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ENGINE/TRANSMISSION DRIVEABILITY ISSUES TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN Reference Number(s): 06-14-10, Date of Issue: July 24, 2006 Superceded Bulletin(s): 05-23-7, Date of Issue: November 28, 2005 Related Ref Number(s): 05-23-7, 06-14-10 ARTICLE BEGINNING ISSUE Some 1999-2003 Windstar and 2004-2007 Freestar / Monterey vehicles built prior to 6/22/2006 may exhibit engine / transmission driveability issues due to water entering the powertrain control module (PCM) or transaxle vent. Symptoms may include various diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), harsh or delayed transmission shifts / engagements, no reverse engagement, engine overheat, engine lean condition causing a misfire (possibly leading to melted electrodes on the spark plugs), and rough idle. The water leakage may be due to the PCM connector cover not seating completely and water leaking down from the cowl panel grille (cowl top vent panel) area. ACTION During normal diagnostic and repair procedures, inspect for evidence of water damage at the PCM, PCM connector, and/or transaxle. If present, inspect the sealing area of the PCM cover, seal the water leak path in the cowl panel grill area, and service the PCM as needed per the following Service Procedure. SERVICE PROCEDURE Disconnect the PCM connector. Remove the PCM cover from the studs in the bulkhead. ( Fig. 1 ) Fig. 1: PCM Connector Inspect the body sealant on the bulkhead to ensure it is not protruding out causing the cover not to seal properly in that area. ( Fig. 2 ) If sealant is interfering with the PCM cover, remove excess with a sharp tool. Reinstall the PCM cover ensuring the cover seals and is flush with the bulkhead. Fig. 2: Body Sealant On Bulkhead 1. Remove the wiper pivot arm. ( Fig. 3 ) a. Release pivot arm nut cover. b. Remove the pivot arm nut. FORD: 1999-2003 Windstar; 2004-2007 Freestar MERCURY: 2004-2007 Monterey NOTE: This article supersedes TSB 05-23-7 to update the Service Procedure and model years. Page 1 of 4 ENGINE/TRANSMISSION DRIVEABILITY ISSUES -2004 Mercury Monterey 8/3/2008
Jim Genovese
Annapolis, MD
Jim Genovese
Annapolis, MD
Jim Genovese
Annapolis, MD
Also, to the poster who mentioned about the slow activation of the transmission, for that I do agree. I notice then when I put it into Reverse or Drive, it takes about 2 seconds to engage. I purposely wait for it to fully engage (you can feel a subtle catch) before hitting the gas. I wonder if hitting the gas too fast with this touchy transmission could cause these paper thin transmissions to give way a little faster. I remember my driving instructor way back in the day telling me one of the worst things you can do to a transmission is to flip between gears too fast without full activation before hitting the gas.
Also, a thought as to why there is no recall on these things. Is it possible they don't consider a mechanical problem a safety issue? Sure someone could be killed by a failing transmission, but the same could be said for "can" belts that break or anything for that matter that could make a car stop running. I agree 100 % there should be a recall but I wonder if that's the reason there is none.
One final thought (word of encouragement), I talked to someone at the store the other day with a Freestar. I asked him what year it was. He said it was a 2004 and he has over 200,000 miles on it and it's the best vehicle he's ever had. No problems other than normal wear. It's weird how these things fail on some people so prematurely and yet there are others out there that go for 200,000 without a single problem. Was there perhaps a "bad batch" of these things and a "good batch?" :confuse:
and an owner piss of $%#$%$$^%#^&#& freestar
tranny just went at 41,000 miles, $1,900 later
sorry there others suffering
but glad not alone :lemon law should include such problems
Sorry to hear about all your troubles seems that you have the right attitude though gotta keep laughing. I had a question as just today my freestar seems to contract the same aliments as I have been reading about that is a defect that Ford knew about it seems though I may be one of the luckier ones as my freestar has 91K miles. I was reading your research and wanted to find out if you could help me locate the PCM so my husband can check if it has any water seeping in to it from the Crowl grille. I am very thankful that I found this site as a few hours ago we were convinced it was just the transmission and thought we were in for a very expensive replacement funny thing is that the car not only would not go forward but at a slow rate and not reverse at all but the car died as well. Hopefully it will just be the water problem... We can always hope...
Thanks so much and hope your fix will work for you.
:sick:
It must be something to do with that technical service bulletin.
My e-mail is john@warp-speed.net
if you take it to Liberty Ford and they tell u they have never heard of this problem ask them about my 2006 white ford dreestar still sitting against there back fence. my tranny went out in july and left me stranded in east TX and i live in Cleburne.
i told them were they could put the van wear the sun dont shine
Initial diagnosis was $4,000 for a trans and an O2 sensor. Our trusted mechanic said that is why our check engine light was one. Well, it wasn't on. Did a quick google search, found this forum and called him back. He has been talking with Ford and hopefully will have good news tomorrow.
We also have a '95 Windstar. Replaced the trans in that at about 80,000. Plus my son had a F150. Had to put a trans in that, too. Won't ever buy another Ford!!
:mad:
Report your incident to NHTSA via their website and, as far as a class action, we are all on board with that should some sharp attorney happen across this site. Stay tuned.......
Jim Genovese
Annapolis, MD
F- O- R- D- S ========= :lemon:
Jim Genovese
Annapolis, MD
The only other way to force this issue is a class action lawsuit. More on that later...
In the meantime, tell everyone you know. Tell people that you don't know who are driving their family around in one of these things. You just might save someone's life!
Jim Genovese
Annapolis, MD
So, I have called some local transmission shops and they are telling me that torque converters don't just "go out". I am also going to go the NHTSA website. I would be more than happy to talk to an attorney if this group ends up going that route.
Brandi
Kansas City, MO
Jim Genovese
Annapolis, MD
Steve Cummins
Joshua, TX
We have decided to have yet another torque converter put into our van. I guess I was fortunate that the spline materials did not get into my transmission. I plan to drive it a few more months until I can trade it in for a NON Ford product. I just worry then who will end up with my van. I could never sell it myself knowing the issues we have all faced.
If anyone else has any luck pursuing a civil suit, please let us know.
Brandi
Kansas City, MO
Don't be discouraged. One attorney out of hundreds of thousands across the country will not break our resolve to get justice and force a recall and accountability for this fiasco. My experience in dealing with attorneys on many issues is that they rarely, if ever, want to stray from their area of expertise or take on a case that they don't feel will be a cakewalk. This is not the type opf attorney we need on this case. We need one who has been personally affected by this, either directly or indirectly, who can not only identify with our pain, but also be motivated by the same things motivate us to seek justice. At the rate that these transmissions are failing, it is just a matter of time before this scenario becomes a reality. In the meantime, keep all of your recepts and, more importantly, keep the faith and spread the word. You just might save someone's life!
Jim Genovese
Annapolis, MD
I also had a piece of trim fall off the door. I HATE this van!
I don't understand how the lemon law would help me if it dies on me and it doesn't show up on their computers and it started back up. Basically it would be my word against theirs if I were to pursue the lemon law.
I've always hated domestics, and now my sister learned the hard way not to buy ford ever again.
F :lemon: O :lemon: R :lemon: D
Following up to my previous post......I brought the vehicle to the delearship where I bought the 2005 van, and they called me first thing this morning. The idle control module was stuck in the closed position, and since they replaced it, the van will run great (or so they tell me). I just wanted to add this to the list of things for people to be aware of as we go through the Ford issues together.
There is no way I could sell this van to someone on the street and have a good conscience.
Anyways, thanks for listening and welcoming me to the "club".
Carol (from Canada)
Anyway... I did think of you guys b/c the other night I was watching one of those investigation shows (Dateline or 48 hours or something like that). They were in a small town that Ford dumped "sludge" back when they first starting manufacturing autos. There were still traces of paint in the soil. ALL BUT ONE household in this town suffered from CANCER. When they questioned Ford about it, their response was "It wasn't illegal back then". EPA ordered them to clean up another town. They said it was cleaned and upon investigation, it wasn't and they had to go back out. I just couldn't help but to think that all around, the people of Ford have unexceptable customer service and a true lack of human compassion!
http://fcsdchemicalsandlubricants.com/supplier/tsb/061410.pdf
FORD CO. IS A JOKE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
P.S. CALLED A DEALERSHIP
TODAY, FORD. HAD A FREE RECALL CHECK.
WHEN I ASKED OF A TRANNY RECALL CHECK,
GUY GOT OFF PHONE QUICK. :mad: :lemon: :lemon:
I work for a Caterpillar Dealer, so I have some understanding as to the technical bulletins that do come out. Believe it or not, a lot of these issues might be addressed in the corporate level, but not necessarily given to the service level. The actual service department might never hear about some of these problems. To them it seems like "lack of proper maintenance". In some cases it can be, but most often it is a problem with the product.
to think I almost traded my van back in December. Well, that's life.
I don't know if Ford will ever do a recall... they might not exist when that happens.
The guy in the shop said is cheaper because the warranty company is paying for it
and they have a discount for parts. Shop said about $3000 or more if I were to go somewhere else without the warranty. I don't know if he's telling the truth, the most important thing is my van is running again and I have another year warranty for it.
FORD WAKE UP!! FACE THIS PROBLEM!!HELP US!!
ALL FREESTAR OWNERS GOD BLESS YOU ALL!!
MAY GOD BE WITH YOU IN YOUR EVERYDAY DRIVING.
Madmax....Let us know what kind of trade in you get.
Jim Genovese
Annapolis, MD
it's the warranty people. If that money is coming from my wallet I will look for the cheapest guys for sure. I'll keep you posted on what will happen to my van. Could you please tell me what do you hear or whats the van doing when it's acting up. Thanks.