Unhappy ownership

[jimmyz79]

Guys, I know this is an Explorer enthusiast site, but my 2004 is a turd. There is alot of things wrong with this vehicle. The ride (sux), the trans (who knows what up there), but the most annoying is that there has got to be something wrong with the ECM (PCM?) or the "Fly by Wire" electronic throttle or the transmission or some combination or these components. When this thing up-shifts, there is a rpm drop, then a shift, then a spike in the throttle back to where it was. Its been back to the dealership 5 times for all the trans fluid, solenoid changes and re-boot the computer crap, the last one with a so-called "technical expert" because I had written my first "Lemon Law" letter. They say they can't feel what I'm talkin about when they drive it. I swear Ford has got to be coaching the service and tech guys on how to answear you, because they all say the same thing - "Its a characteristic of the vehicle". It seems my next option is to start consumer protection precedings. I swear, if I wasn't into this thing for 30-large, I'd push it of a cliff. I have been an american car person all my life, but I'm being pushed away.

Does anyone have any information on how to fix this?

I have not written this to flame any ford dealership guys and please do not take this as any kind of offense - I'm just stating my experience with ownership of this thing - just lookin for answers - or a cliff...

 

[rwmorrisonjr]

I haven't experienced that, only the funky 1-2-3 shift pattern due to the way that Ford made a 4-spd tranny a 5-spd by manipulating the ID system. Other than that I've had no issues with my truck. Sorry to hear you're having issues.

 

[dtl 2k2 sport]

You have a very valid point, I work at a toyota dealer hope that doesnt come back to haunt me!! but you need to get in contact w/ the representative from the manufacture, There should be one in your area as a floater. You need to take it and i know u probably dont wanna hear this, try to go to a dealer out of the area diff/ techs and have you been on test drive w/ the technision? WHAT kind of tests have they run also!?

 

[IAmTodd]

Have you tried taking it to a different dealer? Some are a pain in the rear, others will bend over backwards for you. Luckily, we have a good one near where we live. They have gone out of their way to help us with the problems with our '02, which has had quite a few problems, and also with my '00.

 

[dtl 2k2 sport]

hey the best guy in the Dc area has a radio show and does a bunch of auto clinics along w/ tv automotive shows ,, if you send an email he'll almost always send you a response w/ in a few days!! here's the website,
http://service@goss-garage.com/
hope it works for you!!

 

[Sport4x4]

my advice would be to just take it to a different dealer. I work at one and most of our service guys are decent (although slow) but i've see some shaddy dealers

 

[jimmyz79]

I've been to two different dealers, The one I bought it from and another. Same answer. The Ford rep guy who got it touch with me because of my letter - Same answer. I have heard some hear say that there is some real trouble brewing on the inside of Ford on how they really screwed up a good thing with their #1 selling vehicle.

Really sick of the dealer routine. I could trade it in, take a huge loss and make it someone else's problem. I like to believe that there is a simple solution, like a aftermarket chip by someone who knows tech stuff, 'cause obviously the ford tech guys need to go back to school.

 

[davidmmm69]

i have a 2002 paid for by the way, and i absolutly love it i wouldn;t trade it for the world...
I would say a different dealer and keep changing till you find one that understands the problem.
the closest dealer to me I wouldnt take a matchbox car to them anymore...
the ride in mine is so much better than any i have driven. and especailyy driving on the worst roads or some of the worst roads Fall River Ma.
i am so glad it has the rear independant suspension.
I am sure yours is a problem with some electical problem maybe some sensor...
All I can say is good luck and keep everyone informed..and this
board is so helpful.
I am sure you are a super small percent of people with new gereration explorers with a major problem..

i bought my 2002 with 80000 miles in november. and the week i bought it i had to replave a rear wheel bearing $500.00 for th whole hub assembly.But then again that is prpbably one payment to someone who has a explorer fully financed..

 

[Sport4x4]

i'd honestly just talk to a dealer and see about trading. don't tell them about the problem though, they'll automatically give you less for it. get an 05 XLT Sport Apperance package, those are really nice looking ones.

 

[MONMIX]

truth is truth,
every now and then a turd comes off the line.
I will confidantly say though that is pretty rare.

 

[jimmyz79]

truth is truth,
every now and then a turd comes off the line.
I will confidantly say though that is pretty rare.

Occasionally, Yes

Rare - Absolutley Not

I've read up other sites, and I must say that there are many (read - not few) pissed off Ex owners, and that is not the definition of Rare. My definition of Rare is a '63 split-window 'vette.

I myself usually place confidence in factual matters.

 

[IAmTodd]

truth is truth,
every now and then a turd comes off the line.
I will confidantly say though that is pretty rare.

Well then, we have a turd in our garage. And it seems to be all to common these days to be called rare. But yes, there are many turds, and a mojority come from FoMoCo.

 

[Creager]

It is a new generation, i dont know what they did differently but they probably did all kinds of weird ****.

Why dont you check superchip or bamachip and see if they can do anything to fix the way it shifts.

trade it in and get a manual

 

[spindlecone]

think you have been thrown a bad puppy, put it to sleep and move on.
Alot of newer EX owners are *****in about trannys, tranny oil additives, timeing chains, shoddy interiors, bad paint, on newer EXs, thats bad construction and bad design.
***** to Ford, is your only recourse.
I have been very lucky, no major problems, yes i have squeeks, have had IAC issues,interior paint problems, i deal with them myself far better than the dealer can do, in one thenth of the time

 

[davidmmm69]

Same here I am very happy with my 2002...
And I know more people who own chevys and dodge who feel the same way about their vehicles..
if you keep *****in to the right people it will get corrected soon..
if i had a pproblem with y 2002 i woud keep going to differnet dealers till i found one that cared

 

[briwayjones]

***** to Ford, is your only recourse.

Actually what is the best way to do this? I have tried to do this in the past but couldn't find any kind of feedback or contact e-mail or number on there website. I've complained to dealers but they've just brushed me off.

 

[jimmyz79]

Well, today I fired off a sarcastic letter to Ford, but don't expect much. To add to my grief, I received a "Hi, how ya doin' letter" from the salesman who sold me this thing, so he's getting a :thumbdwn: letter too.

My next option is the consumer protection agency, but then it starts costing you some bux.

 

[spindlecone]

Keep on *****in, if you have a real *****, Ford people monitor sites, they get alot of info from sites such as this one.
The commen man, Ford owner rules, your input dictates the future

 

[huskyfan23]

Ford people monitor sites, they get alot of info from sites such as this one.

I'd like to see your evidence

 

[FROADER]

Ask them to get you into another one, and if they don't............ set the building on fire. Sorry to hear about your misfortune.