I just got my new F-150 Supercrew last week and the first time I stopped for gas I got the fuel filler door open and now it won't close; just flops around. You would think they would put a more substantial door on a $40,000+ vehicle. Anyone else had a similar problem?

 

I haven't had a problem yet, but it seems to the consensus around this board that the fuel door is quite cheap. I know a lot of people have been replacing their's with a billet type fuel door. I've debated doing it myself, but so far mine's OK. Of course I've only filled up twice. I got the $50.00 Cabela's coupon offer from Ford yesterday, so I may put that toward a Billet fuel door.

 

fredi, I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but the door closing spring broke on you truck. I had to have mine replaced at about 1,500 miles. While you wait on the dealer to order the part,you can reach up under the side of the truck and push the hinge pin and spring back into the hinge. Some of us have had this problem, mainly flairsides though.

 

I took the truck to the dealer this morning and it was fixed by noon. Ford must know there is a problem as the part was in stock. Service adviser was surprised they had the part as it is not something they usually stock. Fuel door seems to work fine now. I guess alls well that ends well.

 

fredidog,
good to know that you got your fuel door fixed! Mine broke about a week and a half ago, and I agree with Cincy F150, it's the spring. Dealer ordered the entire door assembly for mine. (Nothing was in stock). Part arrived in three days. Got it fixed (replaced) on last Friday. All is well!! Cheap spring, I guess. For future reference, if anyone else experience this problem, you can close the door the way Cincy f150 explained above OR as I did, with a small piece of double sided tape. It keeps it close until the parts arrive. BTW I have the supercrew Lariat.

 

i understand ford's need to "decontent" (reduce manufactured cost) but they really blew it on the fuel door. Everytime a guy fuels up, he has to fool with the flimsy fuel door so he is reminded very often of how obviously ford cuts corners. And the covers for the side rear mirrors are as cheap looking as they come. The door mounted mirror housings on my 97 XLT look and feel like Rolls Royce compared to the XLT 04 side mirrors. Note to ford---take out cost if you must but dont screw with the stuff people see and touch every time they use the vehicle.

The value of tactile feel to the user is something that honda for instance understands very well. They do spend a bit more engineering and building interior/trim parts, but the overall effect is so superior that honda's investment receives a huge payback in terms of buyer satisfaction and loyalty.

ford's decision to delete a tach from the STX is another large mistake. Although it's a marketing mistake to delete a tach from their self pronounced "Sporty" model i.e. it is not a part quality issue.

 

03f150MAN,
I agree about the cheap look of the side view mirrors. I placed the chrome Putco mirror covers on mine. Looks awsome!! Lots of comments too.