My dad's check engine light came on, took it to the dealer and they were not able to fix the problem. The codes came back as SSM 19018 and PO463. The dealer told us we need to add Techron to the fuel and that will fix the problem. The gas gauge does not work. We ran a tank with Techron and the problem still exists. The 2nd time in they told us to run 2 more bottles through the gas tank and that will fix the problem. The service department would not give us a copy of the service records and said they would mail it to us.

Why do they need to mail it to us?

Any help is appreciated!

 

Is he the original owner, and is it still under warranty?

 

Yes, he is the original owner and it is still under warranty.


How many times is he expected to take it in until they can figure it out?

 

Ask the dealer for the name and number of the area rep. That's your stop in the food chain. The explanation sounds bogus, and they also need to fix the guage.

 

I agree with marragtop. The trouble codes correspond to a error description. They have a list of these in the Ford engine manual. This will tell them what the problem is, from that they can troubleshoot problem to fix it. Sounds like dealer does not want a warrenty call. If no luck, try another dealer by you. Talk to friends or co workers first to see if any of them own Fords and if they deal with that dealer and get their feed back. Any Ford dealer will recognize warrenty work. But do as marragtop suggested, and also a call to your local better business admin. The more people complain about bad service, the better the chance something will end up being done. Good luck.

 

Wow.

I can understand a stealership not being able to work on older Exploder issues since anyone who's smart doesn't touch a stealer after warranty, but on a new vehicle where they get all the tech info???

Reeeeeediculous.

 

Also, tell the dealer you want a comparable (not a subcompact) loaner while they are trying to fix your truck. Maybe that will light a fire under them...

 

Gee maybe you ought to post the name of the dealer that is refusing to do warranty work. They should be taking care of both the broken fuel gauge and the check engine light, no questions asked.

You should be talking to the service manager, general manager and the area rep. Don't be afraid to mention that you are well versed in the Magnuson Moss warranty act...if Ford can't fix it....Ford has to replace it.

 

1. Ditch that dealer... they're idiots

2. If you REALLY want the service records, request them in writing via certified mail... cc FORD Consumer relations as well as your local BBB and the state AG, indicating that this vehicle is still under warranty.

3. Gas guage... sending unit, most likely.

Get to a reputable Ford dealer. An '05 is still under warranty (MORE than likely, anyway, unless your dad puts 30000+ miles a year on his cars)

 

That dealer sounds like a real #$Q#$Q@@@ ...
These trucks run fine on 87 Octane pump gas, that techron bit is a bunch of crap. The sending unit is likely bad, as far as the guage goes (No amount of magical mystery juice will fix a bad fuel guage)... Any reputable Ford dealer will be able to pull the OASIS report on the truck, and will likely be able to fix it readily. I would write a Nasty-Gram to the local Ford rep (hell, I wrote a letter to BIll Ford once...the response I got was surprisingly good) to at least give that dealer a little bit of what's coming to them.

 

Thanks for all they replies. The dealer is in Tigard, OR off I-5, I'm not going to say the name not interested in bashing anyone. It seems like my dad had an issue with a service writer. To this day we are totally unclear why??? We were able to get somewhere with the service manager though. He was very helpful.

Issues: The check engine light remains on after running "techron" through the system. We were told a few more bottles will cure the problem. Well, it hasn't. The explorer only has 6,000 miles on it! My mom was able to push the info button and that allowed the fuel gauge to start working again. ??? We took it back and they ran it through service again and my dad was told there is no paper work for this transaction. Why do service writers do this? Do they not want the business? Anyway, now my mom is on the highway and all kinds of warning lights start blinking on and off ie, low oil, etc. So I think something is wrong with the computer system.

I'll keep you posted. I want to mention that the service manager was great, he got the ball rolling for us. But why do this to your customers? Push print and hand them the service records.

 

Select another, more comepetent and helpful dealer... you are allowed to do that (I did). Also, I'd let them know they'll not be getting any more of your business and that you are notifying Ford Corporate... while corporate does not exert any direct control over the dealership, it still hurts them. I'd stop wasting time with the original dealer.

 

Your parents should be making a landmark Ford decision.

First and foremost is getting the vehicle reparied. Take it to another dealer. The factory warranty is good at any Ford dealer. Next is to deal with a dealership that does want to do warranty work. They should contact the president and general manager, both names available on their web site, and ask why they won't perform warranty work on your truck. Advise them you are registering a complaint with the BBB, Ford and your states deparment of consumer affairs.

 

I spoke to my dad last night and they figured out the problem, a vapor hose had come loose from the gas tank causing the check engine light to come on. The service manager really stepped up and took care of the situation. It all boils down to poor customer service by a service writer. My dad got the paper work for both visits, a rental car and the truck came back detailed and spotless, they even offered to drive the vehicle out to the house. Nice recovery, it shows that the service manager really does care about the customers and made up for it.

Thanks for all your help.

 

That's excellent news that they stepped up to the plate and resolved the issue.

Sometimes in life you just have to push the "up" button. Unfotunately now a days you seem to have to do that one too many times.