My SVTs fist experience with its dealership service dept.

[SVTfcs]

Well since all of our cars are relatively new, I think some of you might be concerned with the service departments at your dealership. As many of you, this is the first SVT vehicle that I have ever owned.

This is the 3rd Ford vehicle that I have owned and taken in for service. The first thing that I noticed (as an SVT owner),is that my service guy actually showed me what was wrong with my car. He actually hoisted it up and pointed out the problems. As opposed to just saying, "blah, blah, blah, I'll call you when it's ready."

The bad news is that he ordered the wrong part on accident. (I apreciate the honesty). So a really simple fix turned out to take 3 weeks! But I've gotten used to waiting for this car. After all, I did have to wait about 3 months to get it in the first place. And they let me keep the rental car past my warranty coverage.

In conclusion, I am really satisfied about the service that I recieved with my SVT Focus. So everyone who has already had an experience with your service dept. please feel free to tell us how it went...

:p

[mpholiday]

I think it's safe to say that any "beef" I have with regard to my SVT experience comes down to my nit-picking nature, where the service is concerned. Granted, there were some real problems that needed to be dealt with; but those were Ford's problems, and not that of the dealership's service center. Small things like forgetting to give me my complimentary wash and vaccuum a few of the times it's been in for service, in addition to my having to personally point out the problems when my description exactly matched the symptom (only after I pointed them out did they suddenly make sense to the service people). But again, there are many ways to explain the same problem, so that's me being picky again (and I promise you, this isn't sarcasm, I'm simply recognizing how things are).

I will say though that I've never been shown the work that was done in as detailed a manner as you've described. Until this service request (it's in the shop as I write this) I've either been told that the problem didn't exist (cannot be duplicated) or that Ford had no fix at the time. This CURRENT service experience has been much better, as I've managed to get the right people involved (some key SVT people from Dearborn), so everything appears to be happening on a more professional level, as I would define such a level to be.

I've had to remind myself on many occasions that it is just a car, and they're giving me a free loaner in the meantime (as per SVT ownership perks), so I really can't complain all that much. So there's my ramblings for the night. :huh:

[Anthochoritis]

Just a comment on dealers. I've had bad experiences with dealerships in the past. One thing I've learned. You can never be too nitpicky with the dealers service dept. Dealers are crooks, plain and simple. Unless you know somebody well thats involved, prepare to be screwed at the first opportunity. Out of 3 Ford dealers that I've been too, the only one I haven't had problems with yet is the one I bought it from, and that one is far. The one in my neighborhood (which I'm now boycotting), charged me for doing nothing (small problem), even though they said there would be no charge, and they also messed up my new tint, even though I told them don't put the windows down. I don't even care to get involved in any preceedings with them. I just told them prepare to lose me as a customer and many friends as would-be customers.
Don't let dealers push you around is what I've learned, because you're the customer. It's a shame that Bill Ford doesn't run each place cause these places dont represent Ford well. Find a small dealer that really needs your future business and your friends business (like I did), they hook me up, but again, i have to go pretty far. By the way, do not purchase a vehicle from John Kennedy Ford Conshohocken, PA, or Pacifico Marple Ford, PA. Miller Ford sales is good though in Mount Holly NJ.

[PFA]

PDOG
What dealership did you go to? IT would be nice to know of the good ones out there!
Thanks

[mpholiday]

I went to Tom Holzer Ford, off of Grand River Ave. and Haggerty Rd.

[PFA]

Thanks. Any others??

[SVTfcs]

I bought my car from Bill Brown Ford on Plymouth Rd. in Livonia.

:tmb:

[PFA]

Originally posted by Pdog0507
I bought my car from Bill Brown Ford on Plymouth Rd. in Livonia.

:tmb:
Thanks for the info.
:)

[Smokin']

My experience with dealer service on my SVT Focus was a nightmare on Elm street. The car is well designed, and good value for the cash. The problem with this very large Ford dealership is the lack of quality control before returning my vehicle back over to me. My car was sold to me with a dented rim, a warped passenger side mirror, a bubble in my headliner, the windshield washer tank pissed in my garage when filled with fluid, the steering wheel wobbled due to poor wheel balancing, the throttle body was sticking. the stick shift made a jingling noise when the engine is reving from 5,000 to 7000 rpm. I am not kidding, every single &*%#$#@ problem they attempted to repair, they either made it worse ar broke something else. Very goofy. This is one area where big daddy Ford doesn't have a clue. The service people had no idea how long a repair will take, no clue of how to troubleshoot issues, and gave the car back over to the customer with the issue not fixed. The service people acted as if I was so picky picky. When all this little consumer wanted was what I paid for, and the job done correctly. If Ford would just check out the Asian shops, they might learn a thing or two about customer service. The dealer service stinks!

[mpholiday]

You know, to some degree I'd have to agree with you. While my problems weren't caused by the service department - they came standard with the car - I WILL agree that other auto manufacturers place greater emphasis on POST-purchase support.

For example, most "big three" dealerships (Ford isn't the only ones to have problems) hire in people who have a minimum requirement of a GED or a high school diploma. Other manufacturers, like those you mentioned, as well as the European manufacturers, actually control to a greater degree the individuals who are hired in to service their products. The dealerships are held to a higher standard of accountability as they make their selection of who to hire and who to fire. My sister owns a VW Jetta, for example, and I was amazed at what I saw when comparing "Big Three" dealerships to the others. It was a night-and-day experience, observing qualified technicians at the VW dealership, and not so qualified technicians at the Ford dealership.

Just an observation I had. But, as one person told me, you can NEVER BE TOO PICKY when you're taking your car in for service. That's what warranty's are for (assuming that applies to your case). The dealership is reimbursed by the manufacturer for time spent fixing the problem. What I had to do was simply tell them up front that "NO PROBLEM FOUND" wasn't going to be good enough this time. Luckily it worked for me.

Good luck.

[mchedd]

I brought my SVTF in for a perceived idle problem (see Thread on Throttle matching) and the tech went to great lengths to explain what he had done to try to determine if there was a problem. (Actually the idle is designed to run high when the engine's cold but that's another story) Anyhow I was impressed that the tech took the time to explain the thoughts behind why the idle was the way it was and also all the diagnostics he ran to make sure there wasn't a problem. Also something that some people aren't aware of, evidently SVT owners can be given, upon request a free loaner when they bring thier rides for service. (doesn't apply to normal maintainance such as oil changes). I had to bring this perk to the attention of the dealer. Also only applies if up take your ride to a qualified SVT Dealer

[PFA]

The free loaner is only available to 2001 and newer SVT's.

[mchedd]

Thanks for the clearification. Haven't owned an SVT 'till late last year.

[PFA]

Originally posted by Mike Heddleston
Thanks for the clearification. Haven't owned an SVT 'till late last year.
:D :)

[SManning1]

I will speak up for the service dept since i am an SVT owner and also a technician.....there is a thing called SVT premium service that comes with all new SVT's...it includes free loaner, wash and vacuum of the vehicle...as for me i never let the wash bay wash mine cause it'll be full of scratches the way they wash 'em.

[SManning1]

I will speak up for the service dept since i am an SVT owner and also a technician.....there is a thing called SVT premium service that comes with all new SVT's...it includes free loaner, wash and vacuum of the vehicle...as for me i never let the wash bay wash mine cause it'll be full of scratches the way they wash 'em.

[Smokin']

Well sad to report my warranty has finally come to an end. The original SVT dealer in my original post has since been fired. The SVT dealer being used for the last couple of years was Landmark Ford here in Tigard, Oregon. Highest rating of 5 stars for good reason. They spoke to me like a middle aged man, not an 80 year old lady. The service writers would log the issue accurately. The techs would repair it and verify the fix. Overall a very satisfied warranty experience. Don't ry to stop me, cus' it's time to modify...

[mchedd]

Back to the subject of "free loaners"... The SVT suplement indicates SVT Premimum Service allows SVT owners the perk of the loaner at no charge but does anyone know if "SVT Premimum Service" ends at the end of warranty or does the loaner program continue because we get. "SVT Premimum Service"

[Smokin']

I believe the fee loaner ends at the end of the warranty period. Verify it with the dealer.

[Slipangle]

And it's also only for warranty repairs, and doesn't cover things like bent wheels~

[foscat]

As a SVT and Master certified Ford Technician as well as a SVT owner I would have to say that the dealer isn't trying to screw anyone as Nathochoritis is saying. We try our best to solve all the concerns of our customers, but that isn't always possible. Maybe we do not drive in the same manner as the customer, ie. balls to the wall, at the redline, etc. As for him saying the dealer had lost a customer, he didn't buy the car from the dealer he is talking about, he is only bringing it in for service at this dealer. So he is a warranty customer and has not spent any money with them. All dealers weather the big 3 or foriegn look at this for what we call After Warranty Assistance. As for having to pay when they could not find a problem, does he work for free at his place of employment, probably not. Ford doesn't pay us to look at cars when there isn't a problem, and most technicians are not paid hourly. We are paid on what is called flat rate (FULL COMMISION), ie. if it takes you 3 hrs to find and fix a problem that only pays 1.2 hrs per warranty time, you get paid 1.2 hrs. You must remember that most of the dealers are independent franchises of Ford and that they are not always responsible for fixes not being availible, we rely on the manaufacturer just as you do to help us find problems. My SVT focus has a rattle noise in the shifter at high RPM's also, but that's the nature of the beast. If you own a high performance vehicle you have to learn to live with this kind of stuff. It is built on performance not luxury. As far as customer service by the asian companies like Smokin' says, do they give her a complimentary loaner, wash, vaccum, and pay for her gas if they have to bring it in for a recall, probably not. :wtf: All I am trying to say is don't blame the dealership technicians, we try to fix your car the best we can, and I understand that there are some out there that don't. But don't judge us all because of a bad few.

[Nevik]

As a SVT and Master certified Ford Technician as well as a SVT owner I would have to say that the dealer isn't trying to screw anyone as Nathochoritis is saying. We try our best to solve all the concerns of our customers, but that isn't always possible. Maybe we do not drive in the same manner as the customer, ie. balls to the wall, at the redline, etc. As for him saying the dealer had lost a customer, he didn't buy the car from the dealer he is talking about, he is only bringing it in for service at this dealer. So he is a warranty customer and has not spent any money with them. All dealers weather the big 3 or foriegn look at this for what we call After Warranty Assistance. As for having to pay when they could not find a problem, does he work for free at his place of employment, probably not. Ford doesn't pay us to look at cars when there isn't a problem, and most technicians are not paid hourly. We are paid on what is called flat rate (FULL COMMISION), ie. if it takes you 3 hrs to find and fix a problem that only pays 1.2 hrs per warranty time, you get paid 1.2 hrs. You must remember that most of the dealers are independent franchises of Ford and that they are not always responsible for fixes not being availible, we rely on the manaufacturer just as you do to help us find problems. My SVT focus has a rattle noise in the shifter at high RPM's also, but that's the nature of the beast. If you own a high performance vehicle you have to learn to live with this kind of stuff. It is built on performance not luxury. As far as customer service by the asian companies like Smokin' says, do they give her a complimentary loaner, wash, vaccum, and pay for her gas if they have to bring it in for a recall, probably not. :wtf: All I am trying to say is don't blame the dealership technicians, we try to fix your car the best we can, and I understand that there are some out there that don't. But don't judge us all because of a bad few.

Very nice post bro! :tmb:

[Smokin']

As a SVT and Master certified Ford Technician as well as a SVT owner I would have to say that the dealer isn't trying to screw anyone as Nathochoritis is saying. We try our best to solve all the concerns of our customers, but that isn't always possible. Maybe we do not drive in the same manner as the customer, ie. balls to the wall, at the redline, etc. As for him saying the dealer had lost a customer, he didn't buy the car from the dealer he is talking about, he is only bringing it in for service at this dealer. So he is a warranty customer and has not spent any money with them. All dealers weather the big 3 or foriegn look at this for what we call After Warranty Assistance. As for having to pay when they could not find a problem, does he work for free at his place of employment, probably not. Ford doesn't pay us to look at cars when there isn't a problem, and most technicians are not paid hourly. We are paid on what is called flat rate (FULL COMMISION), ie. if it takes you 3 hrs to find and fix a problem that only pays 1.2 hrs per warranty time, you get paid 1.2 hrs. You must remember that most of the dealers are independent franchises of Ford and that they are not always responsible for fixes not being availible, we rely on the manaufacturer just as you do to help us find problems. My SVT focus has a rattle noise in the shifter at high RPM's also, but that's the nature of the beast. If you own a high performance vehicle you have to learn to live with this kind of stuff. It is built on performance not luxury. As far as customer service by the asian companies like Smokin' says, do they give her a complimentary loaner, wash, vaccum, and pay for her gas if they have to bring it in for a recall, probably not. :wtf: All I am trying to say is don't blame the dealership technicians, we try to fix your car the best we can, and I understand that there are some out there that don't. But don't judge us all because of a bad few.

First off, I agree with most of what you are saying. The people on the front lines are trying to do the best they can with what they have. I am a senior technician in the Semiconductor field. The company I work for invents, manufactors, installs and maintains a huge variety of complex systems costing from 1-15 million dollars a piece. When we interview a new canditate, one of the questions is: do you work on your own car? Most of us are permantly stationed at the customer's site. 10's to 100's of these systems exist at just one site. We are where the rubber meets the road. We interface with the customer on a daily basis, sometimes hourly. We gather data on the issue (service writer), repair the issue (technician) and test it (quality control) prior to turning it back over to the customer to run. These guys pay top dollar, and if we foul it up, they will come down hard and fast. Our full warranties extend 2-3 years. Then after the warranty expires, we move onto a service contract, where the customer pays for all of the parts used. Alot of simularities with the auto industry. Just like you guys, we need to walk a fine line. Our management guarantees we are technically trained and be able to troubleshoot effectively. Warranty repairs, troubleshot accuarately save money for the company and provide customer satisfaction in a quick turn back to operation. After warranty service ends, accurate troubleshooting comes into play again by make some money for the company by selling replacement parts and customer satifaction for a quick turn. All of are technicians are trying our best to deliver a good product/service which in the end makes for a happy customer. From this possive experience, they come back to us and buy again. If this dance is not taking place, I fault management, all the way to the top.

Back to my experience at Thomason Ford in Beaverton, Oregon. The service writers were not very knowledgable. The repairs were not performed to established requirements. Quality control system should have caught that before it went out the door back to the customer. All falls on the shoulder of management. Get the lowsy service writer more technical or customer service training. If that doesn't work, replace them with someone who can do the job. If the technician screws the job up, get him more training or schooling in quality control. Encorporate some kind of quality control measures before it goes out the door back to the customer. If it ain't right, re-do-it until it is right. 30 bay shop, huge potential for alot of business. After working with many different service advisers, 10 out of 10 repairs were botched. I really tried to give them the benifit of doubt. After so may chances, it became obvious, the owners of that business had lost control. In the end, they lost my business. :hrs: It's real basic in the business world: Give people what they are paying for, sometimes a little more but never less! If not, most people will go down the road to where they will find and get what they paid for.

So I found 5-Star Landmark Ford in Tigard, Oregon. Great service experience. They have earned that 5-Star rating. After owning the Focus SVT for 3.5 years, I sold it for top dollar and in about a week will receive delivery from 5-Star Beaverton Dodge here in Beaverton Oregon, one 2005 SRT-4 ACR with raped ape horsepower. We have been taking our Dodge Durango to them for years and are very pleased with the high quality of service received. They won my business.

I am going to miss that little Focus SVT, just a little under powered, but a very over all balanced package, and in the end, great value and fun factor. See you all soon on the street. Mopar Stage 2 with toys, Mopar Borla exhaust, Mopar factory LSD, @ 285 HP and 300 fpt.
Regards,
Smokin' :tmb:

[rollout]

Recently I had my clutch and flywheel replaced and it was not covered under warranty (11,535 miles but over 12 months) or under the TSB 04-21-19 that covers only what THEY say is UNEVEN wear and my clutch showed EVEN wear.

I have spoken with the Service Advisor, Service Manager, Dealer SVT guy, and FORD SVT about this issue. I can accept the fact that I had to pay for this service, but what I don't like are the lack of call backs from the Service Advisor, Service Manager and Dealer SVT guy, and the lack of the SVT wash/vacuum (not a biggie on that, but it ticked me off).

Who outside of the local dealership can I write to that will come down on the bad customer service they provided?

On the Service Invoice is says, "****You may receive a survey from Ford Motor Company concerning your visit with us**** If you cannot answer "COMPLETELY SATISFIED" and "DEFINITELY RECOMMEND", please contact your service advisor." LOL....he won't return my call!!! Can't wait to get that survey!

I just called FORD SVT again and they had me contact Ford Customer Relations (800-392-3673). I called them and filed a complaint against the dealership for lack of followup calls regarding the repair work. They said they do send the complaint to the dealer, but they do not followup with the customer on the issue.....perhaps the dealer will contact me. At least they told me they won't call me back...LOL

[foscat]

Sounds to me like this dealer does not care about your service, just remember all dealers are not llike that. I would call Ford customer service again and let them know the dealer did not call you back for a follow up or would not return your call. I looked up the TSB it was 04-21-19. This should have been covered under your 3 yr. 36,000 mile warranty. TSB
04-21-19 TRANSAXLE NOISE AT IDLE IN NEUTRAL WITH CLUTCH PEDAL RELEASED - PREMATURE CLUTCH WEAR

Publication Date: October 19, 2004

FORD: 2002-2004 Focus


This article supersedes TSB 04-12-02 to update the service procedure.

ISSUE:
Some 2002-2004 SVT Focus vehicles may exhibit premature clutch wear, or a clunking and rattling noise in the transaxle, mainly at idle in neutral. The noise can typically be reduced by fully depressing the clutch pedal. The premature clutch wear or noise may be caused by the dual mass flywheel, clutch disc, pressure plate or by transaxle alignment.

ACTION:
Refer to the following Service Procedure.

SERVICE PROCEDURE

Check transaxle fluid level. If low, fill to correct level and retest for noise and proper clutch operation. If noise is still present or clutch is not operating properly proceed to Step 2.
Remove the transaxle. Refer to Workshop Manual Section 308-03C: Manual Transaxle/Transmission - MT285; Removal.
Inspect the clutch slave cylinder assembly as follows:
Inspect for leaks.
Rotate the outer race, while applying pressure and check for roughness.
Inspect for any surface scoring or burrs that may impede the sliding motion of the clutch release hub and bearing. Scoring or burrs should be polished off with a fine grade of emery paper.
Replace the clutch slave cylinder if necessary. Refer to Workshop Manual Section 308-02B: Clutch Controls - MT285/MTX75 Transaxle - Clutch Slave Cylinder.
Inspect the transaxle input shaft for damage, spline wear, burrs or rough surfaces. Scoring or burrs should be polished off with a fine grade of emery paper. Replace the transaxle if the input shaft is damaged and cannot be repaired.
NOTE: IT IS NORMAL FOR THE INPUT SHAFT TO APPEAR POLISHED WHERE THE CLUTCH HUB SEATS, NO ACTION IS REQUIRED UNLESS THE SPLINES ARE DAMAGED OR WORN.



Remove the clutch disc, pressure plate and flywheel. Refer to Workshop Manual Section 308-01C; Clutch - MT285 Transaxle - Removal and Installation - Clutch Disc and Pressure Plate.
Inspect the rear face of the engine block as follows:
Ensure that the two (2) required engine dowel pins are installed and are not damaged. If the dowel pins are missing or damaged replace as required (Figure 1).
Inspect the corresponding dowel pin holes on the transaxle. It is acceptable for the dowel pin holes to bear slight witness marks from a tight fitting dowel. However, if the holes are elongated then they must be measured. If elongation is greater than 0.040" (1.02 mm) out-of-round replace the transaxle.
Inspect the upper and lower separator plates for damage or warping. Replace if needed (Figure 1).
Inspect the crankshaft flange and flywheel mating surface for residual thread locking compound or rust. Clean as necessary (Figure 1).


Figure 1 - Article 04-21-19


Install the following new revised components:
NOTE: THE REVISED FLYWHEEL, CLUTCH DISC AND PRESSURE PLATE ARE NOT COMPATIBLE WITH PRODUCTION LEVEL CLUTCH COMPONENTS. DO NOT INTERCHANGE OR MIX.



Revised dual mass flywheel and new flywheel retaining bolts. Torque bolts in sequence to 83 lb-ft (112 N-m) (Figure 2).
Revised pressure plate and clutch disc, and new clutch pressure plate retaining bolts. Ensure the clutch disc is properly installed with "TRANS SIDE" label facing the pressure plate. Tighten pressure plate bolts two (2) turns at a time in sequence and torque to 21 lb-ft (29 N-m) (Figure 3).



Figure 2 - Article 04-21-19




Figure 3 - Article 04-21-19


Install transaxle. Torque the transaxle bolts in sequence to 35 lb-ft (48 N-m) to ensure proper transaxle to engine block alignment (Figure 4). Refer to the appropriate model year Workshop Manual Section 308-03C; Manual Transaxle/Transmission - MT285 - Installation.


Figure 4 - Article 04-21-19


NOTE: THE TRANSAXLE BOLTS COME IN FOUR (4) UNIQUE LENGTHS AND WILL FIT INTO ANY OF THE THROUGH HOLES OF THE TRANSAXLE TO ENGINE BLOCK. IT IS CRITICAL THAT THE PROPER LENGTH BOLT IS INSTALLED INTO ITS PROPER MATING HOLE (FIGURE 5).





Figure 5 - Article 04-21-19




PART NUMBER PART NAME
2M5Z-7002-BD Transaxle
2M5Z-7A564-AA Slave Cylinder
4M5Z-7550-AA Clutch Disk
4M5Z-7563-AA Pressure Plate
3S4Z-6477-AA Flywheel
W702426-S303 Bolt - Pressure Plate
W707339-S430 Bolt - Flywheel
W701350-S309 Dowel Pins


WARRANTY STATUS:
Eligible Under Provisions Of New Vehicle Limited Warranty Coverage

DEALER CODING
BASIC PART NO. CONDITION CODE
7563 D4

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

NOTE: The information in Technical Service Bulletins is intended for use by trained, professional technicians with the knowledge, tools, and equipment to do the job properly and safely. It informs these technicians of conditions that may occur on some vehicles, or provides information that could assist in proper vehicle service. The procedures should not be performed by "do-it-yourselfers". Do not assume that a condition described affects your car or truck. Contact a Ford, Lincoln, or Mercury dealership to determine whether the Bulletin applies to your vehicle. Warranty Policy and Extended Service Plan documentation determine Warranty and/or Extended Service Plan coverage unless stated otherwise in the TSB article. The information in this Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) was current at the time of printing. Ford Motor Company reserves the right to supercede this information with updates. The most recent information is available through Ford Motor Company's on-line technical resources.

:beer:


This TSB says nothing about uneven clutch wear. Copy this and print it, take it to your dealer, ask for your money back.... JUST DO NOT INCLUDE the rest of my post with it please. Copy the TSB only. They charged you for a warranty repair. :mad: :wtf: :knock: Remember the BBB too.

[rollout]

Yes, we (me, the Service Advisor, FORD SVT) were aware of that TSB. But they insisted that it was for UNEVEN WEAR. It was when I asked to be pointed to that part....the phone calls stopped.

[foscat]

First off, I agree with most of what you are saying. The people on the front lines are trying to do the best they can with what they have. I am a senior technician in the Semiconductor field. The company I work for invents, manufactors, installs and maintains a huge variety of complex systems costing from 1-15 million dollars a piece. When we interview a new canditate, one of the questions is: do you work on your own car? Most of us are permantly stationed at the customer's site. 10's to 100's of these systems exist at just one site. We are where the rubber meets the road. We interface with the customer on a daily basis, sometimes hourly. We gather data on the issue (service writer), repair the issue (technician) and test it (quality control) prior to turning it back over to the customer to run. These guys pay top dollar, and if we foul it up, they will come down hard and fast. Our full warranties extend 2-3 years. Then after the warranty expires, we move onto a service contract, where the customer pays for all of the parts used. Alot of simularities with the auto industry. Just like you guys, we need to walk a fine line. Our management guarantees we are technically trained and be able to troubleshoot effectively. Warranty repairs, troubleshot accuarately save money for the company and provide customer satisfaction in a quick turn back to operation. After warranty service ends, accurate troubleshooting comes into play again by make some money for the company by selling replacement parts and customer satifaction for a quick turn. All of are technicians are trying our best to deliver a good product/service which in the end makes for a happy customer. From this possive experience, they come back to us and buy again. If this dance is not taking place, I fault management, all the way to the top.

Back to my experience at Thomason Ford in Beaverton, Oregon. The service writers were not very knowledgable. The repairs were not performed to established requirements. Quality control system should have caught that before it went out the door back to the customer. All falls on the shoulder of management. Get the lowsy service writer more technical or customer service training. If that doesn't work, replace them with someone who can do the job. If the technician screws the job up, get him more training or schooling in quality control. Encorporate some kind of quality control measures before it goes out the door back to the customer. If it ain't right, re-do-it until it is right. 30 bay shop, huge potential for alot of business. After working with many different service advisers, 10 out of 10 repairs were botched. I really tried to give them the benifit of doubt. After so may chances, it became obvious, the owners of that business had lost control. In the end, they lost my business. :hrs: It's real basic in the business world: Give people what they are paying for, sometimes a little more but never less! If not, most people will go down the road to where they will find and get what they paid for.

So I found 5-Star Landmark Ford in Tigard, Oregon. Great service experience. They have earned that 5-Star rating. After owning the Focus SVT for 3.5 years, I sold it for top dollar and in about a week will receive delivery from 5-Star Beaverton Dodge here in Beaverton Oregon, one 2005 SRT-4 ACR with raped ape horsepower. We have been taking our Dodge Durango to them for years and are very pleased with the high quality of service received. They won my business.

I am going to miss that little Focus SVT, just a little under powered, but a very over all balanced package, and in the end, great value and fun factor. See you all soon on the street. Mopar Stage 2 with toys, Mopar Borla exhaust, Mopar factory LSD, @ 285 HP and 300 fpt.
Regards,
Smokin' :tmb:


Thanks for understanding my point of view. I try to overlook the mods my customers have performed and treat them right, after all us gear heads have to stick together right. :spinem: Good luck with the Dodge :frn:

[foscat]

Yes, we (me, the Service Advisor, FORD SVT) were aware of that TSB. But they insisted that it was for UNEVEN WEAR. It was when I asked to be pointed to that part....the phone calls stopped.

Read the TSB and tell me if you see anyhting about uneven clutch wear. I did not. That was a covered repair. :wzup: If you were my customer it would have been done under warranty.

[marcobra]

Out of all the cars I've owned (10 in all) the best dealership experience is with the SVT mechanic at the dealer where I purchased my car. When I went for the state inspection, I took advantage of the situation to talk with the mechanic. The mechanic answered all my questions and even went for a ride with me to point out what he felt I should know about the car. And, he also explained things to me when the car was on the lift. This was important to me since my car was one of those test driven by SVT. He assured me the test drive means nothing and backed up his claim with diagnostics and his experience -- The car has 4000 miles on it and so far not a peep, clunk, stutter.... Now I can't say this about my other two cars (Chrysler Minivans). I had such bad experiences at the Chrysler dealership that I now take them to Firestone -- which isn't much better, so I'm considering having them serviced at the Ford dealer.

[deactivated]

Read the TSB and tell me if you see anyhting about uneven clutch wear. I did not. That was a covered repair. :wzup: If you were my customer it would have been done under warranty.


right but unfortunately you are not the typical oklahoma ford dealer. Out here instead of finding ways to help the customer, they spend time finding ways to SCREW the customer. I think you could call our chapter's relationship with our SVT dealer non existent.

[rollout]

I spoke with the GM of the dealership (UNITED FORD, on Memorial in Tulsa, OK), he read the TSB and said it sounded "vague" on the wear issue, but he did check with his service people and they said Ford Tech Services told them ONLY UNEVEN wear was covered and that this was a non-warranty job. I told him that I sure wanted him to speak to his service people and have them return calls to at least give the customer an impression that they were concerned for them. ;-)

[deactivated]

i get the sneaky suspicion that the ford techs were "leading the witness" so to speak when they talked to SVT. and when the SVT guys dont know the whole story they are going to err on the side of Ford.

Instead of making a rush judgement call, SVT should have sent out a field tech to make a call on the issue. ford handled this one bad all the way around.