Unhappy with Ford customer service

[mcb26]

I e-mailed "ask the expert" at ford concerning rear tires. Bf Goodrich no longer list the proper rear tire size for the mm. Asked if it was ok to go one size up. After 2 weeks they called and said it could void the warrenty if differten size tires were used, and to contact my local service manager. I asked the service manager at the local LM dealer what potential damage could be done, his responce was he didn't know. At least he's honest. He said the only thing he could do was install the 255 size and see what happens.
Next step called the 800 number for customer service. Expressed my concern with the effects on the ABS, Traction control, and air ride system. They said they didnt know what effect if any it would have on these systems. It would be up to the local dealer if it would void the warrenty if the tires are other than recommended size. Ray Pearman LM said they would not void my warrenty, but if I move another LM dealer might.
All this maybe no big deal, but it would be nice if Ford motor company could be a little more reassuring on their own product.
Also contacted BF Goodrich if they are planing to produce the new KDW's in the 245's, No responce yet.

[Mike Poore]

I e-mailed "ask the expert" ...All this maybe no big deal, but it would be nice if Ford motor company could be a little more reassuring on their own product.
Also contacted BF Goodrich if they are planing to produce the new KDW's in the 245's, No responce yet.
CYA 101, right?:dunno:

[duhtroll]

"Unhappy with Ford Customer Service."

I thought you were going to post something a little less obvious, like "humans need oxygen to breathe."

:lol:

-A

(always unhappy with Ford customer service - I think Ford service is an oxymoron)

[tmac1337]

I have a stack of New KDW2's in my garage, stock size front, larger rears.

Who gives a crap what they say. The larger tires in rear have shown not to cause any problems by several members running them.

A different size in the front could cause rubbing.

Throw em on and forget about it.

[STLR FN]

I had a similar experiance with a dealership this morning. Asked to have my PCM reflashed. They asked for the PCM code, gave it to them. The service manager as well as a service technician argued with me that FOU1 PCM code did not exist.:rolleyes: Well needless to say they both are eating crow after I showed them my FOU1 PCM code on my truck. :D

[mcb26]

"Unhappy with Ford Customer Service."

I thought you were going to post something a little less obvious, like "humans need oxygen to breathe."

:lol:

-A

(always unhappy with Ford customer service - I think Ford service is an oxymoron)
Did kind of remind me of talking to Microsoft. Oh crud I I mentioned Microsoft, now my computer will crash

[Digital Man]

Curious,

Do we have to stick with those? Isn't there another combination from another manufacturer that would match the stock ratio and size?

[BlueMarauder]

According to BF Goodrich customer service at 877-788-8899, the factory size for the rear tire 245-55-18 is still available. (The BF Goodrich site is in error when it states that the size is no longer available). The original part number for the tire was 96247. The new part number is 40913. There has been a change to the tread design. The tire rating for wear remains at 400.The represenative said the tire is still called G-Force T/A KDWS.

[FiveO]

http://tinypic.com/f1a81

[RF Overlord]

FiveO...I love the drive unit for your blower...

:lol: :lol:

[FiveO]

FiveO...I love the drive unit for your blower...

:lol: :lol:

I'm hoping Jerry Barnes isn't too upset....as the numbers my little hamster is producing are pretty impressive :D

[dwasson]

Ford has a Customer Service department? How would we know?

[Silver_04]

According to Ford Customer Service I never owned a Marauder. Rather they insisted I owned a Grand Marquis so my problems never got solved.

[TheDealer]

Ford Customer Service is an outside company answering call. They are telephone message takers and knwo nothing. This is why they tell you to contact your dealer. Waste of time clling these people.

[snowbird]

.... After 2 weeks they called and said it could void the warrenty if differten size tires were used, and to contact my local service manager. I asked the service manager at the local LM dealer what potential damage could be done, his responce was he didn't know. At least he's honest.
... He said the only thing he could do was install the 255 size and see what happens.Pretty funny answers from some of your dealers. There's only 1.5 % difference between 255's and 245's.
A worn out 245 have more difference from brand new tread than the 1.5% difference of 255's vs 245's.

I would like to hear a service manager explain what would be the "desastrous damage" done to a car by driving stock 245's tyres with, say, 50% worn percentage.

I'm running same size 235-70-16 on four corners in the winters and 255-55-18 in the summers with the traction control switch at off since i bought the car. No split open aluminum engine block, electrical fire destruction or driveline explosion as of yet .... I must have been lucky

[Patrick]

I'm hoping Jerry Barnes isn't too upset....as the numbers my little hamster is producing are pretty impressive :D

Luv the Pink Floyd Avatar too!!!!!

[MENINBLK]

I e-mailed "ask the expert" at ford concerning rear tires. Bf Goodrich no longer list the proper rear tire size for the mm. Asked if it was ok to go one size up. After 2 weeks they called and said it could void the warrenty if differten size tires were used, and to contact my local service manager. I asked the service manager at the local LM dealer what potential damage could be done, his responce was he didn't know. At least he's honest. He said the only thing he could do was install the 255 size and see what happens.
Next step called the 800 number for customer service. Expressed my concern with the effects on the ABS, Traction control, and air ride system. They said they didnt know what effect if any it would have on these systems. It would be up to the local dealer if it would void the warrenty if the tires are other than recommended size. Ray Pearman LM said they would not void my warrenty, but if I move another LM dealer might.
All this maybe no big deal, but it would be nice if Ford motor company could be a little more reassuring on their own product.
Also contacted BF Goodrich if they are planing to produce the new KDW's in the 245's, No responce yet.


1 - Your problem is NOT with FORD Customer Service but with the BF Goodrich WEBSITE...

2 - Tire Rack has PLENTY of rubber for our cars...

3 - Shall I go on ??? :rolleyes:

[mcb26]

Just received from BF Goodrich.
Dear Mr. McLendon!

Thank you for your interest in BFGoodrich Tires and visiting our Web site!

Regarding your e-mail:

I own a 2003 Mercury Marauder, It requires a 245/55ZR18 rear tire. Acording
to your website you no longer make these tires. I noticed at
www.tirerack.com that you have a new tread design for the kdw tires. Do you
intend to make these tires in the 245/55ZR18 in the near future?
============================== =============================

We are happy to share with you that some time after March 2005 the g-Force
KDW in our new tread design P255/45ZR18 :dunno:will be available in limited supply!

BFGoodrich part number MSPN: 73808- P255/45ZR18 93W LL GFTAKDW DIR. We
suggest either checking with Tire Rack or checking our website for future
updates about availability!

If you have additional questions, please respond to this email
or you may call us at 1-877-788-8899 (toll-free) between
8:30AM and 6:00PM Eastern Time Monday through Friday to allow
one of our Consumer Relations Representatives to assist you.

BFGoodrich Tires
Consumer Relations Department

[wchain]

I just got off the phone with a commercial representative over at BFG, and my Local Michelin sales rep (Owns BFG)......

p/n 96247 is the OE Part Number, meaning that was produced and supplied to OE manufacturer, such as FoMoCo.

p/n 40913 is the Regular Production Number, meaning the part number that wholesalers (such as myself, NTB, Sears etc) purchase for resale distribution to consumers.

The commercial rep as well as my local disctrict manager says there are NO PLANS I repeat NO PLANS to discontinue this tire. And like RF and everyone else has said, and echoed by the commercial rep, the P245/55R18 KDWS is PLENTIFUL across the country. My local Michelin Distributor has 150 of them in his warehouse....

Just my .02..........

[MENINBLK]

The only foreseeable problem is getting NEW tires for your car that are OLD...

There was a report on ABC NEWS about a week ago where they said that tires have a shelf life of 6 years.
They documented an accident caused by a tire blowout.
The Tire was purchased as NEW, but it was actually 9 (NINE) YEARS OLD!

The last 3 digits of the serial number have the BIRTH DATE of the tire.

XXXXXXABC = Serial Number
AB = WEEK
C = Year

XXXXXX414 = 41st week of 2004

So LOOK at the serial number on your tires, and PLEASE make sure
they still have a lot of LIFE left in them.
If someone sells you a tire that is expired, ask for a replacement IMMEDIATELY.

[wchain]

The only foreseeable problem is getting NEW tires for your car that are OLD...

There was a report on ABC NEWS about a week ago where they said that tires have a shelf life of 6 years.
They documented an accident caused by a tire blowout.
The Tire was purchased as NEW, but it was actually 9 (NINE) YEARS OLD!

The last 3 digits of the serial number have the BIRTH DATE of the tire.

XXXXXXABC = Serial Number
AB = WEEK
C = Year

XXXXXX414 = 41st week of 2004

So LOOK at the serial number on your tires, and PLEASE make sure
they still have a lot of LIFE left in them.
If someone sells you a tire that is expired, ask for a replacement IMMEDIATELY.

Good Point....
more info about reading sidewalls here

http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tiretech/general/sidewall.jsp

Although a 245/55R18 right now, made specifically for the MM, probably first rolled off the line around June 02, the oldest one, so It's 3 years old, but I would imagine that those are used up by now. All the tires I buy from tirerack wholesale are always less than 6 mos old....

[DTR04]

The only foreseeable problem is getting NEW tires for your car that are OLD...

There was a report on ABC NEWS about a week ago where they said that tires have a shelf life of 6 years.
They documented an accident caused by a tire blowout.
The Tire was purchased as NEW, but it was actually 9 (NINE) YEARS OLD!

The last 3 digits of the serial number have the BIRTH DATE of the tire.

XXXXXXABC = Serial Number
AB = WEEK
C = Year

XXXXXX414 = 41st week of 2004

So LOOK at the serial number on your tires, and PLEASE make sure
they still have a lot of LIFE left in them.
If someone sells you a tire that is expired, ask for a replacement IMMEDIATELY.Actually, since 2000, it's the last 4 digits. 4104 would be the 41st week of 2004. 414 could be 41st week of 1984 or 1994.

[MENINBLK]

Actually, since 2000, it's the last 4 digits. 4104 would be the 41st week of 2004. 414 could be 41st week of 1984 or 1994.

Fir tires manufactured since 2000 you are right.
More info here...
http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tiretech/general/determtireage.jsp