Ford recalling 1.8 million diesel trucks

[doh]

http://money.cnn.com/2007/12/06/auto...ce=yahoo_quote

NEW YORK (CNNMoney.com) -- Ford Motor company is recalling about 1.8 million diesel-powered heavy duty pickup trucks and vans because of a computer software problem that could cause their engines to stall.

The trucks being recalled are F-series Super Duty trucks, E-series vans and Excursion SUVs from model years 1997 through 2003 equipped with 7.3-liter diesel engines, according to a letter sent by Ford (Charts, Fortune 500) to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

The issue involves a camshaft position sensor that can degrade over time. The sensor detects the position of the engine's camshaft which controls the opening and closing valves that let air and fuel in and out of the engine's cylinders.

While the engine can stall during driving, power assistance for steering and braking is maintained down to speeds as low as 30 miles per hour, according to Ford, and no deaths or injuries have been reported as a result of stalling.

A few minor accidents have been reported, Ford said.

Not all of the trucks and vans form those model years were equipped with the potentially faulty sensors, Ford said. Customers who believe their vehicles may be affected should call the company at 866-436-7332 or contact a local Ford dealer, the company said.

[Quickening]

Sucks for Ford.

But I won't lie, I just got this exact same thing replaced in my Saab. It had randomly stalled out on me, as if someone just turned the key off. No power brakes, steering, nothing. I've just stuck the clutch in and turned it back in, no problem. It was the crank sensor causing this.

I hate to think what would happen if in an automatic and having to be in park to start the car. I guess pull over to the side and start it back up.

[minnfang]

I don't get it. If your vehicle is out of warranty on this stuff, just get it fixed like everyone else. I don't consider this recall worthy. There are dozens of different things that can go bad and stall your engine. It happens all of the time to vehicles from every manufacturer.

I believe in making good products and standing behind them, but this sounds like part of a "suck up to the media to save face" death spiral.

Sorry 'bout the rant.

[tholland]

Seems like a lot of recalls these days are for crank position sensors.

[Puzzel]

Originally Posted by minnfang

I don't get it. If your vehicle is out of warranty on this stuff, just get it fixed like everyone else. I don't consider this recall worthy. There are dozens of different things that can go bad and stall your engine. It happens all of the time to vehicles from every manufacturer.

I believe in making good products and standing behind them, but this sounds like part of a "suck up to the media to save face" death spiral.

Sorry 'bout the rant.

Its an official recall, with notice to the NHTSA, because of the potential for a serious accident since "A few minor accidents have been reported". Basically, Ford is doing a CYA -- without the recall, if this caused a serious accident involving death(s), they could be liable.

[1931Chevy]

Whats incredible is how the media spread the word about any domestic recall but with the imports maybe one or two report them go to yahoo news and search ford motor and you will be amazed , some report the recall is for 1.2 other 1.3 1.8

[paul8488]

Ford sold 1.8 MILLION diesles in 6 years?!? That's amazing! Too bad about the recall... but I find that number incredible!

Toyota would issue a recall for the cupholders and then, at the same time, as a courtesy to the customer, replace the sensors.

[Swahili]

Originally Posted by Quickening

Sucks for Ford.

But I won't lie, I just got this exact same thing replaced in my Saab. It had randomly stalled out on me, as if someone just turned the key off. No power brakes, steering, nothing. I've just stuck the clutch in and turned it back in, no problem. It was the crank sensor causing this.

I hate to think what would happen if in an automatic and having to be in park to start the car. I guess pull over to the side and start it back up.

You don't have to be in park to start a car in an automatic. If you're in drive and you stall, just shift into neutral and start it up again.

Ford needs to get their act together. First the faulty ignitions, now this? The reputation of Ford trucks is going to start taking a serious beating if they don't pull it together.

[MelvinJ]

I'm glad Ford is doing something about this. A friend of mine has already replaced two of these on her 2001 Powerstroke. One time caused the engine to just die on the freeway, and the other time caused starting issues.

Does anybody know if you can get reimbursed if you have paid to repair an item that later becomes a recall? This was about a $300 repair.

[sprchev1]

Originally Posted by MelvinJ

Does anybody know if you can get reimbursed if you have paid to repair an item that later becomes a recall? This was about a $300 repair.

Have them call Fords 800 customer assistance number and ask about reimbursement for the prior repairs. If you don't ask the answer is always no!

[Smaart Aas Saabr]

Originally Posted by Quickening

Sucks for Ford.

But I won't lie, I just got this exact same thing replaced in my Saab. It had randomly stalled out on me, as if someone just turned the key off. No power brakes, steering, nothing. I've just stuck the clutch in and turned it back in, no problem. It was the crank sensor causing this.

I hate to think what would happen if in an automatic and having to be in park to start the car. I guess pull over to the side and start it back up.

Actually in your case you didn't even need to do that - just turn they key to off, then back to on, no start and no clutch you are already "rebooted" and running.

[MN12Fan]

Originally Posted by Swahili

Ford needs to get their act together. First the faulty ignitions, now this? The reputation of Ford trucks is going to start taking a serious beating if they don't pull it together.

Get their act together? Who says they aren't? The vehicles being recalled here are at least four years old and have a diesel Ford no longer uses. Recalls are never good, but there's a difference between a recall issued on a vehicle built several years ago and one that just came off the line.

[Swahili]

A vehicle four years old and being recalled because it can stall on you is not good. Business doesn't just concern itself with what came off the line 3 months ago. When your bread and butter vehicles are being recalled like this, it says something about your business. For a while, I thought Ford trucks were still superior to GM trucks in terms of capability and reliability. I'm not so sure anymore.

[PhishPhood]

Originally Posted by minnfang

I don't get it. If your vehicle is out of warranty on this stuff, just get it fixed like everyone else. I don't consider this recall worthy. There are dozens of different things that can go bad and stall your engine. It happens all of the time to vehicles from every manufacturer.

I believe in making good products and standing behind them, but this sounds like part of a "suck up to the media to save face" death spiral.

Sorry 'bout the rant.

I think after the Exploer/Firestone mess Ford is on very very thin ice with everybody from the NHTSA to the press to the public. To fix this it's only a question of money. Not to fix it might put the very existence of the company at risk if it should worsen.

Also except on enthusiast boards like this recalls mean nothing to the public. I guarantee our local paper will have nothing about this on any page or any website article. It's no news. You get a notice, you bring it in, you get it fixed, it costs you nothing, ho-hum.

[Highlander]

Originally Posted by minnfang

I don't get it. If your vehicle is out of warranty on this stuff, just get it fixed like everyone else. I don't consider this recall worthy. There are dozens of different things that can go bad and stall your engine. It happens all of the time to vehicles from every manufacturer.

I believe in making good products and standing behind them, but this sounds like part of a "suck up to the media to save face" death spiral.

Sorry 'bout the rant.

Amen! My 89 Grand Prix has an IAC valve that will get out of position after extended constant speed driving (i.e. Interstate cruising). Once you let of the gas and that idle air control valve takes over (and is out of position), wham...stalled engine, loss of power brakes steering etc. Caught me very off guard the first time. And you have to have the key in the off position for 10-15 seconds for the ECU to reset the valve position otherwise the car will not start. GM has a modified IAC for the car to solve this....if I want it, I pay for it.... No big deal. Would it be nice if all my car maintenace was paid for by GM?...sure, but that's not fair. Nothing lasts forever, things wear, and maintenance is required. This lawsuit happy world we live in expects everthing to last forever and companies to pay for it. That's not right IMHO. It's to the point were the maintenance schedules on vehicles may need to account for every single little part that "might" need to be replaced at some point... otherwise it's now considered a failure worthy of a lawsuit.

Granted, this one is more of a good-will recall. Good PR on Ford's part potentially...especially nice for those guys who may have this issue on low-mileage rigs that are well maintained.