Problem fixed: One six month period of customer frustration, one spontaneous video created and sent, one built-up and expressed rant to a random service clerk, one audience, and one service manager finally taking notice, was what it took to get free shuttles, courtesy cars, respect, and a 100% working transmission!
Absolutely disgusting! I shouldn't have to do all that.
After producing this video, and a soft-rant (ie no swearing) done in the service department -- not to mention emphasizing a left-turn slippage incident or two -- the service department and manager have immediately replaced parts on "speculation".
I mainly attribute this response to the video I have on file. It may become very valuable later on...
After a brief 10 second warmup at my parents house, I reversed up slight incline. Drove forward normally for 50 feet. Made a left turn from a slight rolling stop. Transmission slipped and then there was a total loss of power. Had to rev for 3 seconds for transmission to catch. Finally did, moved on as normal. Truck was fine for rest of day.
Another time after a 30 second warmup (recommended by service manager to circulate transmission fluids etc), truck slipped when backing out of parking stall.
Later, the transmission slipped while coming out of parking spot again at home, ironically, on my way to dealership. Service manager unhelpful, says there is nothing he can do because he can't repeat problem, recommends I back into parking spot for the next two weeks and see what happens!
Update from Nov 18, 2011: After producing this video, and a soft-rant (ie no swearing) done in the service department -- not to mention emphasizing a left-turn slippage incident or two -- the service department and manager have immediately replaced parts on "speculation".
I mainly attribute this response to the video I have on file. It may become very valuable later on...
Same problem, transmission not engaging in "drive" after cold startup, but as time goes on, I'm finding only one specific occasion when the transmission is problematic.
I park my truck in my allotted parking stall which is on a bit of an incline. Sometimes cars park beside me on either side, sometimes not. I've only noticed this problem of "drive" engagement when there is a car on my left and when I have to make a slight turn in order to back out. Since there is limited alleyway space where the parking lot is next to, I cannot clear the car on my left, and make a full-lock steering wheel turn to the right in order to head in the direction on my left (ie I'm making a slight right turn backout) because there is a car behind me on my neighbouring parking lot most of the time.
When I make a full-lock right turn backout when there is no car on my left, the transmission engages into "drive" normally.
Since this truck is very new to me, I don't think I've ever tried backing out in the other direction, so I can't comment for left-turn backouts.
I've been to my Ford dealership three times so far, and they said there is nothing they can do since it is an intermittent problem.
I have contacted Ford of Canada via their 1-800 hotline and they said they are aware of my situation.
I will continue reporting as per this websites rules for every intermittent transmission problem I'm having as it does ease a little frustration expressing myself.
When backing down the driveway when the truck is cold, the transmission won't engage into "drive". I've only noticed this when the truck is cold. When it's warm, it engages normally. I immediately drive the vehicle when I start the engine. I do not warm up vehicles ever, but at the same time I would like to add that I drive my vehicles gently especially when they are cold.
This has never happened in any of my other automatic equipped vehicles in the past and definitely should not be happening in a brand new vehicle such as this one. It's already been to the dealer once at 325 kms, and a second time at 1100 kms. It's still at the dealer as of this writing.
My patience is wearing thin. I like my new truck, but this experience is beginning to leave me with a sour taste.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
Problem fixed: One six month period of customer frustration, one spontaneous video created and sent, one built-up and expressed rant to a random service clerk, one audience, and one service manager finally taking notice, was what it took to get free shuttles, courtesy cars, respect, and a 100% working transmission!
Absolutely disgusting! I shouldn't have to do all that.
Truck works great though! :)
- Ian D., Vancouver, BC, canada