or a set of bumpers. Sure the truck will run without it, but its standard and is a safety hazard if not included.

Dec 16, 2003 | 06:49 PM

lucki1

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From: Danville Va

I recently purchanced 2004 F-150 . It has flow thru console. When checking for Cassette/CD organizer I failed to find one. Went back to dealer and salesman did'nt know what it was and then said he did'nt think it was supposed to have one. I then showed him in the owner's guide where it said it did and he did'nt know what to say. I am writing Ford about it but I'm not holding my breath.

We also checked some others on his lot and none had it in them either.

I know it's not a big item and it does'nt change my mind about the truck but it is irritating.

When you pay 30K plus for some of these trucks the least you could expect would be that it came with everything it says it has.

I expect them to tell me it has been discontinued.

Dec 16, 2003 | 06:57 PM

1956MarkII

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From: Tampa Bay, FL USA

You all have to remember one of Ford's favorite words: DECONTENTING. The practice of continually removing features from a vehicle to save a few pennies of production cost, done under the guise of "competitiveness." This has been done for the past couple years about 6 weeks after the new models come out. The brochure promises cup holders in the back seat, then Ford decides you no longer need these, and they can save 85 cents worth of plastic by eliminating them, and- voila!- they're gone. Of course, now Ford has to replace all the incorrect brochures (which I'm SURE cost more per item than the 85 cents they supposedly just saved...), change our order guides, notify all of us of the change, etc... You know what I'm going to say to Bill Ford, Jr., if I ever get to meet him, don't you?

"Here's your sign..."

Dec 17, 2003 | 12:23 AM

B C fx4 Level II

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Speaking of DECONTENTING: Bought a 03 Ranger Fx4 Level II. First time I lifted the hood when it was dark, I noticed something else DECONTENTED, a light under the hood. Had one on all my other fords, 1990, 97.
Thought that was a little Cheap..........

Dec 17, 2003 | 12:27 AM

Torque1st

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I have had missing parts and features on my vehicles also. I have also seen vehicles come without major parts like suspension links and shocks. I have also seen them come without headliner trim and door handles/panels etc! -hehe