I have a 2004 6.0 that has had a few issues. Everytime I try to take it in for warranty work on the motor I have to wait 6 weeks to get an appointmet. I have tried 3 different dealers and it is always the same. They all claim they only have one diesel mechanic and that is creating the delay.

I am a very dissaponted in the fact that they ask top dollar for these trucks yet they cannot even perform service on them in a reasonable time period. At the rate I am going I will need to make an appoinment 2 months before the warranty goes out in case I have any problems.

I don't understand with the popularity of the diesels that a dealer can only have one mechanic. These arent small dealers either, they are large ones in the South Florida market place.

Anyone else have similar problems? Any suggestions?

Justin

 

I don't know what to tell ya... have you opened the phone book and called them all?

 

No, and I shouldn't have to do that. The next closet dealer is 20 miles away and then 35 after that and those are the 2 that I have already tried. If I want to try a new one it will be close to 50 miles.

Here is a quote from the Ford website:

"Blue Oval Certified is all about one thing: Customer Service. It's about doing whatever it takes to make your experience a pleasant one, whether you're coming in to buy or lease a new car or Certified Pre-Owned vehicle, or just need to get parts or service. A dealership that achieves Blue Oval Certification must commit to our highest standards of customer satisfaction. That's why becoming Blue Oval Certified isn't a given, it's something a dealership has to earn".

The 3 dealers I mentioned are Blue Oval Certified. Obviously, Blue Oval Certified is just a designation that does not really mean anything if you ask me. I know I cannot be the only one receiving this same treatment from these dealers, and I just don't understand how they do not address this issue.

Actually I think I do. They have so much warranty work and they don't care because they know I have no where else to go to have this warranty work performed.

 

I'm currious then. What city in Florida are you in? Those of us that live in farm country don't have difficulty finding qualified Ford/Diesel technicians. Those that live in the big city's don't either, so I'm told. Are there a lot of diesels on the road that far south? I can't imagine that you'd need a big powerful diesel in such flat lands, but hey, you're all entitled. You might look into local mechanic shops that are also certified as PSD technicians. Those that are certified might be able to complete warrantee work. You might not find such a delay as with the dealership other than the little guy taking longer to get parts. Have you gone back to the dealer that you bought your truck from? That's the one that's most likely to help you best. Most of the time they want your return business. Personally. I wouldn't buy from a dealer that sells mostly Crownvicks, Mustangs and Explorer grocery getters if I was looking for a PSD. My local SMALL dealer in a small farming community has no less than 6 PSD technicians. And they probably only sell 10-15 vehicles a week. If that... But I'll bet half of them are trucks.

No matter to me though. My 04' hasn't been back to the dealer since I bought it. (except for the first free oil change) Now hitting 20,000 miles. No recalls! None. Nada! Not one bit of warrantee work on anything concerning my SuperDuty.

-Steve

 

I am in the Greater West Palm Beach Area.

Believe it or not there are a lot of diesel owners down here.
Just because we don't live in the hills doesn't mean we don't need diesels. Alot of us have 30+ foot boats, travel trailers, and horse trailers that we tow

I will have to look into that. Thanks for the tip.

I recently moved, so I now live 50 miles from the dealer I purchased from and 50 miles in West Palm can be a 2 hour drive sometimes. It should not matter if I bought from a dealer or not. Why wouldn't the new dealer want to treat me well so I would by from them next time?[/QUOTE]


I wish I had the same luck as you. Mine has been in twice for oil leaks and now I have reduced power, black smoke, and surging issues.

 

When I lived in Edmond Oklahoma I could get my truck in the same day or next day. Since then, I have relocated to Jacksonville, FL. I called 2 dealers this week and the earliest I could get in was 1 week. Not a big deal, just going in for the recall and sliding glass window but the service is definitely slower here than it was in Oklahoma.

 

Sorry, I don't want you to take it wrong... But that's why I live where I do. Terrific boating areas, and snow capped moutains here in the great northwest. All in less than an hour's drive. (We don't get hurricanes either).

Never, unless there's been a traffic accident clogging the freeway, have I sat on the roadway for 2 hours to go fifty miles. That's rediculous! And, now that you say that, I assume your engine idles a lot? The first thing that comes to mind (and I'm sure someone else will chime in- since I'm especially no expert having repeat difficulties with my PSD), is a clogged/stuck EGR valve. Have you any modifications to your engine electronics?

As for justification of the PSD.. Don't get me wrong. That was just sarcasm. I know you don't need hills for a PSD. Boats and trailers are heavy and need some good ole torque to get them moving. But they really like hills even when they have a heavy load.

Stealership service ... Blue oval, well, that's just a game they all like to play. You might also call your dealership, see what the appointment wait time would be. If they're in the same boat, then you're stuck. But, if they'd give more prompt service, then ask why. Also ask them if they can recommend a service department closer to you that can get you in sooner.

There are good dealers and some not so good. Tell FMC. But first give your local one a chance to fix the situation. I tell you what though. I've bought two Grand Cherokees from a Seattle dealership. 100 miles away. And I'd do it again, because their service is second to none. There's another local Porche/Audi/Jeep deeler here in Bellingham that's so nice that if I drop the Jeep off for a repair, they'll shuttle me to work and come get me when the Jeep is done. Now that's service! I don't think my Ford dealer will do that, Unless I asked very nicely. Walking in with a couple dozen donuts for the guys in the service department goes a long way.

-Steve

 

I agree with your above statement.

My plan is to wait the six weeks this first time and try to build a good relationship with my new service advisor because it is only 2 miles from my house. If I continue to have problems with them I will seek an alternative.

If I received the service you speak of, I would gladly drive the extra distance. So far I have tried multiple dealers, including where I purchased the truck, and have had received fair results at best.

 

Take a trip up the Turnpike and get off at Orlando US 17 92 441 Orange Blossom Trail. Head south until you get to Tropical Ford. The place is about three blocks long, sells everything from passenger cars to Ford heavy trucks. They know diesels. My sister's Harley-Davidson edition was in for the wire loom recall, they gave her a loaner car, had her out in a day. They amazed me with the thoroughness of their inspection during my last oil change, they left no stone unturned, and unlike my dealership, gave me the Ford checklist showing everything they checked, all parameters before and after, and had me out within 45 minutes.

 

Now there's a great response! A fellow FTE'r that's willing to post exactly where good service can be found.

Good luck JB03.

-Steve