Never Ever Buying Ford Again

Blewyn · November 23, 2007

My lemon 1997 Explorer 4.0L is in the garage - again - and this time it's a humdinger. I was 100km from anywhere, and the car started making a kind of ticking noise and dropping to 4th (cruise set to 160kph) for no reason. It kept doing this for 30seconds or so then died completely, so I coasted over to the side of the road and popped the bonnet. The engine was clearly very hot, and there were gurgling noises coming from the coolant system for about 40mins. When tried to start the engine again it just made a noise a bit like Dr Who's tardis speeded up a bit. The car had to be recovered to the agent's main branch because the engineer there said he didn't trust the local branch (which was itself 2hrs away) guy to strip the engine without making mistakes, and they want $4000 to fix it (strip,engine, fix pistons gaskets etc). This POS car has been in the garage more often than I get my hair cut. Seriously, the guy at the garage said "nice to see you again" to me ! Nice to see you ??

It appears some valve malfunctioned and coolant ceased circulating. Now, quite apart from the fact that such a critical valve should have a failsafe backup and a warning indicator when it fails, the guy at the garage chided me for not watching the temperature gauge ! Excuse me for watching road, but is an audible temperature alarm too much to ask ?

steventadams · November 23, 2007

Okay so you got a lemon... That doesn't mean you shouldn't buy a Ford ever again. You have just as much chance of buying a lemon Chevy..

bluesman2333 · November 23, 2007

My '97 has a backup idiot light that says something about "check gauges". Without knowing why it was in for service previously, it's hard to comment on the service history. Having had engines overheating before, you can tell something is wrong long before the engine suffers damage. I usually glance at the gauges as I look around checking mirrors etc but forget/zone out sometimes too. The long and the short of it is that this whole episode is your own fault and would have happened no matter what you were driving.

Nocturnall · November 23, 2007

You knew exactly how fast you were going but didn't notice the temp gauge which is right there? When was the last time you checked your coolant? Plus as previously stated there is an "idiot" light right there on the dash that comes on when the temp is getting too hot. Do you do any of the routine maintenance to the truck or do you just wait till it dies then get whatever broke fixed? The thermostat probably stopped working because it's probably original. There isn't a motorized vehicle out there that will run forever even if it's never taken care of.... Maybe something with pedals is in order?

Donner · November 23, 2007

It's fair to gripe...

These are things that are good to hear... gripes should be welcome, and it helps to hear what people have and are going through. Gripe away! This is the second time I heard someone gripe, and get told. Gripe and let everyone know what's happening...

Donner · November 23, 2007

And by the way, we are all griping right now. Why is everyone ripping at this one member?

FireZapper · November 23, 2007

OK I have a question, how many mile on that 10 year old vehicle?

Wait a minute, 160 KPH = 100 MPH. How long were you running at that speed?

bluesman2333 · November 23, 2007

I don't think EVERYONE is ripping on him at all. I think the responses have been in an almost deadpan tone, despite his original post.

Donner · November 23, 2007

You're right...

bluesman2333 said:
I don't think EVERYONE is ripping on him at all. I think the responses have been in an almost deadpan tone, despite his original post.

I didn't mean literally everyone, but someone is griping and most of the responses have been pretty harsh with finger pointing. In this case, it's fair to gripe and gripe back, I think this is the right place to gripe and to point out where the poster may have made errors too... if they can't feel free to gripe, then where will they do it? (I know I'm a hypocrite, because I gripe at certain posts too) Griping is good, but now they turn from griping to self defense or they just turn away, and we never hear what went on...

Dan Whitaker · November 23, 2007

Griping is one one thing but to title the thread "Never buying a Ford again" makes the site look bad.

I'll admit I've had some disagreements with some of the admin over things in the past but I don't like seeing someone ripping Ford and using this site to do so.

I had a Taurus I hated but I didn't join a Taurus or any Ford forum just to rant & rave about it.

Donner · November 23, 2007

Almost

Dan Whitaker said:
Griping is one one thing but to title the thread "Never buying a Ford again" makes the site look bad.

I'll admit I've had some disagreements with some of the admin over things in the past but I don't like seeing someone ripping Ford and using this site to do so.

I had a Taurus I hated but I didn't join a Taurus or any Ford forum just to rant & rave about it.

Nothing can make this site look bad in this sense... People post these titles and get attention - These posters come from all over the world, and there was humor in the poster's writing. The title was a bit harsh, but the story was pretty funny - They'll get another Ford... The thing that should raise eyebrows is the mechanic. The Ford is good, the mechanic is questionable. I think the lemon is the mechanic.

manaen · November 23, 2007

I would have to agree with everyone, If the "valve" (probably thermostat) went bad, the temp gauge would have instantly reflected the problem. slowing down and pulling over would have saved him $4000 plus he could have limped (under 40) to a garage and had the thing fixed for probably under $200, or done it himself for about $30. So now he is complaining because he didn't monitor his engine while forcing it to do 100mph for extended periods of time. :dunno:

What do you expect from a car, if you take any car and stop the coolant flow, then run it at 100mph for an hour what do you think is going to happen. They put those gauges up there for a reason, if you don't know what they mean read the manual and figure it out.

What he described is something that "will" happen to every car, thermostats go bad over time that is life. It is up to you as a car owner to treat the car properly and not continue to run the thing until the rings cease up and blow the engine. If it would be a legitimate complaint I would have no problem backing him, I have been there and know what it is like. (read through my threads, I had to replace an engine too) But I am not going to blame ford for something that is not their fault.

Let's face it, Ford is not perfect, I've been a victim of a few of their engineering problems. Like the 302 oiling problem back in the 80's and other misc things.

Anyway I need to go have fun decorating for Christmas with my kids, so I am going to step off the soapbox..

Cheers!!!! ....

gijoecam · November 23, 2007

In response to the original topic, why the hell is an audible warning necessary? As the operator, it's your job to scan the gauges periodically, both the speedometer and the other 5 gauges on the dash. If, in fact, the vehicle overheated, the gauge slowly crept up, then the check gauge light came on. It wasn't an instantaneous overheat condition... there were warning signs. Additionally, the moment it unexpectedly dropped out of overdrive, that should have been a warning flag... Running at 100 mph, it would be quite noticeable, and should automatically prompt both a reduction in speed as well as a gauge check for problems. Again, it's operator error.

Now, as for the thermostat failure (assuming that's what it was), thermostats have a finite lifespan, just like everything else on a vehicle. The crankshaft is only going to go round and round so many times, and the thermostat is only going to open and close so many times before it fails too. After 10 years, I wouldn't exactly call it a surprise that it failed.

If somebody wants $4000 to swap an engine, I'd be happy to ship it here, swap out the motor with a used one from a salvage yard, and ship it back to Oman for half that price.

Finally, if you don't want to buy a Ford again, don't. Nobody forced anyone to buy one in the first place. As a Ford employee, rather than address the issue (a bad thermostat on a 10-year old vehicle), the original poster bashed an entire corporation based on his experience with one failed component on his (10-year old) vehicle. As a Ford employee, and an Explorer enthusiast, I don't take too kindly to that to start with. I can see it making some Explorer fans a little upset.

Oh, and don't think for a second that Hondas, BMWs, Toyotas, Volvos, Audis, or Nissans are immune to thermostat failures. After 10 years, anything can happen.

-Joe

Nocturnall · November 23, 2007

I had 1 ford fall apart on the highway (91 Ford Lariat XLT tow truck) at 70mph, almost killed someone else when the whole front drivers side wheel, rim, brakes, everything came off and landed on their hood then I slammed into the gaurd rail at 65mph causing me to not remember anything before, during and for who knows how long after the accident. Then a ford escort that was a flat out turd. Both vehicles had issues because of poor maintnence. This problem could have been avoided by changing an $8 part. Complaining about a short coming in a vehicle is one thing *cough* 5r55e transmissions, blend door, fuel tank placement *cough* but when your craping on the manufacturer of a vehicle because of your own ignorance it's rediculous. There's a temp gauge, then an idiot light, if there had been a warning ding you probably wouldn't have heard it between road noise at 100mph (which you shouldn't be doing in an explorer) and your radio being on, next you'll want a warning slap off the side of the head or something. Take responsibility for what you did, you beat on your truck and neglected it and it responded with "not happenin" and broke down.

chriswells78 · November 23, 2007

Nocturnall said:
next you'll want a warning slap off the side of the head or something.

The airbag should have popped out and punched him in the face.

TheJackal · November 23, 2007

he's just trolling...

Donner · November 23, 2007

What???

gijoecam said:
In response to the original topic, why the hell is an audible warning necessary? As the operator, it's your job to scan the gauges periodically, both the speedometer and the other 5 gauges on the dash. If, in fact, the vehicle overheated, the gauge slowly crept up, then the check gauge light came on. It wasn't an instantaneous overheat condition... there were warning signs. Additionally, the moment it unexpectedly dropped out of overdrive, that should have been a warning flag... Running at 100 mph, it would be quite noticeable, and should automatically prompt both a reduction in speed as well as a gauge check for problems. Again, it's operator error.

Now, as for the thermostat failure (assuming that's what it was), thermostats have a finite lifespan, just like everything else on a vehicle. The crankshaft is only going to go round and round so many times, and the thermostat is only going to open and close so many times before it fails too. After 10 years, I wouldn't exactly call it a surprise that it failed.

If somebody wants $4000 to swap an engine, I'd be happy to ship it here, swap out the motor with a used one from a salvage yard, and ship it back to Oman for half that price.

Finally, if you don't want to buy a Ford again, don't. Nobody forced anyone to buy one in the first place. As a Ford employee, rather than address the issue (a bad thermostat on a 10-year old vehicle), the original poster bashed an entire corporation based on his experience with one failed component on his (10-year old) vehicle. As a Ford employee, and an Explorer enthusiast, I don't take too kindly to that to start with. I can see it making some Explorer fans a little upset.

Oh, and don't think for a second that Hondas, BMWs, Toyotas, Volvos, Audis, or Nissans are immune to thermostat failures. After 10 years, anything can happen.

-Joe

As a Ford employee you are saying not to buy a Ford if they don't want to?? Ford is making progress in gaining territory formerly dominated by other manufacturers in the poster's region... and it shows because more posters from that region are coming to this board. You think other people are not influenced by what you say regarding buying YOUR product?

Yes, they bashed your product... but as you pointed out perfectly that it was through their own neglect and inability to operate and maintain the vehicle. I don't want to think the that after owing 3 Exs that Ford employees don't care if I buy or not. The poster goaded you into saying something that doesn't represent Ford's view and not likely the view of Ford's employees.

As you pointed out, all vehicles are going to have failures under abusive conditions, and the poster detailed their own failures and irresponsibilities, and lack of proper maintenance - As a Ford employee, you can see that at this site one poster's rip at Ford doesn't carry any weight. What does carry weight is a Ford employee's response (no one knows you work for Ford unless you say it). With all the abuse that poster put the truck through, it still runs... and they fix it, abuse and it still runs, and it will keep running. BUT please tell me you do care that we buy Fords?

MustangP51 · November 23, 2007

chriswells78 said:
The airbag should have popped out and punched him in the face.

Haha

I wonder if he still had his Firestones on.

Nocturnall · November 23, 2007

In all honesty it would probably benefit Ford to have this guy not buy another one because it's obvious he's going to go around and tell people about his bad experiences with Ford. People like this that have a problem and immediately blame the manufacturer instead of stopping and going "Huh, well the truck is 10years old and this part which is designed to wear out has NEVER been changed, maybe I should have looked into changing it before I decided to beat the bag out of my vehicle" instead they try and tow a house with a focus and blame Ford for the transmission exploding.

bluesman2333 · November 23, 2007

"The airbag should have popped out and punched him in the face. " LMFAO!!!

Also, I don't care what car one buys as long as the car that's bought is loved and cared for. I'm more for buying what I need more than being loyal to a particular brand.

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