F-150 fan clutch issue: second act
Re: this first thread, today I got a chance to hitch up and try out my new $2700 repair (torque converter, valve body, cooling radiator unit, misc. new clamp, fluids, and gaskets). This was supposed t...
Forum Discussion
Update:
Yesterday's visit and Service Manager ride-along went pretty well, other than it was a cooler day and the trans wasn't as hot as it typically gets. It did run the fan at highway speeds several times and we were both satisfied that we obtained some good data to work with.
I was describing in detail how the issue normally crops up, even predicting accurately when it will happen. I was telling him what I was doing, throttle settings, TC locking, unlocking, what gear, how fast, etc., and he was confirming everything I was saying via computer. The total ride was well over an hour and the fan kicked on probably 10 times or more.
I'm not sure what his thinking was after the fact. I didn't get a lot of time for debriefing, as I had to get to work and so did he. He did welcome my input and suggestions by folk on this board, and seemed genuinely interested in what "we" all had to say. He actually admitted he talked to someone from Ford about the issue and they glibly stated it sounded like "normal operation". I told him I might buy that IF it had been normal for the first 6 years of towing, and it certainly IS NOT normal. He agreed.
Later in the afternoon, I got a call from my service advisor about the next step which will supposedly fix my issue. That step includes replacing the "bypass valve" (not exactly sure which and where, but I'm assuming it the one on the trans lines going into the radiator based on his description. Pretty sure the actual name is something other, will have to see when I get an actual estimate), and the radiator. They have some concern that the cooling system seems to be gunked-up based on the last change of coolant during the prior repair attempt. Based on this concern, and the input I got during the Service Manager ride-along, it appears to me their thinking is more toward the cooling system not being able to remove the heat, rather than abnormal heat being generated. I have not confirmed this supposition through direct questioning yet, just my take on it to this point. Service Mananger didn't seem terribly concerned about any temps he saw, but it was obvious to me they swings were pretty sudden and the truck simply could not get rid of the heat fast enough.
The suggested repair this time will cost another $700 ish, parts and labor. I asked if the valve could be changed first to see if that itself may be the key issue and is easily changed out. Service Advisor agreed that may be the best course of action given my first repair bill.
And on that note....I've contacted legal council and they are getting back to me on what recourse I may have to get some or all my money back from the first repair which obviously did not resolve the issue. I have about 4 weeks until I have to tow again, so right now, I'm in wait and see mode.
Yesterday, during the call with the Service Advisor, he brought up the fact that I had said I tow near or at max capability of the truck, and I confirmed, once again, that is the case. While he tried to make the conversation sound innocuous, I believe is was a shot across the bow, tipping their had to show they are going to pursue the angle of wear and tear as the reasoning behind the issue. Again, time will tell. Not getting excited until I hear what legal recourse I may have. So far the tone of interactions has not been contentious in any way, and I have been more than understanding, polite and patient. When that angle is no longer prudent (and I firmly believe that moment is coming) they will have to decide whether they're prepared to engage in legal action and/or loss of my business, which has been considerable over the years. We'll see.
Yesterday's visit and Service Manager ride-along went pretty well, other than it was a cooler day and the trans wasn't as hot as it typically gets. It did run the fan at highway speeds several times and we were both satisfied that we obtained some good data to work with.
I was describing in detail how the issue normally crops up, even predicting accurately when it will happen. I was telling him what I was doing, throttle settings, TC locking, unlocking, what gear, how fast, etc., and he was confirming everything I was saying via computer. The total ride was well over an hour and the fan kicked on probably 10 times or more.
I'm not sure what his thinking was after the fact. I didn't get a lot of time for debriefing, as I had to get to work and so did he. He did welcome my input and suggestions by folk on this board, and seemed genuinely interested in what "we" all had to say. He actually admitted he talked to someone from Ford about the issue and they glibly stated it sounded like "normal operation". I told him I might buy that IF it had been normal for the first 6 years of towing, and it certainly IS NOT normal. He agreed.
Later in the afternoon, I got a call from my service advisor about the next step which will supposedly fix my issue. That step includes replacing the "bypass valve" (not exactly sure which and where, but I'm assuming it the one on the trans lines going into the radiator based on his description. Pretty sure the actual name is something other, will have to see when I get an actual estimate), and the radiator. They have some concern that the cooling system seems to be gunked-up based on the last change of coolant during the prior repair attempt. Based on this concern, and the input I got during the Service Manager ride-along, it appears to me their thinking is more toward the cooling system not being able to remove the heat, rather than abnormal heat being generated. I have not confirmed this supposition through direct questioning yet, just my take on it to this point. Service Mananger didn't seem terribly concerned about any temps he saw, but it was obvious to me they swings were pretty sudden and the truck simply could not get rid of the heat fast enough.
The suggested repair this time will cost another $700 ish, parts and labor. I asked if the valve could be changed first to see if that itself may be the key issue and is easily changed out. Service Advisor agreed that may be the best course of action given my first repair bill.
And on that note....I've contacted legal council and they are getting back to me on what recourse I may have to get some or all my money back from the first repair which obviously did not resolve the issue. I have about 4 weeks until I have to tow again, so right now, I'm in wait and see mode.
Yesterday, during the call with the Service Advisor, he brought up the fact that I had said I tow near or at max capability of the truck, and I confirmed, once again, that is the case. While he tried to make the conversation sound innocuous, I believe is was a shot across the bow, tipping their had to show they are going to pursue the angle of wear and tear as the reasoning behind the issue. Again, time will tell. Not getting excited until I hear what legal recourse I may have. So far the tone of interactions has not been contentious in any way, and I have been more than understanding, polite and patient. When that angle is no longer prudent (and I firmly believe that moment is coming) they will have to decide whether they're prepared to engage in legal action and/or loss of my business, which has been considerable over the years. We'll see.
