Is this really normal?

F35-JSF · Feb 14, 2013

snow12 said:
The fixed the coil packs on the VQ35, sucks they left the VQ30 guys out though [eek] and the radiator support...gah I almost forgot about that NASTY thing.

Do you find you miss the power? This car feels downright slow compared! But of course there is a lot more to love about the focus. Like the fact it has independent rear suspension.

Yes I miss it. If Nissan had of put a 6spd in the 7th gens I probably would have got a used one instead of the focus.

What my support looked like before replacing, did it for 220. Nissan wanted nearly $1300
.[80?][eek][80?]

snow12 · Feb 14, 2013

F35-JSF said:
Yes I miss it. If Nissan had of put a 6spd in the 7th gens I probably would have got a used one instead of the focus.

What my support looked like before replacing, did it for 220. Nissan wanted nearly $1300
.[80?][eek][80?]

Did you take a picture of my Maxima? [8D]

I like the 7th Gen gasp even the CVT...sort of! I just really wanted something more fuel efficient and I hated the Altima and Sentra. Kind of wish I would have chose the Maxima knowing what I know now, but hey whats done is done you live and learn I guess [

]

I definitely miss that growl too [headbang].

F35-JSF · Feb 14, 2013

snow12 said:
Did you take a picture of my Maxima? [8D]

I like the 7th Gen gasp even the CVT...sort of! I just really wanted something more fuel efficient and I hated the Altima and Sentra. Kind of wish I would have chose the Maxima knowing what I know now, but hey whats done is done you live and learn I guess []

I definitely miss that growl too [headbang].

Manual or bust for me. When they took it away I lost interest. Mine had quite a growl short ram and a leak in the flex pipe... It was louder then a straight piped wrx.

Sprint · Feb 14, 2013

I'm really shocked that some Focus owners with grinding transmissions are not able to get a complete clutch replacement as I did with few questions asked from my dealer as I suspect they knew this issue well. I'm also surprised that Ford customer service is not able to guide customers toward a fix (clutch assembly replacement) that seems to be being done by many dealers under warranty and that seems to be working for many of us.

snow12 · Feb 14, 2013

F35-JSF said:
Manual or bust for me. When they took it away I lost interest. Mine had quite a growl short ram and a leak in the flex pipe... It was louder then a straight piped wrx.

I would get a manual but for the love of god the traffic here is the WORST! I know thats a common excuse but I really mean it!

They really should bring it back, I mean they have a gearbox capable so it really makes no sense to get rid of it[scratch]

Mine had the same leak! haha I guess that was also a common problem. All my friends though it was a V8, hey let em wonder [hihi].

snow12 · Feb 14, 2013

Sprint said:
I'm really shocked that some Focus owners with grinding transmissions are not able to get a complete clutch replacement as I did with few questions asked from my dealer as I suspect they knew this issue well. I'm also surprised that Ford customer service is not able to guide customers toward a fix (clutch assembly replacement) that seems to be being done by many dealers under warranty and that seems to be working for many of us.

I've told them about the TSB and how that would make sense with the noises but they say "its normal, just turn the radio up". Great advice haha

Sprint · Feb 14, 2013

snow12 said:
I've told them about the TSB and how that would make sense with the noises but they say "its normal, just turn the radio up". Great advice haha

Makes not sense since Ford is agreeing to replace these parts in many instances (including mine). Dealers don't turn down warranty work as it's an important part of their revenue so the only explanation is that Ford is inconsistent in their authorization to dealers to do this work.

When my clutch assembly was replaced, the tech indicated the old ones were "worn out" so it is NOT normal.

Again - no offence to the CS rep who posts here but it's clear the Ford CS is not effective on this issue or is not being given the tools to help get resolution to the issue in a fair manner.

snow12 · Feb 14, 2013

Sprint said:
Makes not sense since Ford is agreeing to replace these parts in many instances (including mine). Dealers don't turn down warranty work as it's an important part of their revenue so the only explanation is that Ford is inconsistent in their authorization to dealers to do this work.

When my clutch assembly was replaced, the tech indicated the old ones were "worn out" so it is NOT normal.

Again - no offence to the CS rep who posts here but it's clear the Ford CS is not effective on this issue or is not being given the tools to help get resolution to the issue in a fair manner.

Yeah the CS is really a mess. While I appreciate Cory and Sandra's help

it really has not accomplished anything as of yet. All my dealers do is drive my cars for like 10 miles and tell me "its normal" so consider yourself lucky that you were able to get your clutches replaced

PratoN · Feb 14, 2013

snow12 said:
I've told them about the TSB and how that would make sense with the noises but they say "its normal, just turn the radio up". Great advice haha

That's pretty much what my 3rd dealer I visited told me. Agreed there was something wrong in the test drive, then deny all liability when I go to pick up my car. Ugh. I seriously think they're just waiting for my warranty to run out. Do I have to tell them that I have an extended warranty when I go in at 60k miles? I feel that if I do, they'll turn me down for another 65k miles until I have to pay out-of-pocket.

Pendarus · Feb 14, 2013

Strix said:
Confirming this. It's exactly what I'm expecting to be told after I leave my car at the dealership this Friday.

-the noise from the steering that started after Hines Park Ford worked on my front suspension: NORMAL
-the poor ride that began with the same suspension work: NORMAL
-the clunk noise that precipitated the above work and has never actually been fixed: NORMAL
-the vibration after shifting to 4th gear, a problem which started after Hines Park Ford worked on my transmission: NORMAL
-the poor drivability (which has returned) that led to the transmission being worked on: NORMAL

I'll bet that the only thing I will get fixed is the razor-sharp trim peeling off my steering wheel, and that will require a return visit and another hour or two of my time. It's also the only thing that cannot be subjectively denied.

They can tell me "I don't feel that obnoxious vibration." and "They are all like that." and I suppose it's just my word against theirs (until I get advanced instrumentation and data acquisition systems involved)... but they can't very well tell me that it's normal for steering wheel trim to slice your fingers open.

And honestly, I'd be ok with putting some tape on the steering wheel... if they'd fix the rest of this stuff.

I can't stand driving this car anymore. It used to be so nice, and now it's been ruined. It rides and drives like a heap of junk. I didn't buy a heap of junk. I really want the car that I bought back. Wish me luck.

I have an interesting idea for you. Take it to the dealer and find the used car manager. Tell him you want to trade it in. Ask the used car manager to give you a value. Have him drive it. If he's any good he will document all the issues so he can low ball you on a value. Take that to the service manger or the GM of the dealership.

PratoN · Feb 14, 2013

Pendarus said:
I have an interesting idea for you. Take it to the dealer and find the used car manager. Tell him you want to trade it in. Ask the used car manager to give you a value. Have him drive it. If he's any good he will document all the issues so he can low ball you on a value. Take that to the service manger or the GM of the dealership.

Good idea! I might do that when it gets warm out so that I can roll down the windows and you can really hear the chatter.

snow12 · Feb 14, 2013

PratoN said:
That's pretty much what my 3rd dealer I visited told me. Agreed there was something wrong in the test drive, then deny all liability when I go to pick up my car. Ugh. I seriously think they're just waiting for my warranty to run out. Do I have to tell them that I have an extended warranty when I go in at 60k miles? I feel that if I do, they'll turn me down for another 65k miles until I have to pay out-of-pocket.

There is definitely something going on! I have EasyCare but I have a feeling that it won't cover the clutches because if you think about it they are "wear and tear" items which scares me. If it walks like a duck and talks like one then...aflack[headbang]

snow12 · Feb 14, 2013

Pendarus said:
I have an interesting idea for you. Take it to the dealer and find the used car manager. Tell him you want to trade it in. Ask the used car manager to give you a value. Have him drive it. If he's any good he will document all the issues so he can low ball you on a value. Take that to the service manger or the GM of the dealership.

Hey thats not a bad idea at all! "I notice its very jerky and there is some weird noises; probably a transmission issue that well have to fix" [hihi]. That just might be crazy enough to work Pendarus [cheers]

PratoN · Feb 15, 2013

snow12 said:
There is definitely something going on! I have EasyCare but I have a feeling that it won't cover the clutches because if you think about it they are "wear and tear" items which scares me. If it walks like a duck and talks like one then...aflack[headbang]

Ford confirmed that the clutch would be included under the ESP warranties.

My second dealer told me the DCT clutch is only covered for 1 year / 12k miles and I told him to eat a dick because clutches can last over 100k miles so there's no reason a computer-controlled clutch shouldn't be able to.

Strix · Feb 15, 2013

PratoN said:
Ford confirmed that the clutch would be included under the ESP warranties.

I was told today that they are covered under the 5/60 powertrain warranty.

My second dealer told me the DCT clutch is only covered for 1 year / 12k miles

Why are Ford dealership employees allowed to say any stupid shit they feel like? It seems like they just make stuff up and lie through their teeth.

Why does Ford allow this? Is there no accountability for these people?

snow12 · Feb 16, 2013

PratoN said:
Ford confirmed that the clutch would be included under the ESP warranties.

My second dealer told me the DCT clutch is only covered for 1 year / 12k miles and I told him to eat a dick because clutches can last over 100k miles so there's no reason a computer-controlled clutch shouldn't be able to.

I hope they honor that. I just imagine them saying "the clutches are wear and tear items" and that "its not the computers fault its ruined", I have that low of expectations lol.

"I told him to eat a dick" - hahahahaaha [cheers]

Strix said:
I was told today that they are covered under the 5/60 powertrain warranty.

Why are Ford dealership employees allowed to say any stupid shit they feel like? It seems like they just make stuff up and lie through their teeth.

Why does Ford allow this? Is there no accountability for these people?

"Well Ford has no control over it as dealerships are independent"...I call bullshit! Ford can take away their ability to preform warranty services and can also remove the ability for them to use Ford Credit, they have control. Hell they could probably even stop selling cars to them.

Ford is up there with Sprint on companies who have screwed me over [hatchet]

snow12 · Feb 16, 2013

Update time! Just because [8D]

The CSM has not returned my calls or answered emails that I have sent. The car is still making the noise so that has not changed however I am noticing that when I am going up a parking structure or really any grade it seems to be "slipping". Kind of like its not locked into gear or something? I could wrong though [???

]

F35-JSF · Feb 17, 2013

Strix said:
I was told today that they are covered under the 5/60 powertrain warranty.

Why are Ford dealership employees allowed to say any stupid shit they feel like? It seems like they just make stuff up and lie through their teeth.

Why does Ford allow this? Is there no accountability for these people?

I imagine Ford doesn't know or care. For every person that says, "That's BS! fix my car"! There are probably 20 that either accept it as normal or sells the car leting Ford skip out on a repair bill.

paul21 · Feb 17, 2013

snow12 said:
"Well Ford has no control over it as dealerships are independent"...I call bullshit! Ford can take away their ability to preform warranty services and can also remove the ability for them to use Ford Credit, they have control. Hell they could probably even stop selling cars to them.

The only theories I can come up with is that:
1) Non-warranty work is more lucrative
2) Warranty claims are actively denied by Ford making repairs risky
3) Ford is actually hearing customer concerns on the helpline and then denying repairs

Has anyone had success with a CSR/CSM pressuring a dealership to do more to repair their cars?

GhiaFan · Feb 17, 2013

Good points ^^

It is disturbing to read that some are getting their Powershift issues fixes while others are repeatedly being denied.

I wish the customer service reps monitoring this form could comment on why this is happening.
Is it the regional reps causing this to happen?
Is it Ford N.A. worried about their yearly warranty ratings?
Is it something to do with the relationship ratings between the dealership and Ford HQ?
Is it how the dealership service department reports the problems or their findings?

Something is very, very askew in this game, and I feel for the owners who just want a pleasant Focus ownership experience, but it is obvious some are not being treated equally, and sadly we will never really know what that reason is.

Is this really normal?

F35-JSF

snow12

F35-JSF

Sprint

snow12

snow12

Sprint

snow12

PratoN

Pendarus

PratoN

snow12

snow12

PratoN

Strix

snow12

snow12

F35-JSF

paul21

GhiaFan

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