Hot off the press Warranty Extension

[Frodo]

One of my friends has a 2003 thunderbird as do I. I have had two bouts of bad coils. See my other posts. He just received a letter from Ford dated July 2007 giving extended warranty to ignition coil assemblies and valve cover gaskets to 10 years or 100,000 miles. It also extends those cars that are close to 100,000 until dec 31 2007. Also covers Ignition coil covers and wiper motor brackety seal. the two programs are 07NO7 and 07MO7. also if you have paid for any of this the dealer is supposed to reimburse you with the proper receipts. I can email a copy to anyone who needs it. I have not received mine yet. Anyone else get a letter?? if your engine runs rough and the coil fails under test they will replace it. My first time 3 failed and the car stopped and a light came on that made them think to replace the electronic fuel throttle. It still failed and was it was 3 coils. The next time 2 different one s failed. the check engine light came on and the car ran and idled bad.

[borchcp]

This is good news, thankx! I had to take my 2004 BlackBird to the dealer three different times last summer for this same problem.

[Ticket Ted]

Received my letter yesterday from Ford. Really didn't know about any problems even though I read the posts on the fly. At the rate I use my Bird, mostly weekend drives, the warranty time perod will most likely apply to me.

I have my 03 with a little over 15K miles. No problems yet except for one bout of no starting after leaving the car set too long while being stored for the winter. Hope my luck keeps on going with this car.

Ticket Ted
2003 Whisper/White
Red and Black Deluxe Interior

[Steak]

I also received my letter yesterday from Ford- I have a 03.

[George]

There should be a concentrated effort by non-2003 owners to get ALL New Birds covered under this coverage!!!!! - It's the same COPS

[George]

I am posting this as part of our education on what is/is not being done:
Ignition Coil Customer Satisfaction Notice to Dealers
Frank M. Ligon
Director
Service Engineering Operations
Ford Customer Service Division

Ford Motor Company
P.O. Box 1904
Dearborn, Michigan 48121
July 3, 2007

TO: All U.S. Ford and Lincoln Mercury Dealers

SUBJECT: Customer Satisfaction Program 07M07
Certain 2003 Model Year Lincoln LS and Ford Thunderbird Vehicles Equipped With 3.9L Engine - Extended Warranty Coverage on Ignition Coil Assemblies and Engine Valve Cover Gaskets

PROGRAM TERMS

This program extends the warranty coverage of the ignition coils and engine valve cover gaskets to 10 years of service from the warranty start date of the vehicle or 100,000 miles, whichever occurs first. For vehicles that have accumulated more than 100,000 miles, coverage will last until December 31, 2007. Coverage is automatically transferred to subsequent owners.

VEHICLES COVERED BY THIS PROGRAM

Certain 2003 model year Lincoln LS and Ford Thunderbird vehicles equipped with 3.9L engine built at the Wixom Assembly Plant from Job 1 through Job Last. Affected vehicles are identified in OASIS.

REASON FOR PROVIDING EXTENDED WARRANTY COVERAGE

Some of the affected vehicles may experience an engine misfire condition predominantly due to internal breakdown in the coil and lack of adhesion between the epoxy and the coil housing material. These issues may cause the coil to operate at an insufficient voltage level, resulting in ignition coil misfires. In addition, on some of these vehicles, the valve cover gaskets may allow engine oil to enter the spark plug well and cause degradation of the ignition coil boot, resulting in ignition coil misfire. Drivability symptoms associated with an ignition coil misfire include rough running engine, surge or hesitation on acceleration, and/or illumination of the check engine light.

SERVICE ACTION

If any of the above mentioned drivability issues are reported on an affected vehicle, dealers are to identify any engine cylinder that is misfiring and perform an ignition coil stress test on the affected cylinders. If the coil fails the stress test, dealers are to replace the ignition coil and associated spark plug. If any coil boot is contaminated with engine oil, dealers are to contact the Special Service Support Center for prior approval to replace the contaminated ignition coil boot, the associated spark plug and install a new valve cover gasket set. This service will be performed on affected vehicles at no charge to the vehicle owner.

NOTES:


This extended warranty coverage program only applies to ignition coil assemblies and valve cover gaskets. During diagnosis, if other concerns or DTC's are found, they will not be covered under this program and are the responsibility of the vehicle owner, if the vehicle has exceeded the time or mileage limits of all other warranty coverages (NVLM/Emissions/Extended/etc.). Owners who received letters announcing 07M07, and who bring their vehicles into the dealership because of an engine misfire condition, should be advised that this program only covers the cost of repairs related to defective ignition coils or valve cover gaskets that are allowing oil to enter the coil on plug wells.
Other repairs are not covered by this program.
COILS CONTAMINATED WITH WATER: If any coils are contaminated with water, dealers should perform Field Service Action 07N09 after performing this program (07M07).
ATTACHMENTS

Attachment I: Administrative Information
Attachment II: Labor Allowances and Parts Ordering Information
Attachment III: Technical Information

Customer Notification Letter

[George]

This is additional information sent to Dealers:
Frank M. Ligon
Director
Service Engineering Operations
Ford Customer Service Division

Ford Motor Company
P.O. Box 1904
Dearborn, Michigan 48121
July 3, 2007

TO: All U.S. Ford and Lincoln Mercury Dealers

SUBJECT: Customer Satisfaction Program 07N09
Certain 2003 Model Year Lincoln LS and Ford Thunderbird Vehicles Equipped With 3.9L Engine - Extended Warranty Coverage on Ignition Coil Covers and Wiper Motor Bracket Seal

PROGRAM TERMS
This program extends the warranty coverage of the ignition coil covers and the wiper motor bracket seal to 10 years of service from the warranty start date of the vehicle or 100,000 miles, whichever occurs first. For vehicles that have accumulated more than 100,000 miles, coverage will last until December 31, 2007. Coverage is automatically transferred to subsequent owners.

VEHICLES COVERED BY THIS PROGRAM
Certain 2003 model year Lincoln LS and Ford Thunderbird vehicles equipped with 3.9L engine built at the Wixom Assembly Plant from Job 1 through Job Last. Affected vehicles are identified in OASIS.

REASON FOR PROVIDING EXTENDED WARRANTY COVERAGE

On some of the affected vehicles, the water management system may allow rain water to be directed toward the ignition coils which, may result in internal contamination of the coils, and possibly lead to premature failure of the ignition coil assemblies.

SERVICE ACTION
If evidence of water contamination is found on the ignition coils or in the spark plug wells, dealers are authorized to perform the service procedure described in Attachment III. This service will be performed on affected vehicles at no charge to the vehicle owner.

NOTE: If engine oil is found in the coil on plug wells, dealers should call the Special Service Support Center at 1-800-325-5621.

ATTACHMENTS
Attachment I: Administrative Information
Attachment II: Labor Allowances and Parts Ordering Information
Attachment III: Technical Information

Customer Notification Letter

QUESTIONS & ASSISTANCE
Special Service Support Center (Dealer Only) …………….…………………….1-800-325-5621

[George]

As stated previously this appears to cover 2003 only. BUT there is a TBird owner out there that is after FORD to cover all years.
All he's asking is that anyone who has 2002, 2004 and 2005 that has had issues like these to contact Ford, as sghown below. NOTE: Even if your work was done under warranty, chances of having that as a continued problem after warranty, is high, so you need to make the call.

Here's an owner that called and asked for a refund on a 2002 Bird:
"I just got off the phone with Elizabeth a representative from Ford who said as of now total warranty coverage exists only for 2003 owners. We were able to get $400.00 back from an almost $2000.00 repair. She suggested for all affected members to call(1-800-392-3673( FORD) & document this problem exists in all Thunderbird years & their specific case. If we can put the heat on Ford maybe they will come to their corporate senses & return all of the money we have paid for these repairs. If you don't own an 03 & have paid for these repairs feel free to say that as of now partial refunds are being offered."

Whoever makes any calls to Ford about should document it on this forum, who you spoke to, if any money was offered & the response you received. I will be happy to pass it on.

As to further input, here's another owner who is heading up the battle with Ford. He called and said:

"I called and here is my update. I just got off the phone with a Supervisor from Ford cust. relations, Ford needs to hear the feedback from customers that have been affected with this problem, if they get enough they will be more receptive to expanding this program to other model years. The supervisor I spoke with is “Guy”, so when calling I suggest you would reference his name. The more complaints that go to one person the faster we may see results. Still waiting to hear back from the attorney's office. thats it for now and I will be in touch."

I have not had an issue with my 2002 but I know there are other, non-2003 Birds, that have. I would hope everyone is as interested in this as I am and make the calls.
Especially if there's potential refunds and extention of warranties for this issue.

[patrick adkins]

I purchased a used 04 merlot/sand premium bird last month. the lights appeared 2 days later needing immediate attention. first time asheville ford replaced coil. again few days later..back in replaced throttle body...today little wrench light appeared on dash 1 time and car sputtered..I stopped and restarted engine and drove all day w/ 0 problems. mine was produced 01/08/04 in wixom plant..vin 1fahp60a04y106651. I believe the warranty release from ford reads t-birds job 1 to completion at wixom plant..would this not put me in the realm of refund...I wlll call ford today..Thanks for all the posts I am new to the sight...Does anyone else have problem with loud noise from rear humming while driving. I don't recall this with my 02.

thanks again, Patman

[patrick adkins]

I just got off the phone w/ ford. Dawn/ and gave her my info. As my dealings at the other area dealership where less than satisfactory she referred me to a place in Black Mountain, NC where I have made appt/ for mon am. As I told her as she kept giving me the disclaimer about only 03' on recall " I am not trying to get over or get anyfree $ from ford I just want to make sure my car is safe and functionable for the long run minus any chronic problems due to bad manufacturing" I believe she finally heard me when I mentioned the power dumped as I pulled out on the highway in front of large truck and barely got on the shoulder in time" anywayyyy I also mentioned the docs of it being in dealership X 2 in 1 mo. and symptoms remain $1300 later w/ receipts to prove it....By reading recall sheet it looks to be the water drain is placed where it may affect the coil and other engine parts. Hopefully they will get it figured out for all of our sakes...I would have been lost w/ out this site.

Patman

[jetbird]

Originally Posted by patrick adkins

I purchased a used 04 merlot/sand premium bird last month. the lights appeared 2 days later needing immediate attention. first time asheville ford replaced coil. again few days later..back in replaced throttle body...today little wrench light appeared on dash 1 time and car sputtered..I stopped and restarted engine and drove all day w/ 0 problems. mine was produced 01/08/04 in wixom plant..vin 1fahp60a04y106651. I believe the warranty release from ford reads t-birds job 1 to completion at wixom plant..would this not put me in the realm of refund...I wlll call ford today..Thanks for all the posts I am new to the sight...Does anyone else have problem with loud noise from rear humming while driving. I don't recall this with my 02.

thanks again, Patman

Patman,

There have been several of posts on the humming noise. It's your rear wheel bearings. I had the problem on my 03 Tbird at 20,000 miles. Unfortunately, my warranty had expired. That little expesive escapade provoked me to buy an extended warranty. Good luck with your bearing problem. Ford could have cared less about my problem. My dealer service guy is great but Ford really has been difficult to deal with.

Hope this helps,

Jim (jetbird)

[patrick adkins]

thanks for reply. had bearings replaced still battleing for coil replacement. dealer has car in service....AGAIN. Same symptoms. finally, I believe willing to address problem and call ford for me. Patrick

[Jackie Russell]

I have an 03 T-Bird and received the warranty information a couple of weeks ago. My car has had a continuing and frustrating problem for months now. Unpredictably, it looses all electronic functioning for no apparent reason. I can drive it for a couple of days, everything appears fine, then without warning, all electronics cease to work. I have had the battery, alternator, starter checked out by 3 separate mechanics, but the problem continues. I have the car jump-started and it may be ok for a few days, but the problem returns. The local Ford dealer keeps saying that it has to do with the battery, but the battery was replaced in April and it continually checks ok. The problem is exactly the same. Has anyone else experienced this??? Could this be related to the coil problem? I get the impression that this dealer here just doesn't want to consider it. Any thoughts would be most appreciated.

[Skylark]

Jackie, check out this thread. It might help identify your problem.
http://forums.thunderbirdforum.com/s...+defroster.htm

[George]

Originally Posted by Jackie Russell

I have an 03 T-Bird and received the warranty information a couple of weeks ago. My car has had a continuing and frustrating problem for months now. Unpredictably, it looses all electronic functioning for no apparent reason. I can drive it for a couple of days, everything appears fine, then without warning, all electronics cease to work. I have had the battery, alternator, starter checked out by 3 separate mechanics, but the problem continues. I have the car jump-started and it may be ok for a few days, but the problem returns. The local Ford dealer keeps saying that it has to do with the battery, but the battery was replaced in April and it continually checks ok. The problem is exactly the same. Has anyone else experienced this??? Could this be related to the coil problem? I get the impression that this dealer here just doesn't want to consider it. Any thoughts would be most appreciated.

Jackie: I do believe that since you have done the testing of battery (and replacing it) and starter that it may be the coil problem. The coils usually makes you lose power when they act up. Is this what you're experiencing or just NOT STARTING? If one Coil cuts out you lose power, if multiples fail, and they sometimes are intermittant, you will lose all power.

It sounds like you are not happy with your dealer...If you have a Lincoln dealer close by, go there. They seem more familiar with our cars since the drive train is all Lincoln LS and they have had similar issues.
Finally, if you have your latest letter from Ford extending the warranty up to 100,000 miles for coils, that's a good indication to the dealer that they should look there. Each coil can be tested, but still try another dealer. Keep us posted as to the resolution