Ford getting ready to lose me

[PaulPaladin]

I have a 2007 GT500, build date 4/07. 28000 miles. Lightly modded (tune, CAI, exhaust).

 

Clutch started slipping at WOT a couple weeks ago. To be fair, I never had the other issues (hissing when fully engaged, notchy shifting).

 

Took the car in yesterday, they took it apart, had a local Ford Field Engineer come in to look at it, and just called me and told me the clutch assy needs to be replaced but won't be covered as it's a "normal wear and tear issue", and subject to 12/12 warranty.

 

I am livid. With all the documented issues this clutch/flywheel system has had, and to have clutch failure at only 28k miles of moderate use (I never raced it, no clutch dumps, etc...) I can't believe they are trying to weasel their way out this.

 

Dealer is Fairway Ford in Greenville, SC.

 

Any advice how to handle this?

[MMcGuirk]

I have a 2007 GT500, build date 4/07. 28000 miles. Lightly modded (tune, CAI, exhaust).

 

Clutch started slipping at WOT a couple weeks ago. To be fair, I never had the other issues (hissing when fully engaged, notchy shifting).

 

Took the car in yesterday, they took it apart, had a local Ford Field Engineer come in to look at it, and just called me and told me the clutch assy needs to be replaced but won't be covered as it's a "normal wear and tear issue", and subject to 12/12 warranty.

 

I am livid. With all the documented issues this clutch/flywheel system has had, and to have clutch failure at only 28k miles of moderate use (I never raced it, no clutch dumps, etc...) I can't believe they are trying to weasel their way out this.

 

Dealer is Fairway Ford in Greenville, SC.

 

Any advice how to handle this?

 

Have you had the TSB worked done? If not, insist they do it and/or call Ford directly.

[rpretzel]

Go to another dealer.

[AlloyDropTop]

Go to another dealer.

 

How I would approach:

 

1. Try another dealer.

 

2. Call Ford

 

3. Contact Lawyer experienced in automobiles.

 

4. Never buy another Ford.

 

That is my plan, when I get to your spot.

 

WHY DOESNT THE DAMN DEALER DO THE FRIGGING WORK AND PUT IN IN UNDER THE TSB AND HELP THE CUSTOMER OUT??? I AM SURE FORD DOESN'T CHECK THAT CLOSE. INSTEAD THESE ASSHAT SERVICE MANAGERS ARE SO TRAINED TO BE ANTI-CUSTOMER THEY PISS PEOPLE OFF EVERYDAY.

[08GT500KR]

I have a 2007 GT500, build date 4/07. 28000 miles. Lightly modded (tune, CAI, exhaust).

 

Clutch started slipping at WOT a couple weeks ago. To be fair, I never had the other issues (hissing when fully engaged, notchy shifting).

 

Took the car in yesterday, they took it apart, had a local Ford Field Engineer come in to look at it, and just called me and told me the clutch assy needs to be replaced but won't be covered as it's a "normal wear and tear issue", and subject to 12/12 warranty.

 

I am livid. With all the documented issues this clutch/flywheel system has had, and to have clutch failure at only 28k miles of moderate use (I never raced it, no clutch dumps, etc...) I can't believe they are trying to weasel their way out this.

 

Dealer is Fairway Ford in Greenville, SC.

 

Any advice how to handle this?

 

And then they wonder why people dont buy American Cars, UNREAL, THEY HAVE A TSB ON IT AND STILL WONT FIX IT,

[08BlueCoupe]

And then they wonder why people dont buy American Cars, UNREAL, THEY HAVE A TSB ON IT AND STILL WONT FIX IT,

 

Ford Service Techs need to watch that movie "Yes Man"

If you havent seen it theres a part where the guy starts approving loans to anyone, for big and for small. The people are so happy to get their needs met that 99.9% of them pay back the loans.

I want my ing needs met!

[shelbymotorsports]

I assume your transmission is apart so going to another dealer might not be the easiest thing.

 

What I would do is set up a meeting at the delership with the factory zone rep and the service manager. Let them explain to you in person why they wont cover the repair and have them show you why the TSB doesn't apply. It may or may not but have them explain it to you.

 

I know its frustrating but the best advice is to stay calm when dealing with them. You can always go off on them at a later date.

 

Give the zone rep a try and let us know the results.

 

Steve

[LuckySnake]

I have a 2007 GT500, build date 4/07. 28000 miles. Lightly modded (tune, CAI, exhaust).

 

Clutch started slipping at WOT a couple weeks ago. To be fair, I never had the other issues (hissing when fully engaged, notchy shifting).

 

Took the car in yesterday, they took it apart, had a local Ford Field Engineer come in to look at it, and just called me and told me the clutch assy needs to be replaced but won't be covered as it's a "normal wear and tear issue", and subject to 12/12 warranty.

 

I am livid. With all the documented issues this clutch/flywheel system has had, and to have clutch failure at only 28k miles of moderate use (I never raced it, no clutch dumps, etc...) I can't believe they are trying to weasel their way out this.

 

Dealer is Fairway Ford in Greenville, SC.

 

Any advice how to handle this?

GT500ClutchdragTSB08_16_04.pdf This TSB applies to your car, advise taking it with you to the Service Manager or dealership manager if need be. Try not to put them on the defensive if possible and explain your car is clearly doing (clutch slipping in gear) what is discribed in the TSB. Explain you need to have the complete TSB completed and how much you would appreciate their help getting it completed. If they say no, ask to get the Ford hot line on the phone and do a conference call and explain your case. More than likely your clutch failed early because the TSB has not been performed. They will help you.

GT500ClutchdragTSB08_16_04.pdf

[switz]

I don't understand these dealers. They get PAID to do warranty work. It doesn't make any sense at all for them to not to the TSB. With that said, I had to take my car to a different dealer to get my TSB done. The first one had three guys drive the car telling me that the 2009 they had felt worse; what a joke.

[Imatk]

I don't understand these dealers. They get PAID to do warranty work. It doesn't make any sense at all for them to not to the TSB. With that said, I had to take my car to a different dealer to get my TSB done. The first one had three guys drive the car telling me that the 2009 they had felt worse; what a joke.

 

The reason they don't like to do warranty work, I would HIGHLY suspect, is because that is EXACTLY what they are trained to do.

 

Ford, I'm sure, instructs all dealerships to deny warranty claims at any and all costs because it's on Ford's dime.

 

Take your car in there when you're out of warranty. They'll FIND stuff to fix that isn't broken.

 

They never friggin learn I guess.

[thewheelman]

Call Ford Zone Rep and meet him with TSB in hand. Request it be towed to another dealer.

[SSGT500]

This appears to be part of Ford's new warranty denial policy. They think it's ok to rewrite the terms of the warranty after you've bought the car. The clutch/flywheel assembly should be a recall. Maybe a class action lawsuit is in order.

[SicShelby]

I don't understand these dealers. They get PAID to do warranty work. It doesn't make any sense at all for them to not to the TSB. With that said, I had to take my car to a different dealer to get my TSB done. The first one had three guys drive the car telling me that the 2009 they had felt worse; what a joke.

 

Although the dealerships do get paid for the TSB, they do not get paid a whole lot, or at least enough for it to make them jump at the repair. Ford pays them for 7? hours of labor, and that is whether they do it in seven, or take longer to do it for good rep. My dealership expressed a little dismay at the amount they got paid for it, but did it anyways.

 

The reason they don't like to do warranty work, I would HIGHLY suspect, is because that is EXACTLY what they are trained to do.

 

Ford, I'm sure, instructs all dealerships to deny warranty claims at any and all costs because it's on Ford's dime.

 

Take your car in there when you're out of warranty. They'll FIND stuff to fix that isn't broken.

 

They never friggin learn I guess.

 

This appears to be part of Ford's new warranty denial policy. They think it's ok to rewrite the terms of the warranty after you've bought the car. The clutch/flywheel assembly should be a recall. Maybe a class action lawsuit is in order.

 

A recall would be wonderful, yes. Given the state of the economy, and the clutch and flywheel not being a "safety concern," per sae, I think we are always going to see this as a TSB and nothing else

[SSGT500]

My local dealer is eager to perform the GT500 clutch tsb work.

[mr ford]

The dealer only gets paid from Ford as long as they are willing to cover the repairs....... If Ford says no, The dealer is not going to eat a 5k clutch.... Did you take it back where you bought it from? Maybe they would be willing to go to bat for you...

[PaulPaladin]

And it's official. Ford Field Engineer says it's not at all related to the flywheel issue. Says he's familiar with the TSB issues, has inspected several GT500's with and without the issue, and my flywheel looks fine and it's just my clutch that is worn out an therefore not warraty-able.

 

Bending over and taking in the keister.

 

Now debating what I do.

 

Dealer wants to charge me $2700 for OEM clutch.

 

I can get a Spec Stage 2+ and flywheel for $700. I can get the FRPP OEM Clutch/Flywheel for $950. What do I do.....advice?

[Imatk]

And it's official. Ford Field Engineer says it's not at all related to the flywheel issue. Says he's familiar with the TSB issues, has inspected several GT500's with and without the issue, and my flywheel looks fine and it's just my clutch that is worn out an therefore not warraty-able.

 

Bending over and taking in the keister.

 

Now debating what I do.

 

Dealer wants to charge me $2700 for OEM clutch.

 

I can get a Spec Stage 2+ and flywheel for $700. I can get the FRPP OEM Clutch/Flywheel for $950. What do I do.....advice?

 

I would NOT pay that much for an OEM clutch... but that's me

 

I'd probably go with either the Spec or the FRPP, I don't have experience with either clutch, but $2700 is nuts!

[frydguy79]

go with the spec :happy feet:

[SSGT500]

You could try the Better Business Bureau Auto Line program that Ford participates in. From my experience with them however, they're not much better than the backsliders at Ford.

[wingsnut]

Get the Spec, why spend more money for the same junk you already have?

[shelbymotorsports]

Dealer wants to charge me $2700 for OEM clutch.

 

 

Couple of thoughts.

 

First if you haven't met in person with the factory zone rep I would still do that. Even if the zone rep concurs with the previous opinion that does not mean you do not have some room for negotiation. Why not try for a 50/50 split on the price with the factory rep?

 

Although you are un-happy with the Ford clutch there is a benefit to having it replaced by the dealer with another Ford clutch. One benefit is that a replacement Ford clutch would keep the TSB in play if a future issue arises that the TSB would cover. An aftermarket clutch will take Ford completely out of the loop. Not saying if thats good or bad, its something that only you can decide.

 

Steve

[SSGT500]

I'd be a little surprised if Ford later stepped up and did tsb repairs on this car. If they backed out once, I'd expect them to do it again. You could try Team Ford Parts.

http://www.teamfordparts.com/partlocator/i...m?siteid=214270

They offer online parts at a discount. Shipping might eat up any price advantage. I've seen positive articles on the CenterForce clutch. It's one that I would consider if I was in your spot.

[shel-b001]

Did you look at your flywheel & run a straight edge over to see if there is possible warpage , did you see your clutch disc & were you shown it? I would want to see the parts, before I met with any zone rep.so you can build your case.Try gather all that info plus a copy of the TSB before you meet with any Ford rep.Good Luck

[texaggie]

Couple of thoughts.

 

First if you haven't met in person with the factory zone rep I would still do that. Even if the zone rep concurs with the previous opinion that does not mean you do not have some room for negotiation. Why not try for a 50/50 split on the price with the factory rep?

 

Although you are un-happy with the Ford clutch there is a benefit to having it replaced by the dealer with another Ford clutch. One benefit is that a replacement Ford clutch would keep the TSB in play if a future issue arises that the TSB would cover. An aftermarket clutch will take Ford completely out of the loop. Not saying if thats good or bad, its something that only you can decide.

 

Steve

 

Had a similar issue with getting the TSB done on my GT500. Called SVT (NOW FRPP) directly, called Ford directly, fought for it, made them find a way to prove to me that it was driver error/ normal wear. When they couldn't. They covered it. Granted I only had 6800 miles and it went compeltely out on me on the highway.

 

As for getting an OEM clutch.... Once the Clutch/ flywheel is replaced with or without the TSB The TSB no longer applies. The OEM versions that you would buy are the replacements that were made to resolve the TSB problem anyway.

 

Once I had everyone on the same page as me with who was at fault; I then turned around and went ahead and had the FRPP Short Throw Shifter added to my car while they had everything else down. The dealership gave it to me at cost.

 

Don't completely blame Ford. They are trained to keep costs low. Just like any business. The Dealership shops are trained to keep sales high. Just like any sales place. More money in replacement than TSB. When it was all said and done the work done was flawlessly, I was only out of the car for 10 days, and I had an excuse to install the shifter.

[Vette Killer]

Had a similar issue with getting the TSB done on my GT500. Called SVT (NOW FRPP) directly, called Ford directly, fought for it, made them find a way to prove to me that it was driver error/ normal wear. When they couldn't. They covered it. Granted I only had 6800 miles and it went compeltely out on me on the highway.

 

As for getting an OEM clutch.... Once the Clutch/ flywheel is replaced with or without the TSB The TSB no longer applies. The OEM versions that you would buy are the replacements that were made to resolve the TSB problem anyway.

 

Once I had everyone on the same page as me with who was at fault; I then turned around and went ahead and had the FRPP Short Throw Shifter added to my car while they had everything else down. The dealership gave it to me at cost.

 

Don't completely blame Ford. They are trained to keep costs low. Just like any business. The Dealership shops are trained to keep sales high. Just like any sales place. More money in replacement than TSB. When it was all said and done the work done was flawlessly, I was only out of the car for 10 days, and I had an excuse to install the shifter.

 

Sorry to hear about all the hassles some people are having...my dealer was very supportive of this and I pick the car up tomorrow. I still think it comes down to what the dealership believes is the right way to make their money; if they are only looking at the pure TSB vs. retail repair costs on one job they are doomed for long-term success. The way my dealer takes care of me I don't even think about going anywhere else when I look at new Fords; the support they have given me over the years has won my loyalty and I am a lot less price sensative on new car deals....even if they were 5% higher (which they aren't) I would still buy from them because they take care of me. Dealers that just worry about short-term cost recovery are doomed to see market share decrease.

[jcthorne]

Well, there appears to be a lesson here for the rest of the owners....

 

If your clutch fails, ie starts slipping as if its worn out. MAKE SURE the flywheel gets good and heated by slipping before taking it to the dealer for the TSB.....nuf said.

[sas281gt]

OK I will say it. The guy is just trying to get a new clutch for free. Hello 28K on a clutch in a car with 500 hp that weighs 4k lbs. For those who don't know the clutch an parts parts that are designed to wear out are only covered for 12k miles. C'mon guys tsb or not it was time for a new clutch anyway.

[cammerunderpressure]

OK I will say it. The guy is just trying to get a new clutch for free. Hello 28K on a clutch in a car with 500 hp that weighs 4k lbs. For those who don't know the clutch an parts parts that are designed to wear out are only covered for 12k miles. C'mon guys tsb or not it was time for a new clutch anyway.

Which wouldn't be an issue if Ford would just fix everycar they built with a defect. Which is every car they built before they learned how to make a flywheel that can withstand heat. You would think that since building cars since the early 1900's, they would have figured out how to spec a flywheel that does heat warp, but hey, the leaning curve must be very steep....

[PaulPaladin]

Spec Stage 2+ going in today.....Clutch, steel flywheel, throwout bearing/slave cylinder cost $900....Dealer charging $650 for install.

 

I'll give it a few days of driving around and post my thoughts on the setup.

 

Alot cheaper than the factory clutch ($2800 ish).....Got out of there for $1500 and change....

 

And to SAS281GT, I wasn't looking for a free clutch or a free ride. All any of us want is for Ford to recognize that they went to market with a poor design, prone to fail, and is in fact prematurely failing all too often. If we were having this conversation at 60k miles....well, we wouldn't be. A well designed clutch should last more than 28k miles. Period.

[brands5.0]

OK I will say it. The guy is just trying to get a new clutch for free. Hello 28K on a clutch in a car with 500 hp that weighs 4k lbs. For those who don't know the clutch an parts parts that are designed to wear out are only covered for 12k miles. C'mon guys tsb or not it was time for a new clutch anyway.

 

 

My car is a prime example my 1st clutch and fly wheel were in bad shape got 8k hard miles. Back in 07 ford was putting in the same old parts to fix the problem. My second clutch just went out this one lasted 20k miles. This should not have been a TSB it should have been a recall...No way would i payed for a new clutch to many problems with the stock parts. Out of 6 2007 GT500 i know of ALL have had the problem.