Finally took laundry list to dealer -- Results!

[bluevolume]

I had a bunch of problems piling up with my '00 XLS, and since it has been colder than death here in NY the past few weeks, I decided to take her in to the dealer. I have the extended warranty still in effect, so I knew I wasn't going to get totally screwed, but I'll let you all discuss.

Problems:
Check engine light on constant, "breathing" noise coming from engine under load

Pre-detonation that was getting BAD

Serious whine from PS pump, hard turning when first driving from cold, and intermittantly afterwards

Voltage dropping very low at idle, guage dropping and lights visibly dimming


The check engine light and noise from the engine was the EGR valve, which is what I figured. This was not covered under warranty, and I had to pay for the part, installation, and "reading the computer". This satisfied the light and got rid of the noise, so this was good. Around $280

For the pre-detonation, they said that carbon buildup is the main cause of this (no surprise). They said they could do their intake cleaning procedure, not under warranty either. This was actually very much worth it though, as the engine runs FAR better than it ever has, and the pinging is completely gone. Acceleration is much more smooth now, with a lot more power in the lower RMP range. Around $80

The power steering thing I am not satisfied with. They said that the pump was leaking and replaced that, under warranty, but it doesn't seem to be fixed. The whine is still very loud, especially when turning, and I still occasionally have spots where turning is very hard for a couple seconds. Should I try to get them to replace the rack too?

They said that the alternator was good, and I don't agree with that either. Whenever I come to a stop, the voltage meter goes down quite a bit, and like I said the headlights visibly dim. It all comes right back up as soon as I hit the gas, but I'm still thinking that the alternator should be able to keep up at an idle (around 700 rpm).

So, what does everyone think?


Thanks,
Blue

 

[Billy177]

the alternator seems to be weak it may pass their test but if it dims a lot at idle then there is something wrong

i would definatly have them take a look at the power steering because it shouldent do that and before you know it it will go any your warranty will be up

 

[proffessor1979]

I dont have an answer for you, but you reminded me of a question. When im driving or at a stop my voltage meter drops very low if i hit the power window buttons

I push all of them and it goes even lower. the truck seems to run the same, and I dont think the lights dim..

is that a problem though?

 

[Billy177]

that is perfectly normal

 

[00XLS]

Just wondering how many miles on your X, I just bought a 2000 XLS myself and have sort of a whine from what I think is the power steering but have no hard spots or anything like that.

 

[Flounder]

Just a note - Ford steering pumps are notoriously loud and faulty. I know a few Ford owners who have had them replaced. What you're experiencing isn't 'out of the ordinary' with Ford...

 

[JasonF]

Why isn't an EGR valve under warranty? It's a part that failed when it shouldn't have, sounds like it should be warranty covered to me.

Your alternator should be able to keep up just fine at idle. Take it to autozone and have them do their free diagnostic on it and the battery.

Keep complaining about the power steering and get as much stuff replaced while still under warranty as you can, it's worth the headache.

Do you have another ford dealer you can visit?

 

[Glacier991]

I am speaking out of complete ignorance about EGR/FORD and warranty, but aren't Mfgr's REQUIRED to cover emissions equipment for some extended period of time/mileage? Isn't EGR considered a part of that?

 

[EliteConcept]

i have had 4 ford/mercury vechiles, and every one had a loud power steering pump.

 

[00XLS]

Originally posted by EliteConcept
i have had 4 ford/mercury vechiles, and every one had a loud power steering pump.

I was affraid of that, is there anything to quite it down?

 

[Billy177]

a lot of people have had goodd luck with lucas power steering fluid

 

[Glamdring]

I'm no mechanic. In fact, I'm worse, I've owned british cars! But, if your lights dim at a stop something is wrong, that should never happen. Combined with power steering problems, maybe your belts are loose?

Just a thought. Your dealer should have spotted it if that was the deal, but then again maybe not. Worth a shot and its cheap.

Oh yeah. I've got a '92 XLT, and I've found that 1.) the power steering pump will make some noise under heavy demand, and 2.) I've been able to "outsteer" my power steering, meaning I can steer beyond its ability to keep up so I "hit the wall" so to speak, so maybe Ford pumps aren't too good after all.

 

[Robert]

Originally posted by Glacier991
I am speaking out of complete ignorance about EGR/FORD and warranty, but aren't Mfgr's REQUIRED to cover emissions equipment for some extended period of time/mileage? Isn't EGR considered a part of that?

Only certain items. In '97 those certain items were the PCM and catalytic converters. They are covered for 8 years, 80K miles. California though requires that all emissions parts carry a longer warranty than the standard 3/36 for vehicles sold new in California.