Well, after getting that SVT engine put in, the mechanic suggested I change the underhood wiring, as it was pretty well shot. Of course, this was an independent mechanic. I called up the Ford/Mercury 800 # to find out more. I had already printed the "recall" notice 99m03, to reference during the call. The Mercury representative who answered was polite, but informed me that my vehicle would have to be inspected by an authorized Ford/Mercury mechanic before a judgement could be made. I explained about my car being over the milage limit, it has 117,000 miles now. She explained that, yes, it was over the limit, but it would still have to be inspected by a dealer to see if Ford would pro-rate some of the cost.
I took it in yesterday, the dealer claimed my appointment was for Thursday, even though I specifically stated that I needed it to be Tuesday, as that is my day off, and I had verbal confirmation. Next, I asked if I could get a "courtesy" ride home. The driver informed me when I asked, that the dealer doesn't drive out to Yuma Proving Ground, where I live, because it is too far. I had to rent a car to get home. I got a call in the afternoon to come pick up my car.
I arrived this morning, and the service rep. told me that yes, my wires were bad, and he had the mechanic tape some of them up, but my car was past the warranty on the recall, and they would only do the work as regular service... At a cost of around $4000.00
Called Ford to ask what recourse I had, and explained to them that the car had been in the shop for underhood wiring before, with no work done, but that didn't matter. The phone rep basically told me to get bent. I even explained that Ford had honored the recall work on other peoples vehicles at a reduced rate, with the customer paying a percentage, and she declared that she knew nothing about that, but that her computer had kicked back a negative reply to my request for financial assistance. Too bad. I logged a complaint, especially considering I had had the car in for electrical problems before, and then told her that after this, no more fords for me. I have owned a new 91 escort gt (s****y auto trans), new 95 Ranger Splash (great truck, shoulda never traded it in), and this program car Mystique. Every time I have had to do business with a dealer, I have left feeling abused.
Sorry for the LOOOOONG post. I needed to get it off my chest.
(Can you believe they said that they taped up the wires, but wouldn't replace them?) Man, I am depressed.
