Tarbrock Posted August 1, 2009 Report Share Posted August 1, 2009 My husband bought himself a 2008 Shelby GT as a retirement gift for himself on 2 June last year...we've had nothing but problems from this car. We're heartbroken! The area around the hood pins is rusting underneath the paint--the stripes had to be replaced from the beginning but the cherry on top is that the car has been in our local service department a total of 75 days!!! The battery keeps going dead. A Ford Field Service Rep has made 3 trips out to look at it...."fixed" it...but 2 months later it started happening again. In my terrible terminology, apparently the amps in the trunk of the car would "wake up" while not running and drain the battery. They replaced the bad amp, but like I said, after a couple months it started happening again. Ford has offered us a replacement car...so we just ordered the 2010 GT500!!! Isn't this the strangest thing? Has anyone out there known of anything similar happening? Could it be from the Shelby upgrade they made to the car? I kept noticing a burning plastic smell in the trunk of the car...it's definitely an electrical issue. It's got everyone stumped here--so, within the next 2 months there will be a fabulous 2008 Shelby GT Mustang with 7500 miles...still has the new car smell--on the auction block! Being auctioned as a ?Lemon?. Would love to hear back from anyone with some input. Thanks!!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Son of GT Posted August 1, 2009 Report Share Posted August 1, 2009 The rusting under the hood pins is not common, but not unusual either; there are others here who have experienced that issue. The stripes issue is a more common one; many here have experienced that problem and had their stripes replaced under warranty. Now, the battery drain issue is not a common one. Yes, the early 2007 model cars had bad batteries which FoMoCo replaced under warranty for many, but having an ongoing drain issue; well this is the first case that I have heard of. If your smelling an electrical smell, it sounds to me that there is an open short somewhere in the truck, perhaps the wire harness that powers the amp is shorting out. Please don't be discourged. These are really great cars, and you and your husband will absolutely love the 2010 500 that you have ordered. By the way, welcome to Team Shelby. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SGT/SC2873 Posted August 1, 2009 Report Share Posted August 1, 2009 My husband bought himself a 2008 Shelby GT as a retirement gift for himself on 2 June last year...we've had nothing but problems from this car. We're heartbroken! The area around the hood pins is rusting underneath the paint--the stripes had to be replaced from the beginning but the cherry on top is that the car has been in our local service department a total of 75 days!!! The battery keeps going dead. A Ford Field Service Rep has made 3 trips out to look at it...."fixed" it...but 2 months later it started happening again. In my terrible terminology, apparently the amps in the trunk of the car would "wake up" while not running and drain the battery. They replaced the bad amp, but like I said, after a couple months it started happening again. Ford has offered us a replacement car...so we just ordered the 2010 GT500!!! Isn't this the strangest thing? Has anyone out there known of anything similar happening? Could it be from the Shelby upgrade they made to the car? I kept noticing a burning plastic smell in the trunk of the car...it's definitely an electrical issue. It's got everyone stumped here--so, within the next 2 months there will be a fabulous 2008 Shelby GT Mustang with 7500 miles...still has the new car smell--on the auction block! Being auctioned as a ?Lemon?. Would love to hear back from anyone with some input. Thanks!!!! First off, welcome to TS. Sorry to hear that you have had so many problems with the SGT, but sounds like you now have a plan (GT500) Some have had problems with the batteries draining from not be driven, but nothing like what you are describing. I guess there is always one in the bunch. Sounds like Ford has done a good job of helping you along the way if I am reading your post correctly, which is a good thing to know. Hope it all works out for you and your husband. Keep us posted and again welcome to TS...there are some really great people on this site with loads of knowledge. Craig Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tarbrock Posted August 1, 2009 Author Report Share Posted August 1, 2009 Thanks for your reply. Definitely not discouraged...we are Mustang lovers and understand things like this do happen...unfortunately the past year has been filled with so many 'things'!!! :-) We've had numerous new batteries to replace the old ones...the first 2 attempts at fixing the car was to replace the "bad" battery...lol..but on attempt #3, they got a little more serious with finding the underlying problem. Oh, well, I just feel bad that such an awesome car has ended up this way. Thanks for the welcome! Tbrock The rusting under the hood pins is not common, but not unusual either; there are others here who have experienced that issue. The stripes issue is a more common one; many here have experienced that problem and had their stripes replaced under warranty. Now, the battery drain issue is not a common one. Yes, the early 2007 model cars had bad batteries which FoMoCo replaced under warranty for many, but having an ongoing drain issue; well this is the first case that I have heard of. If your smelling an electrical smell, it sounds to me that there is an open short somewhere in the truck, perhaps the wire harness that powers the amp is shorting out. Please don't be discourged. These are really great cars, and you and your husband will absolutely love the 2010 500 that you have ordered. By the way, welcome to Team Shelby. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tarbrock Posted August 1, 2009 Author Report Share Posted August 1, 2009 Thanks for your reply and the welcome! Ford's offer was a huge relief to us! We knew for certain that our issue was solid if they're offering to replace the vehicle for us. Speaks volumes, huh?!? We're really looking forward to getting the 500! :-) First off, welcome to TS. Sorry to hear that you have had so many problems with the SGT, but sounds like you now have a plan (GT500) Some have had problems with the batteries draining from not be driven, but nothing like what you are describing. I guess there is always one in the bunch. Sounds like Ford has done a good job of helping you along the way if I am reading your post correctly, which is a good thing to know. Hope it all works out for you and your husband. Keep us posted and again welcome to TS...there are some really great people on this site with loads of knowledge. Craig Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stump_breaker Posted August 1, 2009 Report Share Posted August 1, 2009 Actually if I recall correctly, on the original forum before the "merger", battery drain was discussed quite frequently. I believe the secret was turning off the radio before killing the car but I could be wrong. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ARMORINE Posted August 1, 2009 Report Share Posted August 1, 2009 the burning plastic you smell is most likely a shorted wire harness, the plastic around the harness melts when it heats up. what needs to be done is the entire entertainment harness(whatever they call it) needs to be replaced. your problem would be fixed. one thing i have to ask is how long does it take to drain a battery? if you go more then ten days with out driving, almost any mustang will drain the battery. the mustang has an active anti theft syetem(even those without it will do this) that continually sips power from the battery. this system is constantly running and cannot be disabled. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ilmor Posted August 1, 2009 Report Share Posted August 1, 2009 Yours is only the second Shelby GT that I recall being called a "lemon" in my over 2 years on this forum, so I would say that speaks highly of Shelby GT's in general since nearly 7000 were built. I'm sorry that these troubles happened to you, however! Mine had a defective clutch when I first got it, which Ford promptly replaced under warranty - for all I know it was probably damaged by a salesman doing burnouts, who knows. I also got the upgraded hood scoop. Beyond that, the car has been perfect. I'm sure once you get that 2010 GT500 you'll soon forget about the SGT issues! Have a great time with it and welcome to the forum. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tarbrock Posted August 1, 2009 Author Report Share Posted August 1, 2009 We always turn off the A/C and radio before turning it off...I even reported that to the service dept....sometimes the radio would be "on" when I'd get in...but ONLY after I had to jump start it. Once we realized this was turning into an ongoing problem we never jumpstarted it again....had it towed to the dealership. Thanks for your reply. Actually if I recall correctly, on the original forum before the "merger", battery drain was discussed quite frequently. I believe the secret was turning off the radio before killing the car but I could be wrong. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tarbrock Posted August 1, 2009 Author Report Share Posted August 1, 2009 There is such a variety of time spans for the battery to go dead. This very last time...after the service engineer made the final repair on the car....was about 2 months...but I drove that car quite often...I had just had it up to the service dept. to get the tire patched (from a nail) on a Monday...the following Tuesday it was dead again but I did drive it in between time. The service dept. told me I had to drive it...it's not meant to sit...and I gladly obliged :-) Honestly, I'd park it and it'd be fine for a week...and then at times I'd park it and it'd be dead after 3 days. The "system" would "wake up" randomly and drain the battery. Whatever is wrong with it, they can't seem to pinpoint the exact cause. They've taken the radio system completely out...replaced 3 amps...I don't know what all they've done but it was in the shop this very last time for 45 days. I just got it back last week and it's running fine for now. We just don't want a car (who would?) that we can't rely on 100%...and fortunately, Ford agrees with us. Thanks for your reply. the burning plastic you smell is most likely a shorted wire harness, the plastic around the harness melts when it heats up. what needs to be done is the entire entertainment harness(whatever they call it) needs to be replaced. your problem would be fixed. one thing i have to ask is how long does it take to drain a battery? if you go more then ten days with out driving, almost any mustang will drain the battery. the mustang has an active anti theft syetem(even those without it will do this) that continually sips power from the battery. this system is constantly running and cannot be disabled. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tarbrock Posted August 1, 2009 Author Report Share Posted August 1, 2009 We're definitely anticipating delivery of the GT500!!! Your car is beautiful! With the ongoing problem and it occuring SO many times, we knew eventually the warranty would expire and then we'd be out of pocket for future repairs...plus, who wants to go out and jump start their car when they want to go somewhere??? We hate to get rid of it...we just love it...but hey, we can't keep it at after all that, either. :-( THanks for your reply. Yours is only the second Shelby GT that I recall being called a "lemon" in my over 2 years on this forum, so I would say that speaks highly of Shelby GT's in general since nearly 7000 were built. I'm sorry that these troubles happened to you, however! Mine had a defective clutch when I first got it, which Ford promptly replaced under warranty - for all I know it was probably damaged by a salesman doing burnouts, who knows. I also got the upgraded hood scoop. Beyond that, the car has been perfect. I'm sure once you get that 2010 GT500 you'll soon forget about the SGT issues! Have a great time with it and welcome to the forum. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zdle Posted August 1, 2009 Report Share Posted August 1, 2009 We're definitely anticipating delivery of the GT500!!! Your car is beautiful! With the ongoing problem and it occuring SO many times, we knew eventually the warranty would expire and then we'd be out of pocket for future repairs...plus, who wants to go out and jump start their car when they want to go somewhere??? We hate to get rid of it...we just love it...but hey, we can't keep it at after all that, either. :-( THanks for your reply. Sounds like the trunk may have been left wide open in the rain . I think if these cars are left outside in the elements like one display in all weather , thats when the stripes , hoodpins ,etc. have problems ,,,,,,,,,it should make a difference if the right materials were used but they were not on this car ,,,,,,,vinyl strips should have been paint, holes drilled in the hood should have been painted and sealed, scoops should have been real and made like Heath/Beck from fiberglass layup or aluminum NOT PLASTIC,,,,,,,,etc etc etc do you thinSAI has learned anything ..................I'l bet FORD has ............. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ARMORINE Posted August 1, 2009 Report Share Posted August 1, 2009 well give her a good home,i wish i could buy your sgt from you, i'd get her striaghtened out. as a mechanic when somethings not working right it drives me crazy till i fix it. i hope things get sorted out. what all has been replaced? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mach 1 1970 Posted August 1, 2009 Report Share Posted August 1, 2009 I keep a battery tender on my 07 GT500 cause i don't drive it much, 1300 miles on it now. These cars suck alot of current when they just sit over time. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tarbrock Posted August 2, 2009 Author Report Share Posted August 2, 2009 The battery has been replaced 4 times. And in March 09 1 of the 4 amps was replaced...ran great for 2 months...then 2 June the car went back to Ford service dept. and they replaced the amp assembly. New battery. She's running fine right now...we just know what's going to (maybe/probably) happen in another month or two... I have no doubt that someone will buy this car and fix it up right and hopefully get a great car (once it's completely repaired) for a great price. We paid $42,397 (+tax, tag, title) 2 June 08. Ford's giving us 105% of that for a replacement vehicle (minus mileage) plus we get the '10 for MSRP...we're semi happy with that deal. well give her a good home,i wish i could buy your sgt from you, i'd get her striaghtened out. as a mechanic when somethings not working right it drives me crazy till i fix it. i hope things get sorted out. what all has been replaced? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ARMORINE Posted August 2, 2009 Report Share Posted August 2, 2009 The battery has been replaced 4 times. And in March 09 1 of the 4 amps was replaced...ran great for 2 months...then 2 June the car went back to Ford service dept. and they replaced the amp assembly. New battery. She's running fine right now...we just know what's going to (maybe/probably) happen in another month or two... I have no doubt that someone will buy this car and fix it up right and hopefully get a great car (once it's completely repaired) for a great price. We paid $42,397 (+tax, tag, title) 2 June 08. Ford's giving us 105% of that for a replacement vehicle (minus mileage) plus we get the '10 for MSRP...we're semi happy with that deal. if they replaced the entire amp unit(all of them) then you should be problem free, is ford taking the vehicle back? what all will happen to it? EDIT: sorry bout my pestering i get hyperactive and over protective when it comes to any SGT Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
07shelbygt109 Posted August 2, 2009 Report Share Posted August 2, 2009 I have had the same problem with the battery draining after a couple of days and so far Ford has replaced the battery. I don't know if it will require as much work as yours but I hope not. I'm glad to hear Ford has stepped up to the plate and offered to replace the car. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SGT-C0056 Posted August 2, 2009 Report Share Posted August 2, 2009 Congrats on the GT500. You will see a big power diffrence I imagine. As for lemons, I had a BMW that turned out to be a lemon. I guess no matter what make you buy, you will sometimes have a small percentage that turn out with problems. Whats the saying, "Dont buy a car that was built on a FRIDAY" Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WildAzCat Posted August 2, 2009 Report Share Posted August 2, 2009 Congrats on the GT500. You will see a big power diffrence I imagine. As for lemons, I had a BMW that turned out to be a lemon. I guess no matter what make you buy, you will sometimes have a small percentage that turn out with problems. Whats the saying, "Dont buy a car that was built on a FRIDAY" Or a Monday... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tarbrock Posted August 2, 2009 Author Report Share Posted August 2, 2009 Wow...how many times has the battery been replaced? I know people (we did in the beginning) can easily chalk it up to a "bad battery" but if I urge you to look into it deeper if you're having this problem more than a time or two...eventually the warranty will run out. Honestly, had my husband not have had to leave for he middle east...we may have never known about this problem. Because it did have to sit for a week or so at a time is the only reason this issue surfaced. Driving it daily (as he was doing the first few months of having the car) most likely would have never allowed this battery problem to be revealed. I'd definitely look into your battery problem a bit more. Good luck!!! I have had the same problem with the battery draining after a couple of days and so far Ford has replaced the battery. I don't know if it will require as much work as yours but I hope not. I'm glad to hear Ford has stepped up to the plate and offered to replace the car. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tarbrock Posted August 2, 2009 Author Report Share Posted August 2, 2009 You're not pestering me...I am happy to have this outlet to talk about it...to people who understand!! And (care). LOL Well, to be honest, I am kind of puzzled about their willingness to replace the car. Most of this was done between the dealership service manager and FORD. After the 5th admission (hahaha) to the service dept, we were livid! I called Ford Customer Service Dept. and requested (demanded) they take the car back due to the continuous battery drainage problem and because a Field Service Engineer had already made an attempt to fix the car. We were denied by a *wonderful* (I'm exaggerating) rep named Lorraine. Naturally we were NOT happy but because the car was in the shop for soooo looongggg (2 june 09 - August 21). During the whole time our dealership was in daily contact with Ford regarding the problem. Then one day out of the blue our assigned rep, Lorraine (grrrrrr) called and said that we have been authorized a replacement vehicle. So, SOMETHING was so wrong with the car that Ford decided they needed to replace it. Hmmm...not sure why, but we did not argue at all. Yes, they replaced the amp assembly but probably because of the FLorida Lemon Law and the fact that it was their 5th attempt (and they're allowed 3 before it's considered a lemon)...they went ahead and offered a replacement. Even though it may very well be fixed for good now, because of the history you can understand, we did not want the car anymore. Enough was enough. The ONLY gripe we have about it, is that we get stuck paying them $2700 for the 7500 miles driven on the car. I don't mind paying the mileage (but .36 cents PER MILE?!???!). Bright side: We were able to upgrade to the GT500. if they replaced the entire amp unit(all of them) then you should be problem free, is ford taking the vehicle back? what all will happen to it? EDIT: sorry bout my pestering i get hyperactive and over protective when it comes to any SGT Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tarbrock Posted August 2, 2009 Author Report Share Posted August 2, 2009 Oh...what will happen to it? From my understanding it will be auctioned off. I'm certain SOMEONE is going to get a fabulous car at a great price...and if this final attempt worked...even better for them. But...buyer beware...supposedly it's supposed to be disclosed that it was a repurchased car by Ford. :-) You're not pestering me...I am happy to have this outlet to talk about it...to people who understand!! And (care). LOL Well, to be honest, I am kind of puzzled about their willingness to replace the car. Most of this was done between the dealership service manager and FORD. After the 5th admission (hahaha) to the service dept, we were livid! I called Ford Customer Service Dept. and requested (demanded) they take the car back due to the continuous battery drainage problem and because a Field Service Engineer had already made an attempt to fix the car. We were denied by a *wonderful* (I'm exaggerating) rep named Lorraine. Naturally we were NOT happy but because the car was in the shop for soooo looongggg (2 june 09 - August 21). During the whole time our dealership was in daily contact with Ford regarding the problem. Then one day out of the blue our assigned rep, Lorraine (grrrrrr) called and said that we have been authorized a replacement vehicle. So, SOMETHING was so wrong with the car that Ford decided they needed to replace it. Hmmm...not sure why, but we did not argue at all. Yes, they replaced the amp assembly but probably because of the FLorida Lemon Law and the fact that it was their 5th attempt (and they're allowed 3 before it's considered a lemon)...they went ahead and offered a replacement. Even though it may very well be fixed for good now, because of the history you can understand, we did not want the car anymore. Enough was enough. The ONLY gripe we have about it, is that we get stuck paying them $2700 for the 7500 miles driven on the car. I don't mind paying the mileage (but .36 cents PER MILE?!???!). Bright side: We were able to upgrade to the GT500. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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