Category Archives: Ford

News about Ford automobile manufacturer. News about Ford recalls, technical service bulletins (TSB), and problems regarding Ford vehicles.

GM Ford Alliance To Improve Fuel Economy

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A manufacturing alliance between General Motors (GM) and Ford, expected to be unveiled next month, will have the two rival companies developing automatic transmissions designed to improve fuel economy. The alliance could save the companies billions of dollars as they work towards meeting demanding federal fuel economy regulations set for 2017.

GM and Ford have already successfully worked together building six speed automatic front wheel drive transmissions in 2002, introduced in 2006 in approximately thirty different models. Both companies are currently developing 8, 9, and 10 speed transmissions for front and rear wheel drive cars and light trucks and they hope that the agreement will not only speed up technological developments, but will allow them to reduce manufacturing costs.

Packing more gears into the compact transmission housings used in smaller vehicles is an increasingly tricky challenge, according to engineers. Automatic transmissions with more gear ratios and more sophisticated electronic controls are crucial to improving fuel economy but the limited space of compact and subcompact cars makes it difficult. The lack of space is one reason that subcompacts like the Ford Fiesta and Chevrolet Sonic do not achieve higher fuel efficiency than the larger Ford Focus and Chevy Cruze. Longer vehicles also have lower aerodynamic drag, which helps overall efficiency.

Developing transmissions in house will not only allow GM and Ford to tailor the components to suit their needs, but will eliminate royalty costs for licenses and intellectual property rights charged by their current gearbox suppliers. The new transmissions are expected to reach the market by 2015.

Ford Edge Fuel Leak

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Ford will be asking drivers of certain 2012 Ford Edge vehicles equipped with 2.0L engines to bring in their vehicle for problems with the fuel system. The fuel line pulse damper housing could crack due to an improper manufacturing process. The driver may notice a fuel odor or a continuous leak while the system is under pressure, and if unrepaired could result in an engine fire. Ford will be notifying almost 5,500 Edge owners of the problem and will be asking them to bring in their vehicles to have the defective part replaced. For more information, owners are asked to contact the Ford Motor Company Customer Relationship Center at 1-866-436-7332.

Ford Escape Coolant Line Problem

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Drivers of certain 2013 Ford Escape sport utility vehicles (SUV) with 1.6L engines, are being notified to bring in their vehicles to their nearest dealership to correct a problem that could lead to an engine compartment fire. According to Ford, certain vehicles built between October 5, 2011 to August 31, 2012, may have a cylinder head cup plug, also known as a freeze plug, that could become dislodged resulting in a coolant leak. If the coolant evaporates on a hot surface, the glycol could ignite and catch fire. Ford will be notifying owners of the problem this month and can take in there vehicles to have the plug sealed and a secondary plug cover added. For more information about the problem, contact Ford at 1-866-436-7332.

Total Quality Index Is More Than Automobile Quality

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According to a 2012 Strategic Vision (SV) survey, consumer’s rate Volkswagen and Ford as having the highest quality ratings of all 2011 vehicles surveyed. The difference between Strategic Vision’s survey as compared to J.D. Power’s Quality Reports, done earlier this year, is that Strategic Vision uses what it calls the “Total Quality Index” (TQI). TQI not only rates vehicles by consumer complaints, but also takes into consideration the customer buying experience, vehicle performance and all around customer satisfaction. Strategic Vision has been working directly with automotive consumers since 1995, as well as maintains relationships with all major automotive manufacturers. This allows them to report on all aspects of the new car buyer’s experience.

This year’s survey questioned almost 40,000 people who bought model year 2011 vehicles between September and December 2010. Volkswagen came in first, mostly due to the success of the Golf, Jetta, and Tiguan. Despite complaints about about Fords infotainment systems; strong designs, technological innovations, and brand equity in the Mustang, Flex and F-Series trucks, gave Ford a second place. The biggest surprise came from the most improved corporation, Chrysler Group, who’s Dodge Charger and redesigned Jeep Grand Cherokee excelled in innovation, influencing the perceptions of quality. Even though Toyota vehicles were reported to have the lowest actual problems, there were no Toyota vehicles in the top of the list. With all automobile manufacturers running the tightest “quality race” ever, customers are increasingly defining “quality” by using the Total Quality Index.

Ford Invests In Hybrid And Electric Technology

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Ford is working hard to become the leader in hybrid and electric vehicles (EV) as they invest over $130 million to build an advanced electrification center in Dearborn, Michigan. The facility will employ approximately 1,000 engineers and will accelerate the companies EV development capabilities. The company hopes to top the market by launching five new electric or hybrid vehicles this year alone. Ford has just recently started developing their own transmission technology which will be built on the same platform as their mainstream gasoline engines. This has allowed them to cut the costs by 30% and will also allow the company to build vehicles according to consumer demand. Amy Machesney, the C-Max marketing manager said Ford feels it now has a product capable of competing with Toyota, and we are confident our EV and hybrid vehicles are comparable to the Prius.

Ford Sues Windstar Subframe Supplier

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Ford Motor Co. has filed a law suit against automobile parts supplier Dana Holding Corp. over corrosion issues that forced Ford to recall over 425,000 1999-2003 Ford Windstar minivans. The original recall, issued in August 2010, affected rear axles that were susceptible to fractures after years of service in salt states. Continued complaints led to subsequent Windstar minivan investigations and recalls that affected the front lower control arms, rear attaching brackets and body mount attachments.

In a seven page suit filed last Friday Ford stated that they have suffered substantial damages over the minivan issues and are asking the court to enforce a cost sharing agreement between the two companies. When asked about the lawsuit, Dana offered no comment, saying that the company does not discuss pending litigations. Ford and Dana continue to do business together as they work to resolve the issue.

Fuel Line Problem In Ford Escape

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Ford is asking owners of certain 2013 Escape vehicles equipped with 1.6L engines and manufactured between October 2011 to July 2012, to not drive their vehicles until a fuel line in the engine compartment has been replaced. The fuel lines could split and leak, causing an engine compartment fire. Owners can contact their local Ford or Lincoln dealer to arrange to have their vehicle picked up for repairs and will provide a rental vehicle if needed. For more information about the problem, owners can contact Ford at 1-866-436-7332.

Ford Escape Braking Problem

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Days after the 2013 Ford Escape debuted in dealership showrooms, the automobile manufacturer has already issued a recall for the small crossover vehicle. According to the recall report filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the positioning of the carpet padding around the center console could interfere with the drivers use of the brake pedal. The driver could experience increased stopping distances which increases the chance of an accident. It is estimated that over 8,000 vehicles are affected by this recall, but because the vehicle is so new, most are still in the dealership showrooms. Owners wanting more information on the problem can contact Ford at 1-866-436-7332.