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Ford Freestyle Maintenance and Repair

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Comments

  • mschmalmschmal Member Posts: 1,757
    If you have your headlights in auto mode, the puddle lamps will stay on after you exit until the timer turns off the head lights. You can change the timer lenght through the setup button on the wheel.

    Mark.
  • barnstormer64barnstormer64 Member Posts: 1,106
    A few comments:

    1) This means that the brake wear problem is NOT a "design defect".

    2) This means that the brake wear problem would not affect ALL vehicles (which explains people like me who've had no issues)

    3) More interestinlgy, think of what this implies for those who have had MULTIPLE sets of brake pads wear early. Hmmmm.
  • volfangaryvolfangary Member Posts: 105
    Today my Freestyle key fob only unlocked the driver door and not the other doors. As I was driving the turn signals were rapid. I checked and all signal lamps are working. This also happened a couple months ago. An hour later, everything works fine and all symptoms have disappeared. Anyone else have this experience or know what the problem might be? :confuse:
  • bobnu75bobnu75 Member Posts: 21
    that has happened to me, but not for a while. since everything has seemed OK after about an hour, I didn't look into it. I've owned the car for two years.
  • stevedebistevedebi Member Posts: 4,098
    "As I was driving the turn signals were rapid. I checked and all signal lamps are working. "

    I had this same problem a couple of months ago. The dealer replaced a switch under the steering wheel (under warranty). A rapid blinker means there is something wrong with the electrical system. Typically this is a burnt out light bulb, but it could be anything.
  • byrdsbyrdsbyrdsbyrds Member Posts: 3
    I had the same problem on my then 16-month old 2006 Freestyle. It was a burned out rear bulb.
  • volfangaryvolfangary Member Posts: 105
    Thanks for all the feedback. Checked bulbs and they are all working. Any other suggestions or feedback? :confuse:
  • tacomaguytacomaguy Member Posts: 41
    I have a 2005 Freestyle Limited and my son bought a used 2005 Freestyle from a Saturn dealer. He just paid $600.00+ for a front and rear brake job at Midas. We both got the extended coverage letters. He took his Midas bill and the letter to the local Ford dealer last week. Just got a check from Ford yesterday for the WHOLE amount, front and rear, labor, everything. Way to go Ford. (Even if they still won't admit that it was a design or production problem.) :)
  • tacomaguytacomaguy Member Posts: 41
    Tried a pebble dash mat to match the interior on my 2005 Limited but that didn't work. Bought a set of polarized clip-ons from my Optician for $25.00 and that did the trick. Clears it right up. You can also use the clip-ons over sunglasses to get a darker view. I've found that it really helps to ease the eye strain when you are out on the freeway for an extended time.
  • freealfasfreealfas Member Posts: 652
    "(Even if they still won't admit that it was a design or production problem.)"

    wasn't a design issue it was a QC issue... but thanks anyway
  • bobw3bobw3 Member Posts: 2,989
    it was a defect either way that took Ford a LONG time to admit.
  • freealfasfreealfas Member Posts: 652
    No argument with them admitting, but a design defect is very different from a QC problem as I'd be more worried and pissed that they screwed up the basic design of a braking system as opposed to being annoyed at premature pad wear due to vendor production issues.
  • bobw3bobw3 Member Posts: 2,989
    Regardless of it was a vendor or manufacturer related problem, from the customer's point of view it's a defect. And anything to do with braking problems is more than just an annoyance...it's a safety issue. Ford is just lucky someone didn't get killed because the brake pads were gone at 10,000 miles and they got into an accident because of it.
  • freealfasfreealfas Member Posts: 652
    worse case was metal to metal and reduced braking from the rear not total failure. Considering the rear does the smaller portion and the fronts were never at issue I'd say it was an annoying situation as opposed to one that put lives at risk.
  • bobw3bobw3 Member Posts: 2,989
    Actually, I thought part of the increased wear in the rear brakes was because more braking force was put on the rear to prevent "nose-dive" during hard braking. Plus there doesn't need to be a "total failure" of the rear brakes to cause a dangerous situation. In an emergency braking situation, rear brakes that weren't functioning properly or rubbing metal to metal are dangerous.

    Any particular reason you're defending Ford so much?
  • freealfasfreealfas Member Posts: 652
    I'm not so much defending ford as I agree that they took to long to acknowledge this issue.

    My point is that I don't believe you are making a big overstatement that there was potentially a life threatening situation in regards to this matter.

    More brake force delivered to the rear does not mean that the front still does not do the majority of the braking, say rather than a traditional 70%/30% F/R, maybe now they proportion 60%/40%(these are just round numbers to illustrate my point and not in any way accurrate) alleviating some dive.

    Again, I'm not saying it wasn't dangerous, but if you have pads metal to metal you know it and are adjusting your driving accordingly or better yet getting directly to the dealer to fix. Mine got metal/metal, I heard it and drove slowly to the dealer to fix it as did most I suspect.

    Life threatening and lucky no one died I think is an overstatment. Not great PR and poor handling of a tough situation set up by a vendor's poor efforts, that I think is what this situation warrants.
  • bobw3bobw3 Member Posts: 2,989
    Okay, overstatement is your opinion, but if someone was hurt because they're weren't able to stop quite so fast, then maybe it's more of an overstatment. Like I said, Ford was lucky.
  • barnstormer64barnstormer64 Member Posts: 1,106
    rom the customer's point of view it's a defect

    I'm a customer with the vehicle, and I would consider it a QC issue . . . especially since it didn't affect me.

    Since I know I've driven my vehicles in the rain, then the pads I got must have been OK. If it were a "Design Defect", few (if any) would have had no issues at all with it.
  • bobw3bobw3 Member Posts: 2,989
    I didn't say "design defect" if you read my post, it just says defect. And if Ford is willing to reimburse people who previously had their brakes replaced, then I'm guessing they've had quite a few complaints. And after talking to 2 different Ford dealers in 2 states, they say the same thing. But you can call it whatever you like.
  • volfangaryvolfangary Member Posts: 105
    Good outcome...
    Took copy of a TSB about shifter issues to the service department when I took it in for shifter replacement. They were surprised to see I had a TSB in hand. They totally replaced the entire shifter assembly for free! A $700 repair bill that I almost paid, because they didn't either take the time to look for a TSB or knew it was there and just wanted me to pay. :confuse: Thanks to the info here on this forum and another forum I was able to save some money! :)
  • catmouracatmoura Member Posts: 29
    I took my letter to the Ford service center and Ford will be sending me a check for the brakes we had replaced on our 05 FS. The second set went out too and they replaced those now the third set is under the warranty from the letter till Dec.
  • hypnosis44hypnosis44 Member Posts: 483
    Any specific cautions, warnings, concerns I should be aware of before I hit the market in November? It looks like the prices are very good for a one year old low mileage car.
  • xkaliburxkalibur Member Posts: 1
    Has anyone had difficulty getting a refund for brake work that was already been completed. We had the rear brakes fixed on our Freestyle in November 2006. We unfortunately can't find the original receipt. The dealer has record that we had it done, but they claim we need the original receipt. Any assistance would be greatly appreciated.
  • pierresardainpierresardain Member Posts: 8
    Does one have to have these repairs made at a Ford dealership to get a reimbursement??? I had the rear brakes changed at 22K miles by the local NTB, not the Ford dealer.

    Thanks in advance for any insight on this.
  • passat_2002passat_2002 Member Posts: 468
    My understanding is that Ford will reimburse regardless of where the work was done.
  • haulthault Member Posts: 130
    I find it hard to believe the dealership can't print a copy of their own records of fixing your brakes so you can get the FORD reimbursement.
  • richfig23richfig23 Member Posts: 15
    I paid to have my rear brakes replaced by me dealer in March 07. I just called my dealer the other day and spoke with the servise adviser regarding the brake letter I received. He looked on his computer and confirmed they had replaced the rear pads. He told me they would send me a check for the refund. I didn't even have to set foot in the dealership. Demand a refund and speak with a manager if you have to.
  • tim156tim156 Member Posts: 308
    A service technician at my dealership told me if you have received the letter you must have the work done at a Ford service department. Work done at a local shop before the letter was sent to owners will be reimbursed. Now, he might have been trying to create business for the his shop, but I'm pleased with their service department so I'd take it there anyway. A call to a Ford service department will also help answer your question.
  • pedrogonzpedrogonz Member Posts: 1
    I own an 2005 Ford FS. The car accelerates by itself at low speeds during parking maneuvrs. Its gotten so bad that i have had to push the brake all the way down so that i dont hit another car. Has anyone experienced this kind od problem. THe car spent almost a month at the dealer and its still doing the smae thing.
  • carstenbcarstenb Member Posts: 37
    my 2005 does that too since a week or so. it seems to be related to the power steering. the enginge revs up a bit when i turn the steering wheel but only at certain positions of the steering wheel. as if the power steering pumps needs more power then. i will have the dealer look at it when we are back from vacation.

    carsten
  • pegkpegk Member Posts: 11
    I have a 2005 Ford Freestyle purchased new in April 2005. I'm at 39,000 miles, and the fuel pump just went. I had it towed to my regular mechanic (not a Ford dealer). He confirmed that the problem is the fuel pump which would cost $250 plus labor to replace. I read my warranty guide and know that I'm outside the 3yr/36,000 mile bumper to bumper warranty period. However the emission warranty language seemed to indicate that fuel pump might be covered under that clause (which is significantly longer than the 3yr/36,000 mile). I called Ford customer service (1-800-392-3673) to get clarification on the emissions warranty, but the customer service rep would not tell me if the fuel pump would be covered. He said it was "against the law" for him to tell me if the fuel pump was covered. I would instead have to bring my vehicle to a Ford dealer and have the dealer diagnose the problem to determine if it was covered by the emissions warranty. After some discussion, the customer service rep told that if I had a Ford part #, he would be allowed to tell me if that particular part was covered under the warranty. I asked to speak to his supervisor and he said that I would get a call back in 1 to 2 days. Needless to say, I'm quite dissatisfied with the lack of "customer service" I received from this rep. Does anyone know of another number to call to ask this question to Ford regarding the coverage of a fuel pump under the emissions warranty. I'm a little concerned that the fuel pump went at 39,000 miles to begin with and think that for a mere 3000 miles over original warranty that Ford should cover this repair. Any suggestions appreciated.
  • bobw3bobw3 Member Posts: 2,989
    Page 14 in the Warranty guide spells out what's covered under Emissions defect and fuel pump is not on the list.
  • passat_2002passat_2002 Member Posts: 468
    Obviously, the phone reps must be very careful what they say for fear the customer will seize on something out of context. This is best handled by your local dealer anyway. If you express mild dissatisfaction to them that the fuel pump failed at 39k, they might just "participate" in the cost of repair.
  • bobw3bobw3 Member Posts: 2,989
    My guess is that the dealer won't pay for the fuel pump repair because Ford won't reimburse the dealer for the cost of the repair since it's out of warranty, so then the dealership would eat the cost.

    I had a similar situation for some control modules that ended up being covered by the emission warranty, but it took a lot of calls between the service manager and Ford to make sure the dealer would be reimbursed.

    Nobody like something to break down right after the warranty expires, but there has to be some defining line.
  • richfig23richfig23 Member Posts: 15
    My brake work was completed in March 07 and I only had to call the service manager at the dealer for my refund. He looked on his computer and saw the work had been done and processed the payment. I check will be mailed to me. Good luck.
  • cmunizcmuniz Member Posts: 604
    In July I got the ltr from Ford stating that the warranty on my 05 Freestyle rear brake pads had been extended to 36,000 miles. Since my Freestyle had about 35,000 miles I decided to take it to the local dealer for an oil change and have the rear pads checked. I also had them fix a malfunctioning windshield washer. They were finished in about an hour and told me that the warranty invoice was not ready since they had to order a part. They didn't tell which part(windshield washer or brake pads), but told me they would mail me the invoice. After several calls to the dealer over several weeks, I had still not received the warranty invoice nor did I know what was going to be done or had been done under warranty. I got a customer satisfaction survey from Ford asking about the recent service done and I gave the dealer an unsatisfactory mark for not making the warranty invoice or description of warranty work available to me. This morning I got a call from the Ford Customer Service Center about the survey and I explained all the above to them. Moments later I get a call from the local dealer that the rear brake pads are in and to schedule an appointment for the installation. Coincidence??? Was this just incompetence or is something shady going on?? I am happy to get new brake pads but the process seems a little underhanded to me.
  • jjlrn1jjlrn1 Member Posts: 5
    I have a 2006 FS, so far I have loved it, but........I was driving @ about 65 mph in cruise control and the engine was accelerating to maintain speed up an incline. Suddenly, I got two warning lights, a wrench (power train), and the traction control light and then the transmission seemed to just disengage. I was coasting. If I hit the gas, the engine would rev but no propulsion. I pulled off to the side, shut off the engine, turned it back on and everything was fine. This has happened 3 times and the dealer was not been able to diagnose or reproduce it, and the codes they got from interrogating the computer were not helpful. I noticed a pattern and I was able to reproduce it. This time the computer reports that I have a problem with the computer module that controls the ABS system (Funny, no ABS light). Of course, there are 40k miles on the car and the warranty is expired despite the fact that the car is only 18-months old. The power train warranty doesn’t cover the ABS module. It seems the ABS module is not part of the power train it just controls it! All of the warning lights say power train, but Ford says otherwise.

    Has anyone heard of this issue? I cannot believe they do not consider this part of the power train!
  • pegkpegk Member Posts: 11
    Finally for the rest of the story: My problem was not the fuel pump. My mechanic was on vacation (his new assistant that suggested it was the fuel pump also suggested that I wait for his boss to get back from vacation). When he returned yesterday, he found that the real problem was a disconnected fuel inertia switch, for which Ford has a TSB 06-18-12. I would have hoped that the customer service rep I had spoken to would have mentioned this TSB. Unfortunately that rep would not even let me speak to his supervisor. He said that the best he could do was have a supervisor return my call in two days. Well two days have past and still no call. Same response to my call to the dealership where I bought the car: I called to clarify the emissions warranty language and was told that “Finance Dept” (not Service Dept even though I asked twice) could help me. No one was available and I left a message twice, but still no returned phone call. I’m just thankful that the problem is not the fuel pump. The switch problem only cost me $33 (I’m sure the dealer would have charged me a lot more than that.)
  • jogumojogumo Member Posts: 8
    We really liked our 2005 Freestyle when we first got it but then the problems started. At 16,000 miles the CVT (continously variable transmission)failed. The dealer replaced with a remanufactured CVT. I'm at 40,000 miles and there are problems with the CVT again. Now Ford is renaming the Freestyle the Taurus X for 2008 and it comes with a 6-speed automatic transmission (they no longer offer the CVT). The rear brake pads and one rotor needed replacing at less than 20,000 miles. I complained that it was premature wear. The service tech agreed but said there was no recall so I had to pay over $400 for brakes. In July 07 I received a recall notice about premature wear of rear brake pads and rotors, and I need new brakes again. Who knows what is going to go wrong next.
  • freealfasfreealfas Member Posts: 652
    you are one of the minority that have had CVT issues and there has been a recall and you can submit your receipt for your brake work and ford will reimburse you. It's unfortunate you had issues but unfortunately when you make so many of anything by anyone there are going to be some problems.
  • sportmansportman Member Posts: 23
    You won't get many Freestyle owners supporting your opinion about the CVT Trans. It has proven to be one of the best components Ford has produced. They switched, in my opinion, to a six speed because it is cheaper to build and the current CVT was not designed to accommodate the increased torque of the new 3.5 liter engine.
    As far as the brakes are concerned, it was inconvenient and annoying but after getting reimbursed by Ford I don't feel nearly as bad. Several years ago I had a similar experience with a Nissan Maxima (13,000 miles on rear brakes) and never saw a dime from Nissan. The vehicle had very small pads on the rear and never would last 15,000 miles.
    Keep smiling and enjoy that Freestyle.
  • nibyaknibyak Member Posts: 26
    jjlrn1

    I haven't been reading this forum much lately but I have been having almost the exact problem with my 06 FS. My CVT has been out of the car three times already and it is currently sitting on the bench at the dealership as I type this. My car is only 19 months old but has over 70,000 miles on it. I had the almost same exact symptoms as you. I would be driving at about 70 MPH, with cruise control on, and the engine RPM's increasing after just starting up a hill. I would get the Wrench light and the traction control light would light up then go off. The wrench light would stay illuminated. The car would surge like a normal automatic transmission downshifting but I didn't get the neutral/disengaged condition. The dealer has replaced some parts in the CVT twice. This all started back in June. The last time I was picking up the car the service manager asked me if the cruise control was on when the light came on. I said it was and that I also told the person who receives the cars that the cruise was on more than one time. Anyway, they installed a data recorder to record what was going on when it happened since they couldn't duplicate the problem. It happened the next morning on the way to work. That was over 2 weeks ago and the car has been in the shop since then. Service manager did seem to think that there is a new TSB on CVT but I haven't been able to locate it. The CVT was one of the main reasons I bought this car and it was also the main reason that I purchased the Extended Warranty plan. All of this work has been performed under the warranty and the service manager has been covering the $100.00 deductible every time. Since this is warranty work everything needs Ford's approved before they can replace it. Looking on the bright side, I've put at least 7,000 miles on loaner cars since June (saving wear and tear on the old FS). But. I'd much rather be driving the Freestyle. I believe that they finally know what's wrong with it this time. Have your service guy look for a TSB on CVT input shaft seal. Not sure if that’s what it is and it may not be an actual TSB, just have him call the Ford hotline before he starts replacing parts.
  • ny6ny6 Member Posts: 1
    1st time poster here. I have this problem and live in NY, but it happens in the summer too. I tried pulling out the pump some, but it started to spill out. I will try the latch, but many stations around here don't have the latch.
  • peterz_98peterz_98 Member Posts: 1
    I have a 2005 ltd Freestyle and for the third time in two weeks the battery is dead. Last time we changed the battery-We just bought this vehicle a month ago with 30,000 miles on it. The dealer took care of the problem last time, the problem is reoccuring. Are others having a problem like this? Today when it died my wife and kids just pulled up in a parking space at the library, she turned the key to off and the doors locked and battery died. She was able to get her door open but not the others and the kids had to crawl over the seats to get out. I see a safety issue here, a rather big one with locks not operable when power suddenly goes out. I am real mad about this glitch and I wish I had known such a thing could occur. The what if's are endless. Self locking doors like the Freestyle has, {they lock when you put it in gear} seem nice until something goes wrong. If others have had this issue let me know. Can you reprogram them?
    Thanks Peterz
  • passat_2002passat_2002 Member Posts: 468
    Try reprograming your kids. Teach them that they can unlock any door from the inside by simply lifting up on the lock itself.
  • stevedebistevedebi Member Posts: 4,098
    "She was able to get her door open but not the others and the kids had to crawl over the seats to get out. "

    You can use your hand to pull up the lock manually. I take it you mean that the electric door locks didn't unlock the doors?
  • jogumojogumo Member Posts: 8
    This was a problem I forgot to post (see #1051). My battery died at 22,000 miles. No warning signs. I stopped at a gas station on the way to work and it wouldn't start after I pumped the gas. It couldn't be jumped so I had to pay through the nose for a new one on site. There is enough lock protruding for your kids to manually unlock the doors and the front doors unlock when you use the handle.
    To recap, at 40,600 miles the CVT has been replaced twice, the brakes and rotors have been replaced twice, and my battery needed to be replaced. :lemon: Any of you believers want to put your money where your mouth is and buy my Freestyle? I've done the research and this vehicle has more issues than a model normally has. A car manufacturer doesn't change the name of a vechile and re-engineer it (transmission) if it has been reliable. I'm trading it in for a Toyota Sequoia.
  • passat_2002passat_2002 Member Posts: 468
    "I've done the research and this vehicle has more issues than a model normally has."

    Really? Where did you do your research jogumo? Tell us? We'd love to know. Obviously you didn't take J.D. Power's opinion into account.

    "Ford has supplanted Toyota as the leading manufacturer in initial quality rankings, taking the top spot in five of 19 segments in the 2007 survey by JD_Power and Associates. That was more than any other automobile corporation this year."

    J.D. Power & Assoc. 06/07/07

    Enjoy your 11mpg Sequoia.
  • bobw3bobw3 Member Posts: 2,989
    If I had your problems, I'd get another vehicle too. I don't know about the Sequoia though. Have you looked at the new Highlander or Saturn Outlook if you need something bigger. I've ridden in a Sequoia. They're really massive but not as roomy inside as you'd think. The 3rd row of the Freestyle is nicer.
  • stevedebistevedebi Member Posts: 4,098
    "To recap, at 40,600 miles the CVT has been replaced twice, the brakes and rotors have been replaced twice, and my battery needed to be replaced."

    I take it you have a 2005, early production? The car had some initial issues. I have had no problems with my 2006, except for an electrical relay that had to be replaced at 6K or so, and that didn't kill the car, just caused the turn signals to blink faster (which is a long-time Ford method of telling the owner that something is wrong with the electrical system - typically a blown light bulb).
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