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Comments
Thanks,
Jim Genovese
Annapolis, MD
Looks like I've got pretty much the same problem as other people here. I was commuting to work on a busy road when everything cut out. The engine was still running but the power steering and assisted breaks were gone and the accelerator didn't work. I'm a young female driver and I could not stop or steer the vehicle. Lucky for me I had just passed a yellow light and the traffic behind me didn't make it through.
I'm 600 km from home working a summer job so when I called for a tow I just let them take me to the closest mechanic's place. I have no experience with cars so I pretty much let them do their thing. They first told me it was a cam sensor problem then it changed into the problem of whatever runs the sensors. I believe it's the PCM but I'm not sure and they didn't bother explaining. They told me the fix was at least $1000 and that there was only one such unit available in all of North America and it just happened to be in the city where I'm at. I bullsh*t alarm went off at this point. But I'm a broke student who relies on my vehicle for my job and they've got my van ripped apart in their shop. A shop I can't get to without a vehicle.
I'm wondering what everyone else paid for their PCM because I'm pretty sure these guys are just messing with me.
These are the same BOZOS who knew about Toyota's acceleration issues since at least 2007 but didn't take any action until a high profile fatal crash occurred as a result of the defect. Unfortunately, NHTSA seems to be reactive and not proactive, in spite of overwhelming evidence of a problem, and typically doesn't act until someone gets killed. This is unacceptable and we must keep up the pressure on NHTSA to take action.
You have to call and demand action from Ford. The dealership has to get reimbursed from the manufacture. Ford has secret warranties that is at their digression to reduce that bill. Make sure you tell Ford that you know there is a TSB on this problem. The dealership will still charge something, but fight for your rights! My $1000.00 PCM replacement went to $250.00, but it still did not solve the issues. Make sure that they replace all connections because there may be corrosion.
I would start looking for a replacement vehicle if you can afford to because it may be more cost effective, but more so, you will be a heck of a lot safer.
Good luck.
Transmission Torque Converters: WARRANTY, OTHER CLAIMS SURVIVE AGAINST FORD, Daigle v. Ford Motor Co., 29 No. 24 Westlaw Journal Automotive 9, Westlaw Journal Automotive May 25, 2010
A Minnesota federal judge has allowed class-action, breach-of-warranty and unjust-enrichment claims to move forward against Ford Motor Co. for allegedly designing minivans with faulty transmission torque converters. Plaintiffs Rex Lindsay, James Genovese, Henri Caron, Sylvester Hobbs and Edward Daigle say their 2004-2006 Ford Freestar and Mercury Monterey minivans have defective torque converters that cause the vehicles to lose power to the wheels.Their class action alleges six claims against F...
About time someone does something on the behalf of us Ford mini van owners.
It cost us several thousand dollars.
Cathy in MD
http://www.sfmslaw.com/class-action-lawsuits/cases.php?id=932
Anyone know anything about this?
Class members often receive little or no benefit from class actions. Examples cited for this include large fees for the attorneys, while leaving class members with coupons or other awards of little or no value; unjustified awards are made to certain plaintiffs at the expense of other class members; and confusing notices are published that prevent class members from being able to fully understand and effectively exercise their rights.
"In the United States, class lawsuits sometimes bind all class members with a low settlement. These "coupon settlements" (which usually allow the plaintiffs to receive minimal benefit such as a small check or a coupon for future services or products with the defendant company) are a way for a defendant to forestall major liability by precluding a large number of people from litigating their claims separately, to recover reasonable compensation for the damages. However, existing law requires judicial approval of all class action settlements, and in most cases class members are given a chance to opt out of class settlement, though class members, despite opt-out notices, may be unaware of their right to opt-out because they did not receive the notice, did not read it, or did not understand it.
The Class Action Fairness Act of 2005 addresses these concerns. Coupon Settlements may be scrutinized by an independent expert before judicial approval in order to ensure that the settlement will be of value to the class members. 28 U.S.C.A. 1712(d). Further, if the action provides for settlement in coupons, the attorney must take a corresponding part of his fee in coupons. 28 U.S.C.A. 1712(a)."
http://www.mww.com/pdf/Westlaw_Automotive_Journal_MWK.pdf
However, what alternative is left for those of us who have attempted to rectify this issue with Ford? What would you recommend?
Ford needs to assist so many with the repair bills for these vehicles. Hope Ford is placed first in the hall of shame!
This the response that I received from Ford about them making this issue right, "The dealership has made an assessment based upon Ford warranty and policy. They are in the best position to determine the amount of assistance that will be provided. In this case, the dealer offered some assistance and we encourage you to speak with the Service Manager/Customer Relations Manager in regards to their decision in this matter."
I do not understand why or how this company can put so many at such a high risk of being severely injured or killed.
Ford is my BP (British Petroleum)!
Maybe our government only takes on foreign companies?
Since we are going up a good incline, I use whatever momentum I have to pull over. Barely make it over to the side but the driver's side door is precariously close to the roadway.
After several near misses with passing traffic, I try everything.....reverse, drive, neutral.....nothing. Care doesn't even appear to come out of park, won't roll back down the hill (at least one good thing).
Highway motorcycle patrol arrives. tells me I can't be there and a "wrecker" is on the way. get towed. it's late on a Sunday so no shop is open, vehicle has to be stored.
I called the guy at the transmission place and once I describe the vehicle (make,model,year), he chuckles and says, I can almost guarantee you I already know the problem. Yup, he's seen this many times before. and now that I've looked on the internet, I see it too! I tell the guy I hope it's something else (like maybe a linkage). He says don't count on it.
well, it's the transmission. rebuild or new (I just have to get this vehicle back home from 450 miles away). Family is unhappy with Ford. I AM UNHAPPY WITH FORD.
I have owned Fords since my 1995 Windstar. I service all my cars religiously at the dealer. The Windstar was simply sold because repair costs (flagged as concerns by the shop) kept increasing and I was told, it's just an "old car." So I go buy two more Fords. This Freestar and the transmission failure is the last straw. The shop had the vehicle 2 weeks before the failure and after its "report card" gave it a clean bill and blessed us on our trip. I've never had a vehicle of any kind leave us on the side of the road like this, that's why I keep them properly serviced. I have my records too.
I'm done with Ford. the car will be repaired but I am going to see if I can trade it in and get back at least what I've dumped into a rebuilt transmission. 76k and the transmission fails despite 2 weeks prior the dealer said the car was ok, ridiculous.
Let me hear from all of you!!!!
Now I'm taking Ford Canada to Small Claims Court here in Montreal, Canada; my court date is July 14, 2010. I'm looking for a current or ex-Ford mechanic who'd be willing to testify on my behalf. I found a current Ford mechanic at Justanswer.com, however he won't testify for fear of losing his job. And when I asked the dealership where I bought the car for the name and telephone number of its ex-Service manager, I got nowhere.
I'd also like to hear from people who have taken Ford court in the USA or Canada. Their experiences may be very helpful in case.
I can be reached at lmk@lesliemkatonacga.com.
Thanks!
How many class action lawsuits can be filed at one time?
There is something wrong with this whole thing. Where is our justice system?