Ford 1 – Consumer 0

Well, I must admit I am beginning to believe that the Ford ripoff machine will win this battle.  You’ll notice that Obama and Harper are getting tough with GM and Chrysler.  Basically, if they want the TAXPAYER’S money, they have to follow some rules.  They’ve had the GM CEO leave and they are putting other restrictions on the two companies.  Although Ford put itself on standby for some of the government money, they have held off asking for it.  Why?? Probably because they are protecting their overpaid asses and, they don’t want to be held accountable for the shoddy vehicles they put on the market.  They can’t defend the work they did and they don’t even respond to requests.   Even the CAW/UAW hide behind the old “your anti-union” crap when asked why they don’t stand up for the consumer.

Well, I know my blog has been a waste of time but I certainly learned a lot about ethics, work ethic, quality, workmanship, pride – all the things the auto industry is missing.

Well Ford, you win, but in the end I’ll win by buying a Toyota.  I won’t be wasting my time writing anymore about you as I am moving on to better things but the sign on my tailgate will tell it all.  At least I can drive around Oakville and let the Ford employees know how I feel about their work ethic.  And Lewenza – grow up and smell the roses.  Your flogging a dead horse trying to get the taxpayer to believe you guys have done all there is to save the industry.  We’re suffering too, but your members are putting out vehicles that are raping our savings with poor quality.  Think about that when you drive your union sponsored car.

Well, all for now and the picture… Just how I felt when Ford shafted me.

alphainventions

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Ford – Maple Leafs – both losers

I watched something last night that made me feel guilty that I didn’t go forward and warn the participants concerning a F150.  This was at the Air Canada Centre for the Toronto Maple Leafs vs Boston Bruins hockey game.  They had a contest where some lucky (??) person would win a brand new and hopefully well built F150.  One person was warned that they should sell it if they won it in case it wasn’t built to snuff like some of our trucks.  He was advised to take the cash and buy a Toyota or other truck.  Unfortunately, we were told they had to take the truck – no cash option.

I only wish I’d been able to tell more of the people and unfortunately I wasn’t able to talk to the winner about other options.  Hopefully she will not have the same problems a lot of us have had like leaky front windows, blowing spark plugs, etc.  Now, if you win this, is it covered under warranty??  And, if you have problems, do you think Ford will address them, unlike how they have treated a lot of others?  Who knows… I only wish I could have told more about the problems.  Well, maybe next time at a more convenient location..

Want a laugh – read the Toronto Star ad on Ford

I was reading the Toronto Star (the one who doesn’t like to report the truth about Ford) and there was a major (whole page) ad by Ford on page A14 (March 23,2009).

The main title was: “FORD QUALITY IS EQUAL TO HONDA AND TOYOTA”.

When you stop laughing, read on.

I can’t believe they have the nerve to put this in writing, considering the blowing spark plugs, leaking rear window and the leaking front window (which allows water to fry the electronics) quality issues – issues they ignore.

Right, if you don’t do a recall or respond to the problems, I guess they don’t exist.  I can’t speak for Honda but Toyota, I know, dealt with their problems in an ethical and mature manner.  Instead of paying their president $34 million and giving out bonuses, Toyota owned up to their problem (rusting truck frames) and dealt with the consumer in a ethical manner.  I mean, this comes from a president who only makes $1 million a year.  I mean, if you only make $1 million a year, you can’t really be that good.  Right???  WRONG!!!!!… We are seeing an ethical man leading an ethical company who treats their customers like family.  Ford puts crap into the ads for suckers to lap up and believe.  No, Toyota talks with their reputation of honesty, fairness and integrity.  Something our bloated and overpaid auto industry in North Amercia fails to realize.  And, don’t forget, Honda and Toyota hire Canadians and Americans to build their vehicles here.  Meanwhile, Chrysler threatens to close plants, GM closed the truck plant and, god only knows what Ford will do next.  Maybe Obama should investigate all this before shelling out the tax money.  Wish Harper would.

I also get a kick of how Ford flogs this F150 award thing.  A bunch of journalists, who are probably given travel perks, etc by the company ( I know the Toront0 Star guys do)  drive the truck for a short period and they say, “WOW”, “THE BEST”, ETC ETC.  But those of us that invest in the truck and drive it in a real world for a real period of time experience all sorts of problems, like those I mentioned above.  Do the beer swilling journalists come out and report that.  No, they are too busy getting the free rides and lunches.  A few bloggers are bringing out the truth but our audience isn’t as big.

So, for those reading this.  Are you going to believe the ads or do some research and find out that Ford is all ad, no substance when it comes down to the line.  At least Toyota has the balls to own up to mistakes and do the honourable thing. 

 

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Ford – at least suppliers have ethics

Lately, all we’ve been hearing is how the CAW made big concessions with their GM contract and Chrysler and Fordare asking for more.  In addition to all this in the auto industry and the demanding (yes, Chrysler, you are demanding aid with your threat to leave Canada) of financial aid, we still see the executives getting their bonuses.  Look at AIG.  Here they are getting a $170 billion bail-out from the U.S. government and then turning around and giving their executives a $165 million package of bonuses.  Duh!!!  I thought a bonus was for GOODwork.  Here we have guys who screwed us all royally with their financial planning and they get a bonus.  So much for capitalism – our new system pays those who screw up the most.  No wonder Obama is pissed off.  If I was him, I’d send in the air force and carpet bomb all the executive enclaves and put the country out of their financial misery. (oh, and for all the ambulance chasing lawyer leeches, this isn’t a threat but a piece of journalistic freedom of speech).

And Ford’s financial plan??  They are asking for a government sponsored bailout but just want it on hold – standby, on the sidelines.  Meanwhile, they will forgo the recalls, ask the UAW/CAW to cut more on the salaries and benefits and, ask their suppliers to pay the freight on substandard work.  Yes, at least the auto suppliers have ethics.  They own up to their mistakes and make good to the consumer.  Ford, just ignores most of the problems, gets the supplier to fix some and maybe, if the sun and moon are in the right position, may do a recall if forced by the government.

Below you’ll see at least two suppliers that have ethics.  Ford, please note.

 

Component: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

Details: CERTAIN AFTERMARKET FUEL FILTERS SOLD UNDER THE PUROLATOR BRAND

NAME, P/N F65277, SHIPPED FROM JANUARY 16 THROUGH JUNE 2, 2006, FOR USE ON THE

ABOVE LISTED PASSENGER VEHICLES. DUE TO INCORRECT DESIGN, THE QUICK

CONNECTORS MAY NOT FULLY SEAT WITH THE TUBE INTERFACE, EVEN THOUGH THE

PERSON MAKING THE CONNECTION MAY BELIEVE THAT THE QUICK CONNECTOR IS

FULLY ATTACHED.

Consequence: FAILURE OF THIS CONNECTION COULD LEAD TO FUEL SPILLAGE AND, IN THE

PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, A FIRE COULD OCCUR.

Corrective Action: UFI WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE FILTERS FREE OF CHARGE.

THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 4, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT UFI FILTERS USA AT

800-230-5876.

Units Potentially Affected: 58640

Recall Initiated By: MFR
Date added to NHTSA datbase: 06/23/2006
Component: EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS

Details: CERTAIN EAGLE EYES HEADLAMPS, P/NOS. FR208-B101R, FR208-B101L, FR208-B001R,

AND FR208-B001L, SOLD FOR USE AS REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT FOR THE PASSENGER

VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE PHOTOMETRIC

REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS,

REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.

Consequence: DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Corrective Action: SABRY LEE WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER FULL CREDIT FOR ANY

NONCOMPLIANT HEADLAMP. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON JUNE 14, 2006.

OWNERS MAY CONTACT SABRY LEE ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE AT 1-866-467-2279.

Units Potentially Affected: 14616

Recall Initiated By: OVSC
Date added to NHTSA datbase: 06/12/2006

Yes, Ken Lewenza – we’re with you guy

Yes Ken Lewenza (President, CAW), we’re with you on the fact that we’re all being asked to make concessions in order for the auto industry to survive.  In a recent Toronto Star article (the one who won’t print the truth about the F150) you state, “We’ve got to change the mood.  Every single day we’ve been on the defence, defending our right to a good job.”  We have empathy for your plight Ken.  Every single day, owners of F150’s with leaky front windows have been on the defence, ignored by the CAW/UAW and Ford itself.  We just want to be treated well and be reassured that there will be a good job in building the F150.  I mean, is it too much to ask that Ford workers put the window in right so that the consumer isn’t shafted later with unnecessary costs?

 

In the article, it states that the CAW workers at GM will lose a $1700 annual bonus and a week of special holidays.  What the hell is the bonus for – good work?  Does that mean GM, who owns up to some of its mistakes should get it but Ford, who hides the fact that its F150 leaks water through the front window, shouldn’t get it.  We consumers have also suffered.  I’ve paid out $3000 in repairs for that leaky window and the fried electronics.  I don’t see you whining about the consumer having paid its freight to help the economy. 

 

But then, fewer recalls mean more money for contract negotiations and executive bonuses.

 

The article points out that you and CAW Local president Chris Buckley, “charged that auto imports continue to ‘pollute” the domestic market, while Canadian-made vehicles can’t get fair access to overseas countries.  Well boys, it was your Canadian built F150 that polluted my pocket book to the tune of $3000 in repairs while Toyota owned up to its rusty frames and reimbursed the consumer.  Maybe the other countries have standards you don’t want to meet.  The non-union boys took responsibility and made good on their mistake.  What does the CAW do?  Try to make me feel guilty about going to a product that treats the consumer with respect and honour, not threats.  This isn’t about non-union vs union but about ethics, morals, honesty and taking responsibility about your work – not whining because people are talking with their wallets.

 

Wake up boys and smell the economic coffee – you either build them right and treat the consumer right or close up shop – the consumer will be the better for it.

To be fair, Ford sometimes owns up with a little nudge

Well, I found this link where Ford finally owned up about a problem they had with their 4.6 lt engine. I put a copy at the end of this. But, you will notice that those who got this relief had the backing of Car Help Canada and Lemon-Aid. Appears that those of us who lodged complaints with Ford and with the U.S. and Canadian government get the cold shoulder. Seems that  I’ll have to draw our complaint to the attention of Lemon-aid and Car Help Canada if I am to get relief.  I visited the Lemon-aid website and I must admit it was very interesting, especially the part about small-claims court.  I still have all the bills and since I was not notified of the leaky window problem (it came out in a bulletin to the dealers but nothing to the owners) and all my problems showed up after the bulletin was issued, I think I may have a case here.  I would say that Ford did not do due diligence in notifying the public of a known problem that cost consumers money and allowed dealers to make money at the consumers unnecessary expense.

I also read a rant by a 16 year old who got shafted by Ford on his first vehicle – nice way to get a lifelong customer - who is intending on putting posters on his Ford. Hmmmm, the ass end of my F150 will be a nice billboard. Ford – do you understand the phrase – auto wrapping. Maybe I should invest in a little advertising.

“FORD SUCKS $” – WWW.F150NEWS.WORDPRESS.COM

It will look nice outside the Ford Canada buiding in Oakville.  I’ll put up a sign for the soon to be laid off CAW workers there – honk if you agree.

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Ford Engine Intake Manifold Refunds
Ford of Canada has extended to Canadian owners free engine intake manifold repairs and an extended warranty following a protest lodged last December by Car Help Canada and Lemon-Aid.
Ford’s decision to pay about $1,000 each to Canadian owners who have paid for the repair and also provide a free 7-year retroactive warranty with unlimited mileage is an excellent first step.
Ford of Canada president and CEO, William Osborne, is to be congratulated for ensuring that Canadian Ford owners are treated fairly. For over a decade Lemon-Aid has chided Ford for stonewalling engine intake manifold complaints and hiding the existence of a “secret warranty” slush fund. Ford must now extend the reimbursement period from March until December 31, 2006; give refunds to owners who complained within seven years, but were turned down; and provide funds for consequential damages caused by the engine failure.
Some engines can be ‘cooked’ by this failure and require thousands of dollars in repairs. Ford must put money aside for this eventuality.
The intake manifold channels fuel and air to the 4.6-litre V8 engine’s cylinders. Vehicles included in the American settlement are the Ford Crown Victoria, Mercury Grand Marquis and Lincoln Town Car from the 1996-2001 model years; 1997 Mercury Cougar, Ford Thunderbird and Ford Mustang; some Mustangs from 1998-2001; and some Ford Explorers from 2002.

Ford and the Nazis – working for a better tomorrow?

I recently read an article written by Michael Dobbs for the Washington Post. In it, there is a picture of German diplomats awarding Henry Ford with their nation’s highest decoration for foreigners, the Grand Cross of the German Eagle, in July 1938. In the article is the following: “Hitler was an admirer of American mass production techniques and an avid reader of the anti-semitic tracts penned by Henry Ford.”I regard Henry Ford as my inspiration,” Hitler told a Detroit News reporter two years before becoming the German chancellor in 1933, explaining why he kept a life-size portrait of the American automaker next to his desk.” They even mention that Ford plants in Germany, along with GM plants made vehicles that were used against American troops. To top it off, Ford wanted compensation for the plants bombed by the Allies in Germany.

Now, I don’t know about you but, I guess this would be the same as Ford helping out the Taliban in today’s world. I mean, here we have a company that won’t back up those vehicles it manufactured with built-in flaws (leaky front window, blowing spark plugs) but has a history of helping anti-semitic regimes to fight against our own country and the USA. Talk about globalization!!!!!!! While Canada was fighting the Nazis, Ford was helping build vehicles to assist Germany fight against the British and Canadians. And, once the U.S. got into the war, they still helped Germany, according to the article.

Now, I know this isn’t pretty news, especially for those saying we should support our local economy and buy American/Canadian but how about Ford supporting its Canadian consumers or, are we just cannon-fodder in Ford’s goal to make money at any cost.

During WWII they used forced labour to build their vehicles in Cologne- here in Canada they shaft consumers with shoddy workmanship. By the way, GM, who is begging for a handout, received $32 million from the US government for damage to their bombed German plants.

Seems that the auto industry likes to cover all the bases. I just hope Ford isn’t still continuing forced labour camps like Cologne. Maybe if you complain too much about your vehicle, they’ll ship you out.

Ford, no life like it – at least in their minds

I was cruising the forums today and found one person’s viewpoint on Ford. (yes, my electronics lasted for this visit, but then my computer isn’t “Ford Built Tough” You’ll find his thoughts on Ford at the end of this blog.

I received another piece of propaganda from Ford yesterday. Goebbels would be proud of this masterpiece. They start off with “as a proud Ford owner”. Obviously they haven’t been listening to me. Then, they go on and state, “we know you share our concern for safety”.  I don’t think so.  I believe in a vehicle that is built with safety in mind – not advertised safety but reality safety.  You know, having a truck that doesn’t have a front built-in leaky window that allows water to fry my electronics and put me at risk.  This is risk that is verified with government reports, that you seem to ignore.  As well, you have trucks that blow spark plugs that create a risk of fire.  But, you ignore these problems, fix them at our cost and send out propaganda that is worthless.  I note you also state, “enjoy the savings you love”.  What savings?  I paid for the truck with your built in surprises and it cost me an extra $3000 in repairs.  Your salesman didn’t tell me I was expected to pay out more money for the truck when I bought it.  I thought the price, pluse normal wear and tear was it but, foolish old me expected a good union made product that would last me for awhile before eating into my pension (which is somewhat lower than the guys who built the truck I must add).  Lastly, they mention the “long term value you deserve as a loyal Ford customer”.  With how you are treating those of us with the problems, I’d hate to see how you treat someone you really don’t like. Death camps or something – god only knows.

Anyways, after reading this Ford, will you get back to me and let me know if I should buy a new Ford.   Hello, Ford, are you there.  Sorry, didn’t realize you were off working out how to siphon off the next executive pay hike.

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Almost made a huge mistake going to a F150!

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Well, my lease mileage is just about at 36,000 miles, and the buyout was alot more than it’s worth so i was looking to buy another truck used. My business could use a good looking truck for advertisement sake so i wanted a “big” truck to stand out so a lift and big tires are desired. I found both a chevy K1500 and F150 crew cabs with lift’s and 35” tires and thought about buying one already done up. Well after driving the chev w/5.3L, it was a horrible dog that vibrated badly with a Regency Package on it. Then i tried the F150, even though it’s not to the power of the Tundra, it was alot better in every aspect than the chevy was- i was very surprised! So, i joined the F150forums and did some research and asked some questions, wow those people are really dilusional over there and no wonder why ford sells so many trucks, they are just retards! They all post about spark plugs blowing and breaking, trannys failing or not shifting properly and poor fuel economy- BUT THEY ARE ALRIGHT WITH IT??!! Those guys can’t wait to change the plugs on their NEW truck when they get them home and are alright with buying different selonoids for their trannys and power chips on a brand new truck they just paid $30,000 for- WTF? They they say at least they don’t have the quality/ reliability issues of a Tundra lol. I couldn’t take the stupidity over there and telling them so doesn’t go over well as they are loyal to a fault- basically because they are tools lol. This just made me realize i really need to keep my Tundra for sure now and lift it as my original plan was to do. Funny thing over there is they say the Tundra ONLY has more power over their Fords and the rest of the truck is junk because it doesn’t have their frame strength so it’s not truck worthy- wow!

Ford shafts another one – this time picking on women

I found the following at the Ford Forums, and really wasn’t surprised.

04 F-150 Window Regulator

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Where is the pride? What has happened to taking responsibility for your actions? This is the third window to malfunction. Warranty pd for the first one & I have shelled out over $350, parts only, to repair the next two. Ford quoted me $350 for a repair. I am talking about 3 different windows, I only have 47,700 miles on the truck. The cheap plastic roller is breaking. I drive this to work and occasionally to town. It’s just me. A 40 yr old female… I rolled the passenger window down to remove the mist so I could see out of it and boom… the window fell inside the door and would not roll back up… I contacted Ford by the web and they politely called me. They reviewed my case, called me back to inform me that they were sorry, but they did not deem the malfunction of my windows (3 different windows malfunctioning,,, hello? Houston. We have a problem!) enough cause for a reimbursement and recommended that I use a qualified Ford mechanic for future repairs…. What does that mean? If I would have shelled out the $350 for the repair of each window that I MIGHT have got something back? I’m so disappointed with this whole situation. It makes me sick to think our society is being molded to believe that this is acceptable behavior. It’s not my friend. Not today. So there! I don’t feel any better about and it doesn’t change one single thing, but it’s out there.
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Myself, I have resigned myself to the fact that this in fact is normal behaviour for Ford. The other auto manufacturers have crawled to Washington and Ottawa begging for money while Ford, although going there , is not partaking in the bailout money.

Why? Maybe it is the conditions attached to the bailout. Or, they have a better plan. Build their product with lots of advertisement on how good they are (using the old reputation they had) and save money by buying inferior parts. And when something breaks after warranty, even though they built it wrong, they ignore the problem and hope the problem will go away. Kind of like the old barbecue Pinto and the police killer Crown Victoria. So what if they lose a few customers. Enough satisfied customers are out there who boo boo those of us who were shafted to continue buying the Fix or Repair Daily junk. I feel sorry for those unionized workers (UAW CAW) who are losing jobs at Chrysler and GM. But Ford, with them shafting us with their economic recovery plan of forget the consumer, I’m not really shedding any tears, especially when the CAW can’t be bothered speaking on behalf of those customers who have leaky windows, breaking windows, blowing spark plugs and leaky back windows on the F150. I mean, they built them and the quality sucks. So, why should we buy union and North American when they cost us thousands more after buying them. Face it boys, argue less about getting more money and argue more for quality that brings the customers and money back. Otherwise, enjoy your lay-offs. Maybe you can spend the time fixing your Ford trucks that you built with the breaking parts.

Yeah, I know it sounds bitter but what the hell. The CAW accuses me of being anti-union for wanting a well built truck and not being charged thousands to repair their mistakes. But then, I’m only retired and not paying union dues so I’m not worth helping out.