Ford Escape Problems

It does seem a lot of money to do the work needed, but before drawing any conclusions, check the quote and establish exactly what it is you are being charged for. With that information you could approach other mechanics and have them quote on the job.

I’d be checking the temperature sensor/switch that controls the fan’s operation. It should be coming on when the temperature rises and go off again when it falls, but it would seem it could be stuck on.

You don't say who replaced the coil in the first instance, but when it showed up as a problem again soon after I would have first checked that the coil had been replaced. Next, I would have asked for a diagnosis of the problem that pointed to a problem with the number four-cylinder before I had them pull the engine down. If you want to pursue the issue get an itemized copy of the invoice and have a trusted mechanic go over it and give you an opinion on the charges. Armed with that information you could then think about going to your state consumer affairs people for their help.

The V6 Escape is renowned for its thirst, but a 35 per cent increase in consumption when you run the air con does seem excessive. Have the air-conditioning system checked to make sure it is charged, check the compressor to make sure it is not faulty, and have an air-con specialist check the whole system.

It’s quite possible that the manifold was cracked when your wife drove into deep water, that’s not unusual. It should be able to be welded, but you need to remove it and inspect it to know for sure.

THANKS for your input. It sounds like Ford had taken care of the problem and Dennis and Helen should go back to their dealer and ask for the fluid change.

I HAVEN'T had any other complaints about this problem, so can't really help, but perhaps other owners might let us know if they have had the problem and what was done to fix it.

IN DEFENCE of Ford, it sometimes happens that an owner will hit a kerb or a hole in the road and damage the wheel, but they should check the wheel themselves to verify if the crack has been caused by driver error or not. That they dismissed your claim without checking isn't good enough, even if your car is out of warranty. It's even more disappointing that they have chosen not to act when the dealer supports your claim. If the dealer is prepared to make a report on its findings I would use it and pursue Ford for compensation.

YOU really need to keep up the pressure on Ford. Don't take no for an answer.