I guess I'll wait for the 2005's, hopefully the bugs will be gone!!

 

ANAP,
Dodge did nothing for me as far as converting me over. My Screw had 5,000 mi. on it . I paid invoice for the Screw which was about $33,200. I got $28,000 on trade. As for damning Ford, I'll give my short history of Fords.
First new Ford- 2001 Screw, bad head gasket @800 mi. replaced gasket, leaked again. Replaced engine @1800 mi. New engine over heated & had no power. Traded for another Screw @ 4000 mi. (lost $2,200 in three months), had that truck for two years, fuel pump went out @ 24,000 mi.(not a big deal but should not have happened). 2003 bought an F250 with a "Quiet" 6.0 diesel, took it in because of poor cold starting, got it back & it was very loud & went from getting 18 mpg. down to 9.5 mpg. took it back & was told they "flashed" the compter & I was stuck whith the noise & poor mpg. AND the truck ran worse then it did before. Traded the 6.0 for a 2004 Screw. It was the shop eight times for all the problems you see on this forum (and then some). So I don't know, am I damning Ford? I think I gave them more then a fair chance.

 

In 1991, I retired for the first time and bought an EB Bronco that I still have. The first trip I took with it was to the mountains of Colorado only I had to lay over in Santa Fe NM for a new transmission. I was out the three day motel bill but Ford addressed the issue. Before the truck had 16,000 miles on the clock, it had yet another 5 transmissions. The ever popular E4OD. But, Ford took care of the problem. While not pleased with the crappy transmission, Ford to care of me. The NEW F-150 SCrew that I have has the following, Surging/ pulsing brakes- deemed to be normal, occasional A/C- Fords response, turn off the A/C before starting, grinding transmission- deemed to be normal, noisy rear axle- deemed to be normal, distorted windshield- deemed to be within specifications, emergency brake that requires your foot to get it to release- don't set the brake as hard, vibration under 75MPH- deemed to be normal. All this and I spent $30,000 for this crap that is "deemed to be normal"! Don't know about you but screw me once and shame on you, there won't be a second time.

 

I got back a letter from the the DSB yesterday:
Upon initial review of your application we find that the following concern(s) will be presented to the Board. Driveline Vibration-Steering Wheel Nibble-Scab rear top not latching without a warning signal.
I'll having a meeting within 40 days with the board.

 

as others have said different dealers will handle it different. prooved this again today asking for info on wiring a tach and changing the cluster. i had a steering niblle that went away when the tires were rebalanced. but i am going to push for new tires. all 4 of my tires have knots in the sidewalls. other than that ive had no problems. i love the truck. i have 1200 miles so time will tell.

 

i suggest going through with the Dispute Settlement board also...their number is in the back of the owners manual.

 

ANAP, Colorado requires that you send written notification to FMC concerning your problems. It must be sent certified mail. They also require you to go through the dispute settlement process with FMC prior to the Lemon Law with your Attorney General.

Here's Colorado's Lemon Law in detail....

http://autopedia.com/html/LemonLaw/CO_lemonlaw2.html

I've been through this process, and although it is long, it is well worth it. I've had two trucks replaced within 5 years by FMC after pursuing the Lemon Law. Both F-350's with major problems that Ford would not take care of. So I took care of them myself and Ford got them back. The problems with my 04 Screw and Ford's inability to take care of them is my final straw. This will be my last Ford. IMO, they've got more problems and issues than any other manufacturer.

 

Thanks....what is the dispute settlement process with FMC????

 

CruelCrew
What did the DSB make you pay for: millage used, a few payments?

 

Labrador, both vehicles were complete buy-backs. No mileage charge. In both cases I had the choice of a complete purchase price refund, or new vehicle replacement. In both cases I opted for a total refund. Ford also had to pay for taxes and licensing and all accessories and aftermarket parts, plus installation.

The first F-350 had some safety related problems. Brakes, steering, transmission, etc. It also had 4 factory recalls, and over 10 applicable TSB's. Plus there were lots of other issues that I won't get into. The truck was in the shop constantly. Not knowing what to do I kept giving Ford chances to make it right. They never would step up and fix the POS, or offer me a solution. So I learned the hard way and finally filed with the DSB. After 42,000 miles the DSB heard my case and I easily won. Since I had the problems since the truck was new and Ford kept putting me off, the DSB did not charge me a usage fee. So I basically got 42,000 miles of free driving....hardly worth putting up with the POS though. The DSB determined the problems were safety related, and there was a loss of value and use of the vehicle.

The second buy-back was a '03 F-350 with the 6.0L diesel. Reflash after reflash I still got horrible smoke at start up. All the reprograms did was reduce my economy and cause the truck to lose power and get noisier. Then I got a rear main seal leak that after 3 tries, they never did get to stop leaking. There was also a weird vibration from the turbo that was so annoying that I refused to drive it any more. Vibrated your fillings apart from the floorboards to the roof. A bunch of other issues too that I won't get into. Again, Ford didn't take care of me. After 26K miles and fighting with them, they offered to buy the truck back...with a usage fee of over $7,000! Kiss my ***! Again I took it to the DSB and they removed the usage fee, giving me a complete refund. I did buy another F-350 with the 7.3L powerstroke. It has been ok, but nothing exceptional considering what it cost.

Anyway, with only 3,000 miles on ANAP's problem truck, there should be no usage fee.


ANAP, the DSB process is simple and free, but it can take a while (maybe 3 months max).

First you need to request a DSB application form from Ford Motor Company. By law they are obligated to give it to you immediately. If you can't get the application from them, you can get one directly from the DSB.

If your application (case) shows a sign of unusual loss of use (at the shop a lot), loss of value (unable to sell because of a problem), a problem that has not been fixed by Ford after repeated attempts, or a safety related problem, you will be assigned a case number.

If you want to win, you must provide all documentation with your application. Include invoices, receipts, estimates, 2nd opinions, phone conversations, letters, dates, people you talked to, etc. Support from your dealer will help too.

After you get a case number, the DSB will contact you regarding when your hearing will be. You have the option of being on the phone, in person, or not attending the hearing at all. I suggest you attend by phone. It's a good opportunity to thank the DSB and explain better your situation.

In the mean time, prior to the hearing, the DSB will gather information about your problem from Ford Motor Company and the dealer. You will have a chance to review what Ford/dealers sends the DSB and rebuttal any of their misinformation. This is a good time to add more evidence and proof for your case, and point out lies by Ford (they will try them).

During the hearing be courteous and kind to the DSB. They are not Ford. They are unpaid volunteers who are trying to help you. Thank them. Be professional. Be to the point and prompt.

The DSB will notify you of the outcome of the case. If you win, Ford is bound by law to oblige. If you lose, you are not out anything except time....as now you can pursue the Lemon Law, or get an attorney. The bearing of the DSB case has no affect on any future legal pursuit of the issue.

 

CruelCrew,

You think I have a shot at getting a refund for the following???

-They overfilled my engine with oil (so they say), I was driving around for about 300 miles that way with really rough idling and a really wacky rpm tach. This might of messed the engine up...I am taking it in for a compression test to see if the seals and everything are fine. They did not even change the spark plugs or check them to my knowledge. The rpms are still acting a little funny but the vibrating idle is gone so far.

-Rear window is rattling and they basically tested it and stated it was fine. Which it is not....

-I have the steering wheel nibble and the driveline vibration 55-65 MPH. I am pretty sure I do anyways....I can look in my driver side mirror and see the side of the bed hopping up and down on a flat road. It does have a lift on it from 4wheel parts, but that was done by the dealership before I bought it. They are telling me anything that has to do with the suspension (vibration), I have to go to 4wheel parts. Should I go there and have them check it and verify it is not their parts causing the issue? Have them contact Ford and state it is a problem with Ford?

-I have yet to break 14 MPG...and half my driving is on the highway around 65-70 MPH. I just checked it today and it was 12.95 MPG....that is pretty sad.

Thanks so much for the info CruelCrew!!! You have provided me with great info and I look forward to your response. YOU DA MAN!!

 

That's a tough one ANAP.

First the oil thing....

The DSB is set up for disputing warranty issues. For example things like defects that aren't being fixed, or warranty items that aren't being repaired properly. Sometimes dissatisfaction with the product itself or product quality will fall under the DSB too. Surely anything that's safety related, or causes an excessive loss of value and loss of use of the vehicle would.

If the vehicle came overfilled with oil from the factory, then you have a beef with FMC and can use the DSB. It was delivered to you defective. But if the dealer did it at a service, then chances are you'll have to work it out with the dealership, as this is not the DSB's jurisdiction.

I will point out that in your owner's manual (p. 234) it clearly states, "Oil levels above the MAX mark may cause engine damage. Some must be removed from the engine by a service technician."

It would be hard for you to prove or show that the engine was somehow damaged by the overfilling. You would need your servicing dealer to back you up here, tying the rough idle and poor economy to it somehow. And chances are that, at best, FMC would want to replace parts, repair your engine, or replace the entire engine....not really something you want done on a truck with only 3000 miles. What I'm saying is that you probably wouldn't get an entire vehicle buy-back for the oil thing.

But...if the truck is now running ok, I would certainly demand that Ford or your dealer (whoever overfilled it) give you the best extended warranty free of charge in case the problem shows its ugly face after your factory warranty ends. This is the least they could do. Reference their statement out of the owner's manual.

Now the rear window...

This has been a common problem on this truck. There might even be a service bulletin on it by now. If your dealer can not fix it, or won't fix it, you need to call FMC. If they will not authorize proper repair, then you need to file with the DSB. There is no reason why you should pay that kind of money to put up with a rattling rear window. But again, this issue will most likely not end in a vehicle buy-back. At best, you would get your window repaired or replaced on Ford's dime. Yes, you could take it to the DSB, and they would most likely award you money to get it repaired or replaced properly.

Mileage....

Again, another tough one. Your mileage does seem low. But there could be so many different reasons why, including driver habits, weather, etc., that it's hard to pin it down. Plus the truck is still fairly new and breaking-in. Your mileage may increase with some time, as others here have experienced that. Don't forget the EPA numbers on your sticker are only estimates, and not every truck will get that economy. The chances for a buy-back for this would be rare.

Now....put all three of your complaints together, and you may have a case with the DSB for a new truck, especially if the rough running problem doesn't go away. IMO, if FMC won't issue you an extended warranty for the overfill, and authorize proper repair on the window, then by all means you have nothing to lose by going DSB. I think you could easily show loss of value (who would want to by a $$ truck with a rattling rear window?). You could also show that the truck isn't performing as advertised or promised (fuel economy and rough idle). Your overall dissatisfaction with the truck may be enough. If anything, the DSB will get FMC's attention.

Good luck.

 

Well......I am still having RPM issues when slowing down to a complete stop.....the RPM's fluctuate pretty bad....dips down below idle then pops back up again.

What would be causing this? The overfilling of oil????? This was never a problem before FORD SERVICE GOT THE TRUCK.

I got rear window rattle which they can not admit to...
I got the vibration in the truck at 50-65 MPH
I got the issue with the RPM's not being stable
I got the steering wheel nibble which they basically said is normal....

About the driveline vibration.....they are telling me it has an aftermarket lift and it is not their problem.....they said I need to contact the store that did the lift. THIS IS TOTAL CRAP! The mod was done by the dealership through 4WHEEL PARTS before I bought it.

any suggestions?

I am taking it in one more time....then I am contacting the DSB...

 

Just finished the Lemon law and got my new truck. I used a Lemon Law Att. Lemon lawed a 02 350 diesel and got 04 150 Lariat.

 

i think i have alittle wave in my windshield but you have to look at it from outside and at just the right angle and i can see it. It dont bother me and i wont take it in to get it replaced. not even a small deal with me. this is my first ford i have always had GM before and cant stand all it interior rattles so i went with a ford and have been very satisfied with it. my family are all ford truck drivers and keep going back to them. if you produce that many trucks you will have some take backs, its impossible to not get them. but you must be able to treat the customer right and fix it to keep them coming back. my second choice would have been a dodge but they dont make aa extended cab so i did not even look any further. just a thought