<blockquote>Well, my baby is back from our first service visit. We took her in for 4 things:</blockquote>
<blockquote>1. "Fuel Level Low - DTE FLI DATA ERR" problem accompanied by a tone several times a day.
2. Blinkers clicking out of sync.
3. Plastic loose in rear right front wheel well
4. Large Nail in my left rear tire.</blockquote>
<blockquote>I asked on Monday if they needed a day or two to sort out the fuel problem since it could be the fuel sending unit. Was told, no, just bring it in first thing on Saturday. I pressed, "are you sure?" I was told not to worry, as long as I got it in early...</blockquote>
<blockquote>To make SURE, I dropped her off Friday night with a complete description of the problems.
</blockquote>
<blockquote>I called at 11 am and was told that while they fixed the tire, they couldn't do anything about the error unless I could reproduce it. I tried to explain that it happens several times a day but not constantly each minute. The manager also told me that the plastic loose in the wheel well was normal spec. for Mustangs. The tire was fixed and he said that they'd try again and see if they could produce the fuel error. </blockquote>
<blockquote> The service manager called me back at 1 pm and told me that they couldn't figure out the fuel problem because they didn't have time on a Saturday to troubleshoot it since they really only have one guy that does these kinds of troubleshooting on Saturday. Saturday's are too busy and they have too many cars to do.
If it had been during the week it would be no problem. And by the way, I could come get the car in an hour when the tire was fixed -they'd call me and let me know. I thought that it was done already, but he said he made a mistake and it hadn't been done yet. So even though I was the FIRST CAR there today the only thing they had done since 8 am was scratch their head on the fuel error. Not a good sign.
</blockquote>
<blockquote> I got a call two hours later that my car was done and the tire was fixed. Well, sort of. You see, when the tech balanced my wheel he messed up and scratched my beautiful premium polished rim! [img]style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/thumbsdown.gif[/img] The good news is that they are going to give me a new one next week.
</blockquote>
<blockquote> When I went to pick up my beauty the service people stood in astonishment over the HUGE knife marks that were left in my new paint by the stripe guy. I told them my story and they just stared at me a gaped at how this could have happened with THEIR stripe installer. What was the result? They offered me their sympathy. What else could they do? Let me think...</blockquote>
<blockquote>Last, I was shocked how DIRTY my baby was! I am extremely good about keeping my car spotless and I dropped her of in PRISTINE condition. The service area must be in a huge stock car racing dirt track, because it was extremely DUSTY! </blockquote>
<blockquote>In the end, they had my car all day and fixed a nail, scratched their heads, ruined my rim, got the paint caked with dust, and frustrated me... What was most frustrating was that I was the first one in and they didn't feel that they had the time to spend on my car to get it fixed.
</blockquote>
She's all washed and pretty again, but I'm hoping that when I take her in next week for the wheel replacement the whole thing gets better! [img]style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/headscratch.gif[/img]
<blockquote>
Not the best of starts...
Thanks for listening.</blockquote>
Joe

 

Sorry to hear about yet another crappy dealer service experience. [img]style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/dunno.gif[/img]

 

please find another dealer. sometimes ford will send questionaire(esp if parts replaced under warranty) to ask about 'experience'- might be a way to give them a black eye and hopefully find you a better service dept too.

 

I think we've all had these problems at one time or another. In a nice way let them know your concerns and be sure to fill out any questionair you might receive from Ford and/or dealer. I've been using the same dealer since '92 and we had a rocky start,but things are better now-not perfect,better. I try to explain my "pickiness" as best as possible(PLEASE don't leave MY car outside at all,please don't have her sit here for days while parts are on order-I live 5 minutes away and can have her here any time,let me know you are behind and I'll bring her in another day,etc.) I had an oil change yesterday,everything went OK,but I noticed something that bothered me-there was a case of disposable steering wheel covers and paper floor mats by the door, along with a large roll of protective plastic. Not once did anyone use any of these in someone's car. Had I noticed any oil/dirt in/on my car I would have had a cow. I do try to be nice when all goes well-I've taken them do-nuts,pigs-in-the-blankets and grapefruit from our tree. My service writer thanked me yesterday for the fruit,said they were the best. Don't misunderstand me though,I do let them know when I'm unhappy,that's the only way they can improve our relationship. Voice your concerns.

 

Nothing against Ford but I have had the worst customer service EVER from their service departments. I abandoned the dealership I bought from, whose sales dept seemed decent but their service dept sucked (actually Inept would be a better term) and now go to the dealership whose sales dept sucked but their service dept is uhmm.. mediocre at best, atleast they seem slightly knowledgable.

Seriously, I got far better service with Honda, on a car 1/2 the MSRP of my Mustang.

Maybe it's just bad luck.

Oh and Honda gave your free goodies and drinks while you waited [img]style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/04.gif[/img]

 

Same here in Tampa.I had a great sales experience only to have it ruined by a pooty service experience. I do not want the service dept.cleaning my car cuz they don't give a poo and would probably scratch the clear coat.That story sounds eerily similar to mine..Go to a different dealer. don't forget to write a letter to big wigs who own the dealership and tell them exactly what you told us..sometimes you will be pleasantly surprised by the results [img]style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/rolleyes.gif[/img]

 

I had the opposite experience with Ford service.

Took my 05 GT in for Shaker 500 replacement last week due to the fact that the Shaker 500 had jammed and showed disk error and would not play CD's.

Was told they would have to remove the Shaker 500 and obtain the code from it and order a new one. Said it would take a few days to get the new one and they could keep the old one or place it back after the codes were removed.

I told them not to reinstall the old unit and I would wait until the new one arrived .

They came back after I waited an hour and told me it would be a bit longer since they got the beige interior of my car a bit dirty from removing the shaker and would not return the car to me in that condition and it was being cleaned. Well they completly detailed the inside as well as outside of the car!!!!! So it was worth the extra wait.

The next day they called and said the new Shaker 500 was in and I could stop by in the afternoon and they would have me in and out . I was there less than one hour and drove out with a new shaker 500.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(nynvolt @ February 12, 2006, 7:48 AM) Quoted post</div><div class='quotemain'>
Nothing against Ford but I have had the worst customer service EVER from their service departments. I abandoned the dealership I bought from, whose sales dept seemed decent but their service dept sucked (actually Inept would be a better term) and now go to the dealership whose sales dept sucked but their service dept is uhmm.. mediocre at best, atleast they seem slightly knowledgable.

Seriously, I got far better service with Honda, on a car 1/2 the MSRP of my Mustang.

Maybe it's just bad luck.

Oh and Honda gave your free goodies and drinks while you waited [img]style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/04.gif[/img]
[/b][/quote]


I, unfortunately, will have to totally agree with you here. I've owned a Ford since '91 and from Florida, to California I've YET to find one service center that was worth a darn so I don't really believe it's bad luck.

This is precisely why I didn't get the extended warranty. I bought it with my '91 and each and every time I took the car in it was like a flamingo giving birth to an elephant to get them to actually fix anything on the car... about $1700 I'll never see again.

Didn't make that mistake this time, but with my current factory warranty there is no difference.

I just pray that if anything major happens that it happens before the warranty runs out and that it's so completely obvious that they can't say "gosh that's normal." Or my favorite, and I believe their favorite too, "Nope I don't hear that noise." [img]style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/smile.gif[/img]

A friend of mine was a Ford tech forever, worked there and then for Steve Saleen and now has his own shop, but unfortunately I can't take my car to him for warranty work... now THAT would be nice.

So if anyone has a GOOD service dept. recommendation for SoCal (Los Angeles) I'm all ears.

But I'm not holding my breath [img]style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/wink.gif[/img]

BTW sorry about your experience... I would definately contact Ford's customer service dept. and at least try to complain... don't know if it will do any good but it might, you never know.

 

I'm training to be a Service Advisor and have interned at three dealerships: Acura, Mercedes and Ford.

First of all, the Sales Dept has nothing to do with the Service Dept. They may have grease ***** for salesmen, but have an excellent Service Dept. staff, or vice versa. You are not obligated to take to where you bought it.

Do a little test of area services. Our class picked 3 dealerships with a ficticious car (my case a 1997 Contour 4/auto with 60K miles) to see what the dealer service would be recommended. They were all different! LOL And varied from $300 to over $750 <<<and they wanted to charge extra for spark plugs on a Major Tune-up!

The only one that was correct, Kearny Mesa Ford in San Diego, is the one I took my real car to. I made an appointment (a good idea for any make or model, if not a necessity these days) NOT on a Saturday (too busy for anything but minor stuff or dropping off). Service Advisors need to spend about a half hour with you. Your time is valuable, and their time is scheduled tightly.
At the Mercedes dealership, if you were too early you had to wait. If you were very late you may not even get in at all.

I just needed a tire rotation and a squeak fixed. It was done in 2 hours. On time, and my Mustang was spotless like I brought it in.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(grrr428 @ February 14, 2006, 2:17 PM) Quoted post</div><div class='quotemain'>
I'm training to be a Service Advisor and have interned at three dealerships: Acura, Mercedes and Ford.

First of all, the Sales Dept has nothing to do with the Service Dept. They may have grease ***** for salesmen, but have an excellent Service Dept. staff, or vice versa. You are not obligated to take to where you bought it.

Do a little test of area services. Our class picked 3 dealerships with a ficticious car (my case a 1997 Contour 4/auto with 60K miles) to see what the dealer service would be recommended. They were all different! LOL And varied from $300 to over $750 <<<and they wanted to charge extra for spark plugs on a Major Tune-up!

The only one that was correct, Kearny Mesa Ford in San Diego, is the one I took my real car to. I made an appointment (a good idea for any make or model, if not a necessity these days) NOT on a Saturday (too busy for anything but minor stuff or dropping off). Service Advisors need to spend about a half hour with you. Your time is valuable, and their time is scheduled tightly.
At the Mercedes dealership, if you were too early you had to wait. If you were very late you may not even get in at all.

I just needed a tire rotation and a squeak fixed. It was done in 2 hours. On time, and my Mustang was spotless like I brought it in.
[/b][/quote]At the mercedes service dept here,you get treated like royalty

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Boltzman @ February 14, 2006, 8:14 PM) Quoted post</div><div class='quotemain'>
At the mercedes service dept here,you get treated like royalty
[/b][/quote]

Of course they are...especially when they are charging you $900 for shocks/struts. The initial quality for Mercedes has gone down since the Chrysler "merger". They pay a lot for the image and personal care, and that's factored into the cost of the car. Loaner cars are generally free for premium cars. Service is sometimes also (BMW).
But how you are treated shouldn't matter if you are driving a Geo or a Rolls.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(grrr428 @ February 15, 2006, 7:16 PM) Quoted post</div><div class='quotemain'>
Of course they are...especially when they are charging you $900 for shocks/struts. The initial quality for Mercedes has gone down since the Chrysler "merger". They pay a lot for the image and personal care, and that's factored into the cost of the car. Loaner cars are generally free for premium cars. Service is sometimes also (BMW).
But how you are treated shouldn't matter if you are driving a Geo or a Rolls.
[/b][/quote]
Thats true but in the real world,people with more money get treated better.It's a fact of life that will never change [img]style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/thumbsdown.gif[/img]

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Boltzman @ February 15, 2006, 9:59 PM) Quoted post</div><div class='quotemain'>
Thats true but in the real world,people with more money get treated better.It's a fact of life that will never change [img]style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/thumbsdown.gif[/img]
[/b][/quote]


I know I don't treat moneyed people better. I treat people who are polite and understanding better. If they are ranting and raving chrystal freaks........uh no. Sure people with money get better perks and more attention, but like I said they pay for it in the long run....loaner cars really aren't free. Furthermore, you can't TELL if someone has money from their age, race, sex or orientation or how they are dressed or what they drive.

 

Well, I'm off in the next day or so to get the wheel replaced - we'll see how they do! I'm worried it I'll get it back and it will be a Ford Ranger or something...
I wish I could stand over them while they work on her...

Thanks for the input everyone.

Joe

 

Albireo, sorry to hear about your bad service exp. I love my dealership great salesmen and great service dept. I still have a hard time swallowing the part where you said that the dealer stripe installer put knife marks in your car [img]style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/eek.gif[/img] ! Did you ever call them on that? Maybe I missed your post on it, I would never stand for that in fact my dealer told me they would not do my stripes because the guy they had sucked.

 

I'm pretty much stuck on the stripes deal. The installer was the Ford installer but it was after I bought the car. They told me to call him (like they tell everyone who wants stripes after they buy) and he'd get me taken care of.
He sure took care of me alright!

As far as the rim is concerned they fell all over themselves today to get it replaced. It's all done and I think is new (it rained so I haven't shined it her all up yet). The fuel error persists and he says that if I give him a day and the notes from the forum they can figure it out.

I get stripes painted next week!

Can't wait!
Joe

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(vistablue mustang @ February 17, 2006, 3:52 PM) Quoted post</div><div class='quotemain'>
Albireo, sorry to hear about your bad service exp. I love my dealership great salesmen and great service dept. I still have a hard time swallowing the part where you said that the dealer stripe installer put knife marks in your car [img]style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/eek.gif[/img] ! Did you ever call them on that? Maybe I missed your post on it, I would never stand for that in fact my dealer told me they would not do my stripes because the guy they had sucked.
[/b][/quote]
still trying to figure out why they would keep the guy employed if he sucks?? [img]style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/headscratch.gif[/img]

 

I think the bottom line is the picky issue. They're betting that most people wouldn't have balked at the stripes to start with and then wouldn't have known about the knife gouges. They are figuring that the stripes are easy money and that most people aren't as super picky as me! It's all about money not satisfaction/good job/quality/pride in work...