FlipTrac_511
Well-Known Member
After 19,000 miles I've made several trips to a local Ford dealership to iron out all the quirks of my 04 ST; Tranny additive recall, leaking differential, stationary steering shudder, tranny solenoid replaced due to mild flare, tranny flush, and warped weather strip replaced. I'm grateful I was taken care of by the dealership and aside from the flush, everything was covered under warranty.
A few things that were not taken care of were the rubbing radiator hose, multifunction switch which doesn't always click crisply into position, a mystery tap sound in the front end (despite several diagnosis), and the dimples on tailgate trim (which I was told I need to take up with original dealer).
You'd think I'd be a very unsatisfied owner but on the contrary I'm glad I was able to recognize the quirks and have them addressed. Am I in denial that my Sport Trac suffers from poor design, workmanship, reliability, and quality? I don't think so. I think the abundance of information this site (and the internet in general) has provided me has simply made me more aware (than an average vehicle owner) and has allowed me to recognize things which otherwise I could've overlooked -edit- or be frustrated about. For example, I've read many complaints here about the the tranny. So, I saved up just in case I have to replace or repair it, and kept a keen eye on it. And when I recognized a mild flare, I took her in right away. The dealership replaced a solenoid under warranty and as far as I can tell, the problem's gone. Since it's been advised that the tranny be flushed every 30K, I thought I'd have it done as well ($120) and I noticed an improvement in shifting afterward. Had I not been weary of the tranny, the flare could've easily been overlooked and the tranny could've deteriorated as a consequence. Another good example would be the recommendation of upgrading the shocks and swaybar which transformed the ride quality in a most positive way. Without this advise I'd still be on stocks, wobbling about not knowing something could have been done about it.
Accepting the fact that no car is perfect, I don't think I'm in denial. The questions I've had answered and other data I have collected, truly demystified what is happening with my Trac (good, bad, or normal) and has helped me be level-headed. I think the combination of awareness and good service has helped me enjoy being a Sport Trac owner. Much more enjoyment than the versatility and good looks alone, that it has provided from day one.
A few things that were not taken care of were the rubbing radiator hose, multifunction switch which doesn't always click crisply into position, a mystery tap sound in the front end (despite several diagnosis), and the dimples on tailgate trim (which I was told I need to take up with original dealer).
You'd think I'd be a very unsatisfied owner but on the contrary I'm glad I was able to recognize the quirks and have them addressed. Am I in denial that my Sport Trac suffers from poor design, workmanship, reliability, and quality? I don't think so. I think the abundance of information this site (and the internet in general) has provided me has simply made me more aware (than an average vehicle owner) and has allowed me to recognize things which otherwise I could've overlooked -edit- or be frustrated about. For example, I've read many complaints here about the the tranny. So, I saved up just in case I have to replace or repair it, and kept a keen eye on it. And when I recognized a mild flare, I took her in right away. The dealership replaced a solenoid under warranty and as far as I can tell, the problem's gone. Since it's been advised that the tranny be flushed every 30K, I thought I'd have it done as well ($120) and I noticed an improvement in shifting afterward. Had I not been weary of the tranny, the flare could've easily been overlooked and the tranny could've deteriorated as a consequence. Another good example would be the recommendation of upgrading the shocks and swaybar which transformed the ride quality in a most positive way. Without this advise I'd still be on stocks, wobbling about not knowing something could have been done about it.
Accepting the fact that no car is perfect, I don't think I'm in denial. The questions I've had answered and other data I have collected, truly demystified what is happening with my Trac (good, bad, or normal) and has helped me be level-headed. I think the combination of awareness and good service has helped me enjoy being a Sport Trac owner. Much more enjoyment than the versatility and good looks alone, that it has provided from day one.
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