Flash Needed for Radiator?

[LukeM Mekker]

My Radiator had to be replaced about a month ago...at about 50k...early in my opinion. Anyhow, I noticed fluid still leaking so I took it back to the place that did the work.

They called and said that the Radiator was cracked again, after about 500-miles. They said they told me that I was supposed to take the truck to Ford to have it Re-Flashed because the cooling fan was not operating properly. That because I didn't do this, the replacement Radiator might not be covered under their warranty.



As you might imagine, I am not happy about this. And I let him know it. He said he would call me back today after the work is done and let me know what he was able to work out with the charges.



Has anyone have any experience with this?

 

[rod denton]

what is flash?,,,,, i have replaced many radiators over the years everthing from new aluminun to junk purchase never heard of flash, now that think bout it do you mean flush to rinse and/or to exchange fluids ... if so he asked you to come back because of calcium or scale build up in the cooloing jacket,,,, if this so the grit of which would tear the life out the radiator= like sand paper to paint

 

[Richard L]

What a load of BS !! It they claim they told you, it would have to be on the receipt. If not, they can't prove that anyone told you, and cannot legally deny the warranty coverage on the new radiator.



I suspect that they are claiming that the FLASH is to reprogram the computer to insure that the the computer controlled fan is turning on and off at the proper temperature.



...Rich

 

[Gavin Allan]

I call BS too.



Even if the fan was not working, the cap should have relieved the excess pressure.



If there is no note about a defective fan, they owe you a new radiator.

 

[Robert Caffyn]

Time for a new mechanic! They're trying to rip you off for the poor work they did. +1 for Richard and Gavin.

 

[Richard L]

If they deny the warranty on the radiator, don't argue, just tell them you are going to sue them, and pay the bill. Then take them to small claims court and file a grevience with the Better Business Bureau, to back up your claim.



Unless the warranty on the radiator states that the computer must be Flashed to validate the warranty, they cannot make any verbal additional exceptions to the written warranty. If there are exceptions, they must be in writing. Written contracts cannot be ammended by a verbal agreement...that's just basic business law-101



...Rich

 

[EddieS'04]

If your temps have been normal, before the rad busted. The flash is BS crap.

Find someone else to do your replacment. If they stick to that.

Then sue them. Keep all documents and warranty info.

Call the manufactor of the brand rad they used.

 

[rod denton]

what is FLASH

 

[swshawaii]

FLASH:

 

[LukeM Mekker]

Well -- I picked up the truck from them this morning. No charge. They exuberantly expressed the fact they paid for the replacement of their installed radiator even though I didn't get the PCM Reprogrammed. They said the mnft would not cover it, so they paid for it and are not charging me.



I asked why did my original radiator last 50k miles (which is early I feel), and this one they put in only last about 500-1k; both without this PCM update! Oh, and the radiator cracked in the same spot as the original one. I was actually trying to imply to them that I don't think they ever replaced the original radiator.



This time, they printed out a TSB (from 2009 I think) that states the PCM should be reprogrammed after a new radiator is installed.



So on their receipt, they detailed (and highlighted with a marker) that this new radiator will not be warrantied unless I have proof that I took my truck to a Ford Dealership and had the PCM reprogrammed within 5-days!



Guess I gotta pay some more money for this job!

 

[EddieS'04]

Luke, question the dealer about the purpose of the tsb.

Update us on the reasoning. Inquiring minds need to know...LOL

 

[scott degroot]

Luke,



Do you have the tsb number?

 

[Jim Mills]

A quality shop would take this to the dealer & finish the job. As far as them paying for the replacement, no way unless they ordered a cheapy mail order radiator. Most installers have a very good relationship with their parts supplier & wouldnt have a problem getting a part warrantied. I dont buy their line, i deal with professional installers every day and I agree, find an new mechanic.

 

[Gavin Allan]

FastJimmie nailed it.

 

[LukeM Mekker]

Its TSB 09-8-1...BUT



I called a Ford Dealership to schedule an appt for this reprogramming...and they said they never heard of anything like this. But anyways, I told them I would still do it.



Then I got on here and saw one of you asked for the TSB number...so I did a search online for it at safercar.gov...and couldn't find it. So I just went out to the truck to get the printout they gave me. Put in the TSB number, and it doesn't show anything with that number (I'm sure I could be looking in the wrong place).



So then I decided to read the TSB printout a little closer...and I just saw that it is for a 2007 sporttrac...but its for the 4.0L ones...not my 4.6L. And also, up near the top of the page, it says Ford Truck Explorer 2WD V6-4.0L...mine is a V8 4.6L. They used something call AllData Online.



So I just called up the place and told them all of this. He said he wasn't sure and that he would call his radiator guy. I said I want to come in and have them print out their receipt/service order for me again WITHOUT the void warranty comment (ie not getting the PCM reprogrammed in 5-days would void warranty of the radiator).



So I am waiting to hear back from him...he said not to worry if I don't hear back from him today, he will call me on Monday. Fridays are tough for Radiator guys I guess!

 

[LukeM Mekker]

I just came across this:



http://ww2.justanswer.com/uploads/fordguy4u/2009-09-11_193745_A1.pdf

 

[EddieS'04]

linked....



Appears it is not for your trac. I think your mechanic needs to go back to school...

 

[Gavin Allan]

Your mechanic needs to go to prison. :angry::fire:

 

[Richard L]

Eddie is correct again!

From what I read, that TBS only applies to the 4.0L, V6, not the V8 version that Luke has, so their requirement to reFlash the PCM is bogus....unless there is another TSB for the V8.



Luke, it might be smart to find out from that shop exactly what TSB or Ford document that they are refering to. It might exist, but they need to provide more proof than just saying that Ford needs to Flash the PCM when the radiator is replaced?



...Rich

 

[EddieS'04]

As Rich said,

Luke, it might be smart to find out from that shop exactly what TSB or Ford document that they are refering to.

If it is bogus or he made a mistake. I would find another mechanic. For the future.

Though it might be his mistake. It sounds like he put alot of crap on you. About the warranty and $$ out of his pocket, etc, etc...



I expect my mechanic to research what they tell me. Not throw a bunch of this and that, then back up. I can apreciate someone more, that says IDK, but I will find out.

Besides most legit shops. That do regular business with certain companies for parts. Many times can get all or most of their labor $$, Reimbursed. Plus the part warrantied. A friend of mine had a way to file labor reimbursment with AZ. He was a certified private mechanic.



He works for you not you for him...That just the way Iam.......:fire: