Lost

***Jackpine*** · #1 Sun, May 30th, 2010, 07:15 PM

That DOES sound a bit like O2 sensors giving incorrect information after they've reached operating temperature, doesn't it?

I'd certainly try a different dealer.

Please complete the information in your User Profile too, to help Bill. You need to add your HEX code, the Gryphon model number and Serial Number. This DOES NOT sound like a Gryphon issue, of course, but that information could be useful someday.

- Jack

tadams11201 · #2 Thu, June 3rd, 2010, 04:35 PM

After my only other local checked my truck (they had it for two days and stated worked on it three hours), they are lost too. Said they would have to start charging me the '$90' an hour service fee till they could find what is wrong. So, after paying $1800 for cam phasers and all the above mentioned, two diagnostic fees at other dealership to try to find problem ($180), paying $90 to have them turn on the cruise control in the PCM that the first dealer turned off ($90), a new starter where the first dealership didnt tighten when replacing the cats($192), 8 trips to the dealerships... I officially hate Ford. They stated today they need to 'put stock tires on it to see if it still acts up'. I only have 33's! UGH! So getting close to $2300 and truck still runs exactly the same. This dealership wants to get the Ford engineer involved but no idea when he/she will be there or how much that will cost. Please.. is there a Ford engineer out there who might can help! BTW the O2 sensors where replaced with the new cats.

***Longshot270*** · #3 Thu, June 3rd, 2010, 05:02 PM

Too bad there isn't a warranty at the dealership where if they can't get it straightened out then it's free.

Have they tried reflashing the computer since it started doing it? I'm thinking that if nothing mechanical is causing a problem then it has to be a bug in the computer.

***88Racing*** · #4 Thu, June 3rd, 2010, 05:11 PM

Did they happen to check the fuel control module?
It's located back by the spare tire and the wiring can get corrosion due to its location.

tadams11201 · #5 Fri, June 4th, 2010, 11:28 AM

iiiii

***88Racing*** · #6 Fri, June 4th, 2010, 12:08 PM

No not really?
But
That module where its located seems to get a lot of debris on it. The wiring into the box isn't all that protected. The backing on the box can corrode also.

Quote:

Originally Posted by tadams11201

No, they haven't. I am going to check it today. Yes, had PCM reflashed three times. Hopefully, the fuel control module will be the issue. Has anyone heard of the fuel relay on these going out?

***Jackpine*** · #7 Fri, June 4th, 2010, 12:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tadams11201

No, they haven't. I am going to check it today. Yes, had PCM reflashed three times. Hopefully, the fuel control module will be the issue. Has anyone heard of the fuel relay on these going out?

I think the correct name for this is the "Fuel Pump Driver Module" (FPDM). The original design seemed to become corroded and would swell and crack the case, exposing the circuit board inside to the elements. There were also reports of dealers being out of these things and having them on backorder due to the frequency of failure. They are easy to replace yourself, if you have the part, and it's easy to inspect them for exterior damage if you drop the spare tire. It's mounted on the crossmember just in front of the spare tire.

- Jack

tadams11201 · #8 Sun, June 6th, 2010, 08:46 PM

iiiii

***Jackpine*** · #9 Thu, June 3rd, 2010, 07:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Longshot270

Too bad there isn't a warranty at the dealership where if they can't get it straightened out then it's free.

Have they tried reflashing the computer since it started doing it? I'm thinking that if nothing mechanical is causing a problem then it has to be a bug in the computer.

I think there's something kind of like this. It may vary by State though. I'm pretty sure there is "relief" from paying for a "fix" that doesn't work. I see having a Ford engineer being involved as a good sign.

Boy, it really sounds like it gets screwed up when it comes out of open loop mode. Kind of like the long term fuel trims are all wrong. But, I'm sure they disconnected the battery, during some of this, so the trims should have gotten reset.

- Jack

BlackSTX · #10 Thu, June 3rd, 2010, 09:59 PM

Certainly sounded as if you had plugged cats, but replacing them should have eliminated the problem if that was the cause. I would rule out misfires unless you are feeling one, but you don't indicate this is a concern. My experience with timing chains w/ variable adjustment doesn't fit your problems either. Heck, we had seen chains so bad they were almost falling off the gears, the tensioners were at their limits and they still ran fairly well.

I would consider checking your fuel pressure when the engine warms; but if you haven't replaced your fuel filter in a while, install a new one first just in case you have picked up some contaminated gas. I doubt the filter is the cause, but it's certainly a quick, inexpensive possibility that you can then rule out..... without paying the dealership to do it.
Did you have any codes stored in the PCM? You haven't mentioned this, it may be helpful.

Sadly, many dealerships don't send their techs for adequate training, or they don't know how to utilize the Ford online programs to check for fixes to you problems. Worse yet, some techs shouldn't be working in dealerships at all.
Being that you paid a good sum to repair a condition that didn't get resolved I would expect there is some means to have them continue their efforts without costing you an additional sum, or demand they refund your money, since they claimed their suggested repairs would fix it...... misdiagnosis!

Heck, the dealership I worked at, if the customer ran into such a situation they only had to call one of the owners or an manager to express their concerns and often repairs were then made correctly at no charge or for a very significant discount. If this doesn't bring any attention to your concern, let them know you are going to contact the Better Business Bureau and complain to the state attorney generals office.

If all else fails, check around for a local shop with a good reputation for driveability problems. If nothing else, let them have the engineer look at it. There shouldn't be any additional charge just because Ford sends him in to look at it. This is what Ford pays him to do, not the dealership.

Sadly, while these repairs aren't neurosurgery, they require those working on the problems to be capable of making the right diagnosis in just the same way you would want your doctor to do. I really don't believe those working on your truck may have been the most competent employees in those dealerships; and I certainly hope they weren't!

Keep us posted on your problem, either we're going to come up with an answer or help you get it fixed right. Best of luck!