Yes I cried but don't worry I'm a girl and thats what we do when things go big time wrong - we cry. Before I begin I want everyone to know how much this forum and those who make up the CEG have helped me. This has been a great resource for me, especially being a single woman. So, possibly for the last time, I need everyone's wisdom, thoughts and opinions on what went wrong and what to do next. I will give you a brief overview.
This past June, the water pump and head gaskets on my 98 Contour (60K miles) failed. (Prior to this car ran perfectly-I have always maintained 100%). Ford dealership repaired for $2500, took a month. Got the car back and it ran terribly! Since July I have taken it back 5 times to get it repaired correctly but that has not happened. In their attempts to repair the car, they have: replaced an O2 sensor, changed a cannister purge valve, replaced cruise control cable, reinstalled return springs, reattached hoses and repaired worn wiring to crankshaft sensor, for a total of an additional $500. Total cost to date, about $3100. Also please note, the original mechanic that worked on my car has been fired.
The 3 main problems I have had over the past 4 months, and continue to have, are: 1-The check engine light is on almost all the time (code 0455). 2-The car dies while driving, especially while slowing down or accelerating. 3-Car is really hard to start, it starts and dies. If I do get it started, (seems worse when gas is low) it is OK once I start driving. Dealership seems not to want to deal with this anymore so I have decided to take my case to small claims in hopes to get my $3100 back.
Wait it gets worse. Today, while on my way work, I stop at the store for approx 15 minutes. When I come out, car starts (2 tries) but won't move. I shift to low, car seems to lurch forward and finally goes just far enough to get me to a really busy intersection, and thats the end. After stopping at a light I hit the gas but it will not move (although it seems to go in reverse). The rpms go up but car does not move. I'm guessing transmission. So, deciding I can't drive the car in reverse forever, I cry big time (thats where that fits in) and finally get the car towed to a new shop. Haven't heard anything yet - not positive it is trans.)
Heres where I need your help. My questions to you are: Could the failure of all these parts (chk engine-code 0455, starting problems and transmission) just be conincidental? Could the blown head gaskets alone cause all of the above? OR could the failure be due to negligence and ineptitude on the part of the technician that originally performed the head gasket repair? Is it possible that these problems could be due to the fact that he might not have put the car back together correctly? Or is it possible he might have damaged something that would cause all these parts to fail? Could all the problems be related or due to each other? What could have caused the trans to fail? (Or if it doensn't sound like the trans what could it be?) I am in desperate need of your thoughts, opinions and suggestions on what I should do next. PLEASE help! Thank you!!
