OK, here’s the story, I’ll try to make it short. My ’03 has a tendency to lose power. As I’m accelerating from a stop (about third gear) the engine just idles back and throttle response is nonexistent, so far I’ve managed to NOT get run over . Once it drops to 5 to 10 mph. Throttle response returns. May do it again immediately, maybe not. Started this time in the middle of a 3500 mile trip with my 5ver and family.

Been in twice for this problem and both times they find something (wire chafing, throttle position sensor), blah, blah, blah, it’s fixed now. Now, after this trip, the front rotors are warped and oil leaking from front and rear (mains, gaskets, ?). Anyway, I’m done. Headed to the dealer in the morning to trade this truck off.

I’m not going to try to argue with a dealer or Ford, just going to suck it up and take the hit. Will probably stay with Ford but will keep my options open.

My question, ’04 or ’05? Would like to hear some opinions.

Thanks

 

My 04 is just 6 weeks old and I am in love with the truck. With that said I do have a problem at just 1300 miles. The truck is surging during acceleration. I am sure that this is just one of the sensors that needs to be replaced. Goes in Monday.I will post the results of my visit to the doc. Another added bonus. I was able to buy the 2004 for $9,000.00 below MSRP. The 2005 will not be offering the delas you can get on an 04. I also drove all three major brands and bought the Ford. For me the Ford was more of a truck. Good luck with what ever your decision is.

 

Why take the hit. Go see the service manager and start the process of getting it replaced or byback. Go for a replacement. It sounds like you have a good case. The process is to contact your service manager, the general manager, Ford Customer Assistance and if that doesn't get it resolved, go to the DSB.

 

I agree SBV45
Why take a hit on your pocket book? This is something that Ford should take the hit on their pocket book.

 

If you have documented all the issues, I would approach the service manager with my list and present very professionally that you have a truck with these issues and say you want a straight across replacement with no cost to you. If you lay out your case and develop a good relationship with the service manager and get him on your side, the outcome should be in your favor. If you are a repeat Ford owner, it is a plus.

 

I agree, and I'm a long way from wealthy, but I can imagine the long drawn out process. How many more times in the shop, weeks without my truck, more stalling in traffic or out of town, etc...

 

If you buy by.... an 05 they are very cool.
If you keep it.. flash it.. and buy a tunner

 

100% agree.... tuner should help...it has before, many times

 

Sometimes just disconnecting the batt. for a few minutes will help.

 

if you buy buy the 2005, but as others said it would be to your advantage to try and get it fixed.

 

I had the problem of my 04 "surging" when I started on a very slow acceleration---it was like the throttle was soooo sensative my foot bounced on the pedal making it jump--predator fixed all that stuff--buy the programer--have FUN--it's worth the money--fuel mileage to Austin and back almost paid for it. BTW--Diesel in Little Rock is down to $1.54 ---as cheap as I could find it in Texas was $1.59 still much cheaper than what lots of others are paying for sure

 

So here's the end of the story.

My dealer was no help, so I shopped around. Found a dealer, walked in cold, got in touch with the head guy, talked to him face to face, explained my problem and of course he said "he could help".

Bottom line, I traded in my truck ('03 F250 6L 4x4 Lariat CC, 21K miles) for a new truck ('04 F250 6L 4x4 King Ranch CC). While I'm not naive enough to think I came out of this without some blood letting, I think I got as fair a deal as I could hope for. As near as I can tell, it cost me between $2K & $3K to drive my truck for 8 months and I still have a rebate to get back off the old loan from the old dealer (wish me luck on that). The new truck had a window sticker of $49K (and change) and I got it for $41 (and change).

While I'm not happy about trading trucks so soon, and I also realize the new truck may have problems, I was resolved not to keep my old truck. Sometimes you just reach a point where "enough is enough".

Thanks for the replys and suggestions. Now all I have to do is make sure the new truck has the latest flash (cruise decell) and pull the cool things off my old truck, and pick up the new one this afternoon.

If you're around Dallas and want to know what dealer to avoid and what dealer to try, let me know.

 

I'm in Dallas and I'd be interested to know who you dealt with.

 

The dealer I wouldn't recommend is Town East Ford in Mesquite. It might have been a fluke but they really just ignored me.

The dealer I would recommend is Sam Pack's Five Start Ford in Carrollton. I dealt directly with Kirk Pack and the sales guy he put me with is Dennis White. Their service people seem to be OK too. This was almost, I repeat almost, a painless buying experience, well maybe as painless as buying a new vehicle can be. You can use my name, not that I have any inside connections, but maybe I'll get a little kickback .

Moderators, if it's not OK to post this type of information, I appologize.

Larry Hill

 

I bought my truck at Prestige in Garland. It was pretty much the usual give and take deal. But they have a truck service center. I'm a first time diesel owner and when I took mine in for the first oil change I had a lot of questions. The service manager and I sat in my truck and talked for about 15 min. He was very helpful. Just my 1 cent worth since I'm still a.... what was it bh550, a guppy oh well better than a tadpole.