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You are 100% correct in all regards.
Did you see the post about the "good will" check for $1000.00 from Ford? How can Ford justify paying some but not all? I beieve this is disparate treatment and, in and of itself, is grounds for a legal action.
Regarding contacting me, I don't want to get anybody in a jam by violating the rules of this forum because this forum is one reason that we all have met each other in the first place and I don't want to lose the ability to continue spreading the word and getting more people on board. If anybody has any suggestions as to how to get in touch without violating the rules of the forum, please let me know ASAP.
In the meantime, Hey, Ford, where is my "good will" check?
Jim Genovese
Annapolis, MD
You can try to go it alone but why? A class action is a way to get hundreds, if not thousands, of parties working together toward a common goal. It provides us with strength in numbers and a much stronger and unified voice. Ford will have no choice but to pay attention.
One way or another, stay tuned. This thing is getting ready to take off.
Jim Genovese
Annapolis, MD
Please follow the instructions that Karen has posted on how to get in contact with me. (Click on my user name at the top of this post and take it from there.)
Thanks,
Jim Genovese
You are Ford's worst nightmare. God bless you for being such a patriot and pursuing this issue.
Jim Genovese
I just visited the NHTSA sight for the first time in a long time. I could not be more pleased that so many of you have taken the time to post your reports. When I posted mine on November 15, 2007, there were fewer than 50. Today, there are are 184! Wow!
This is a testament to the power of the consumer, the power of the internet, and the phenomenon of strength in numbers. Finally, NHTSA has taken notice! This would not have happened without all of you. For that, I am most grateful. Together, through our efforts, we just might have saved a life or two.
This however; is only the beginning. Hopefully, NHTSA will continue to do their part and Ford will do the right thing. Even better, but less likely, Ford will do the right thing and issue a voluntary recall.
One way or another, we must continue to educate people and keep spreading the word. Ther are still thousands of these vehicles on the road that are just getting to the mileage where the failure occurs.
Keep the faith, keep up the good work, and stay safe!
Jim Genovese
I did not see the post about the "good will" check. Can you explain a little more about this?
My husband and I have a 2006 Freestar now on its 2nd transmission.
We posted in Aug of last year when we were on a family trip and pulled into traffic from a McDonalds and the vehicle died. $3000 later we were back on the road and experiencing financial woes as a result. My husband drives this vehicle for work so it has high milege 130,000. No chance of a trade due to this and the loan so we are screwed and nervous every day. 2 weeks ago he was on the road with my 2 daughters when the same problem occured. This time there was a warranty. Now our daughter is in college 3 hours away and I panic every time we have to drive there. We reported to NHTSA in Aug 2008. Don't think the problem ended in 2004, we're among the rest of you. Please keep up the info on the class action. We'll support however we can. God bless each of you and keep you safe.
Please feel free to contact me via regular Email. My contact information is in my profile which you can get to byclicking on my name to the uper right in green and underlined.
Jim Genovese
Annapolis, MD
Jim Genovese
Annapolis, MD
Fired up - Ready to go!
"Let's Roll" United Flight 93
My 2005 Freestar's auto trany died at 131,000 km (80,600 miles). The torque converter failed....had the transmission taken apart and the mechanic found the splines worn away and metals bits inside.....tried to back up in my driveway and the car wouldn't move. I'm taking Ford Canada to Small Claims Court and hoping someone, anyone in this Forum might have answers to the following questions:
1. My Freestar was regularly serviced by Ford dealer, auto trany included. If the auto trany was not defective, how long should it have lasted? Any authoritative source for the answer?
2. The Class Action idea I've read is a good one and I would support it. This said, has an attorney been approached in the USA for this purpose? If so, would anyone have the details of who he/she might be?
3. Has anyone individually taken Ford to court on this issue? If so, what happened?
4. Has anyone ever gone to a consumer protection media person on this issue and been successful?
5. Does anyone know the name of an expert auto trany mechanic (or mechanics) familar with Freestars? I may need him (them) as an expert witness (or expert witnesses). Ford has replied to my legal claim saying the warranty expired at 100,000 km (62,000 miles), so too bad for you.
6. Any secret warranties concerning the auto trany?
I hope that NHTSA thoroughly exams this trany problem and forces Ford to undertake a recall. Here in Canada, as far as I know, Transport Canada has done nothing. I strongly suspect that it's waiting for NHTSA to do its thing, then copy it. Sadly someone will have to be seriously injured before NHTSA or Transport Canada are to act quickly.
Thanks for reading this post!
LMK7
5. Has anyone been SUCCESSFUL with having Ford replace their auto trany at its cost after the warranty expired?
4.
Some of you guys may know me. I also broke down twice and 4 months apart with my 2004 Freestar. I am now waiting because I know it is not "IF" it happens, it is "When" it happens. Believe me, we are trying to stay positive on this. We tried to trade it and since my husband lost his job, we could not afford to give in more money for the $1500.00 we are upside down on it. But at least it was worth the blue book value which is more than the clunker money. We all know they are worth much less with this transmission issue if not -0-, sad to say. To get to my question to everyone:
I am trying to figure out some type of warning sign that this car may be trying to give us and we are not noticing. These are my observations.
1. The RPM's seem to run high. Mostly around the 1500-3000 range consistantly. Now I live in a location that is hilly and winding roads. But when I am in a flat highway, that is the case. Is everyone noticing that with there cars.
2. Because of the above, does it seem that the engine is working much harder to keep up with the transmission?
3. Seems to use plenty of gas. Mine says 14.9 miles to the gallon in the worst condition in town traffic and in the best it can get up to 19.8 miles. But this weekend on a somewhat 4 hour long road trip, it never got higher than 15.6. I imagine it is because of the high RPM's.
I think I am on a timer with this car. Our last breakdown was July 4th of this year. The breakdown before that was Feburary of this year.
Anybody else noticing funny stuff before the breakdown?
To answer several questions on one note, I broke down twice because of transmission failure. Root cause for both cases was with the Torque Converter as with everyone else on this blog.
To sunburn, Yes, the RPM's seem to run high always. Seems like the transmission is working overtime and so is the engine. We noticed this more because we borrowed my brother-n-laws car and it is a Pontiac Grand Prix. He loan it to us just in case. Well, my brother in law lives in South Texas and my husband and I drove that car up to Austin for about 250 miles with me following behind. My brother-n-law thought his car used lots of gas, but compared to the Freestar we actually can't compare. The Freestar uses so much gas because you can tell that the engine is always reving really high now. Even after a transmission rebuild the second time. It is definately having trouble.
On our second breakdown we were in Los Angeles, California. Now that is a long haul from Austin Texas. Plenty of time for the MPG's to creep up to at least 24 mpg. But no Sir. It wasn't going to happen. At around 70 mph continuous driving, it will be around 1500-2000 depending if you climb a slope or not. If you are around hills it hits 3-4000 and stays there and does not shift quickly off, or course depending on the grade. The RPM's really never stay still for a bit. They just seem to jump around just because. Now this is what is happening currently. The transmission was replaced on July 4th at AAMCO Transmission in Las Vegas, NV. So we are just two months from when it happened last. Too soon for another breakdown, but we feel it coming. By the way AAMCO in Las Vegas, they are another nightmare.
If you are driving at 65-70 MPH, you should be running about 2000-2200 RPM. That will be in 4th gear with the torque converter locked. Now if you start going up hill, usually the first thing to happen is the transmission will stay in 4th gear, but the torque converter will unlock. This will cause the RPMs to jump up to about 3000. If the hill gets steeper, the transmission will shift down into 3rd gear, that will increase the RPMs to about 3500. Finally, if the hill is really steep, the transmission may shift down to 2nd gear. The RPMs will jump up to about 4500 in that case. This is normal operation.
Now, if you are at a steady 65-70 MPH on level ground and you see the RPMs jumping back and forth between about 2000 RPM and 3000 RPM, your torque converter is locking and unlocking. This shouldn't be happening. The causes could range from a bad sensor to a faulty torque converter. If under these conditions if you are running more than 3000 RPM, there's something else wrong.
I own a 2005 Ford Freestar with about 75K miles on it. Late last night, with my 3 yr old in the car, my transmission blew on the interstate while traveling 70 mph. What a terrifying experience. I was about 60 miles from home. I had to get the car towed and thankfully a MS Hwy Patrol Officer took me and my child about 20 miles South to meet my husband.
We are having it looked at tomorrow, so I will update everyone on the findings, but here is what I experienced:
I was traveling in cruise control at 70 mph. All of a sudden w/o any warning, or strange noises, the RPMs went through the roof and the engine revved. I turned of the cruise and tried pressing the gas. The car did not increase in speed, this only caused the engine to rev again. I coasted to the side of the interstate and tried every gear...nothing. The car will start and run, but pressing the gas while in gear only causes the engine to rev really high. The car won't budge.
I see the the NHTSA opened an investigation on the Torque Converter in July. I guess I will see what the outcome is tomorrow to decide what is best for us, fix, trade or both. I still owe some on the car. One thing that I am sure about is that I don't feel safe after my experience last night.
Good luck to all of you!
TessBrou
estimate right now is $3,000.
Help?
After stopping at a traffic signal, I was accelerating onto the ramp for the 70 MPH Dallas North Tollway in Frisco, Texas. With absolutely no warning sign(s) before failure, I lost all drive power. Fortunately, I had enough momentum that I was able to coast to the side of the ramp, and was just barely able to avoid becoming a traffic hazard.
I could rev my engine, but there was no power transferred to the wheels, no matter which gears I tried... forward or reverse. It was like being in neutral.
I later learned that my fluid levels and seals were OK, but that the torque converter had completely failed, and required replacement. The transmission required complete rebuilding. Total cost = $2484.
Ford should be ashamed of themselves for knowing that this problem exists, and not repairing such a dangerous condition, or even notifying owners, (their customers), of the potential for this sudden, unannounced failure. And, why hasn't our government taken steps to get this situation corrected?
The positive part of this experience... I had just dropped off my 5 month old granddaughter just a few minutes before this happened. Thank God I was alone! I'll guarantee you two things, my grandkids will never be in that car again, and, I will NEVER buy another Ford!
I would cover yourself by either having the dealer or if you sell it privately, sign something that you disclosed this defect.
If there is a design problem, then I think it is up to Ford, or our government, to officially notify the current owners of a product defect, not me.
As I previously stated, I will NEVER buy another Ford product. Does that mean that I should notify all Ford owners that they may have defective cars? No... I don't know if all Ford's have defects, but my feeling is that I can't trust any Ford enginnered products.
The other dilemma here is that the government agency that polices these companies is either asleep at the wheel, turning a blind eye to the situation, or severely understaffed. A state senator once told me that our states Department of Transportation will not take any action on a dangerous intersection until there are three deaths. I think that NHTSA needs to fine companies that do not take corrective action in these situations.
Anyone know how NHTSA proceeds with their investigations?
TessBrou
come on ford fess up!!!!!!! :mad:
F-O-R-D = :lemon:
My belief is that the PCM and the transmission problems are all related. There are so many design flaws in this vehicle. I found two articles that prove that Ford rushed this vehicle out of production way to soon. I've copied and credited the source.
Automotive News. 78.6062 (Oct 13, 2003): Ford Division President Steve Lyons likes the new Freestar minivan he is pushing but wishes he could have delayed its debut until next year. It seems a reversal of the get-it-out-faster philosophy of product development, but Lyons knows what he wants. "Frankly, if I had a chance to go back in time and replan it,'' he says, "I would have done the Ford Five Hundred first and let this go another year.'' COPYRIGHT 2003 Crain Communications, Inc.
"Product help. " Automotive News. 77.6045 (June 23, 2003)
Full Text:COPYRIGHT 2003 Crain Communications, Inc.
Ford Motor plans to produce 10 nameplates off the Mazda6 car platform. Here are 7 of them.
Vehicle calendar year Debut
1. Ford Futura sedan 2005
2. Mercury sedan 2005
3. Ford sport wagon 2006
4. Lincoln sport wagon 2006
5. Lincoln sedan 2007
6. Ford Freestar minivan replacement 2007 or 2008
7. Mercury Monterey minivan replacement 2007 or 2008
http://www.carcomplaints.com/Ford/Explorer/2004/transmission/transmission_slippi- ng_shifts_hard.shtml
I'm not sure if have the basis for a formal complaint or not, but it seems like the more the better.
What is NHTSA?
http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/ivoq/index.cfm
TSB 98-6-5 TRANSAXLE - AX4N - TORQUE CONVERTER CLUTCH NOT ENGAGING AND/OR DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE (DTC) P0741 OR P1744 STORED IN MEMORY
Publication Date: MARCH 30, 1998
FORD: 1996-98 TAURUS
LINCOLN-MERCURY: 1996-98 CONTINENTAL, SABLE
ISSUE:
Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) P0741 or P1744 may be stored in memory. This may be caused by the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) unsuccessfully attempting to engage the torque converter clutch 5 consecutive times. The torque converter clutch may not engage if one or more of the following conditions exist:
Stuck converter regulator valve
Stuck solenoid regulator valve
Stuck bypass clutch control valve
Worn pump shaft or damaged seals
Incorrect Torque Converter Clutch (TCC) solenoid
Incorrect or damaged internal wiring harness
Incorrect gear ratio
ACTION:
Refer to the following Diagnostic Procedure for details.
DIAGNOSTIC PROCEDURE
1) For DTC P0741 and P1744, perform Pinpoint Test "C" and refer to Diagnostic Routines 240 and 340 in Section 07-01 of the appropriate Taurus/Sable or Continental Service Manual.
2) Remove the transaxle lower pan and check for excessive debris in the pan.
3) Remove the main control cover and main control.
4) Check for pump shaft wear or damaged seals.
5) Inspect the main control for a stuck converter regulator valve and solenoid regulator valve located in bore "A." Refer to Figure 1.
6) Inspect the bypass clutch control valve located in bore "D." Refer to Figure 1.
7) Clean the main control and make sure all valves move freely. Do not sand, stone, or file valves or bores in the main control.
8) Inspect for the correct TCC solenoid. Refer to TSB 97-13-12 for TCC resistance. 9) TCC resistance should be 0.98-1.6 ohms for 1996-97 Taurus/Sable and 1996 Continental; 13-24 ohms for 1998 Taurus/Sable and 1997-98 Continental.
10) If the transaxle has been exchanged, refer to TSB 97-23-7 .
Mr. James Vondale, Director
Automotive Safety Office
Environmental and Safety Compliance
Ford Motor Company
330 Town Center Drive, Suite 400
Dearborn, MI 48126
How many of us would ever own another Ford?
Not only do we have to pay for their engineering mishaps, but they have the audacity to risk our lives and others. Criminal.
Did you know that TSBs are copyrighted?
Here is an interesting article on automobile disputes. Sort of a self-help guide.
http://philip.greenspun.com/politics/litigation/automobile-disputes.html
My 05 Freestar did the same thing as yours Sep 18. Only my transmission died when I tapped brake to shut of cruise-control. It never slipped, made noise , or ANYTHING !! I cant afford another & dont know what to do now ?? We ALL need to join the clas-action suit that is coming !! The more the better chance of getting something done about Ford getting away with selling what they know is defective brand-new !!
Rod
I have found that the government has a hand in all this as well. They need to do their job and have Ford release the information. I am sure that Ford has made a plea about the hardship they will encounter if they have to recall these vehicles.
How many of you have called the customer relations center at Ford?
Under the TREAD Act, Public Citizen's proved that NHTSA lacked the authority to issue substantive rules under FOIA, and that releasing the Early Warning Data would cause competitive harm to manufactures. This includes all the customer complaints to them. Our government has not been protecting us as they should be, but instead, they've been protecting the car manufactures. Look how many defective vehicles Fords has been producing.