Truck purchased from Countryside Motors, Conway, Arkansas - RH
Truck purchased from Countryside Motors, Conway, Arkansas cost $5,300 repairs.
*Abridged* Dec 2024
The total repair/expense cost for our 2010 Ford F150 purchased June of 2023 totaled over $5,300 for an alternator system rebuild, repairs related to the P0741 and later the P1867 error codes. Both codes were reported to Countryside Motors (CSM ) by email in my 8/3/23 CSM email. A latent “CHECK 4X4” occurred (June 24, 1224) and a P1867 code was logged the first time I tried to select the “4X4”. I am still plagued by the “CHECK 4X4”.
Transmission (TM) flush & LubeGard Shudder Fix, Alternator system, Transmission repair, Transfer case motor, labor & error code tester:
Total – $5334.26
Shop B: auto transmission shop.
I had CSM do a TM flush..
Less than 50 miles from CSM the TM shifted harshly day 1 & then day 1 of a trip, and more acutely on day 2.
Cardboard placed underneath had a 2 X 3 ft. TM fluid spot, reported in my 7/28/23 CSM email. A retired Ford Service manager said that reusing the TM pan gasket after the TM flush probably caused the leak.
Before the first 400 miles, Shop A was unable to add TM fluid. The metal dipstick cap was broken off from the TM (over tightened dipstick cap post-flush?). They provided the P0741 & P1867 codes (sent by 8/3/23 email).
The P0741 defines a TM problem:
“ A P0741 DTC in itself is very serious and should be addressed as soon as possible and handled with adequate repairs.” (Kelly Blue Book).
“A P0741 code is typically triggered by a faulty torque converter, but it can also be caused by a worn TCC valve, or internal transmission failure, among other issues.” (Richard McCuistian, ASE Certified Master Automobile Technician).
Prior to Shop B, no one worked on the F150.
Shop B: Using “Shudder Fix” with a P0741 means that the torque converter (TC) clutch is probably damaged. If so, the TC will need to be replaced, as the “temporary” Shudder Fix only lasts hundreds of miles after which it needs to be added again and again.
Due to their use of Shudder Fix, I was concerned that CSM might not perform the "adequate repairs", so I had Shop B do the repairs. They replaced the worn TC and other worn parts. They also provided the broken cap. My photo reveals the cap yielded between the nut and the threaded part.
Once cleared by Shop B, the P1867 code was vacant during daily use of the F150.
June 2024: I had a "CHECK 4X4" & P1867 code on first attempted use of the 4X4, and the 4X4 gears didn’t engage. This repeated each time I tried to use the 4X4 after clearing the P1867.
Shop A repaired alternator system, replaced a bad battery, & (8/27/24) repaired the 4X4.
I still get a “CHECK 4X4” from time to time when using 4H or 4L. I bought a code tester to clear the P1867.
The first P1867 (8/3/23 email) was probably logged before it left CSM as there was no 4X4 usage before Shop A reported it.
I sent two letters to CSM in the fall of 2023 requesting that we discuss an equitable cost-sharing formula for repairs. All I got was a phone call on 8/28/23.
The unidentified caller declared (and I paraphrase) the vehicle left there in good condition. The caller even claimed another TC wasn’t needed! The P0741 and the P1867 codes both required repairs. That hardly qualifies as good condition.
I was made a monetary offer which I did not consider to be an *equitable* cost-sharing resolution. It was only a fraction of the cost to have the truck repaired.
Metaphorically, this project is somewhat reminiscent of paddling the 3/4 miles of river on the family farm back when. It was one beaver dam after another.
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