Sometimes i hate this car... and Ford Motor Company

[Mac-MerC]

Like 4 hours out the week i dislike my Marauder.....
Sometimes its frustrating just dealing with the car.

I purchased a new battery today, my old one was the one that came with the car in 02'... the battery light kept coming on ever so often and advance auto and autozone tested it and both suggested to change it. I purchase a new Motorcraft 850cca battery from the "stealership"... when i get home and install the battery... the damn batttery light comes on... so i go get it tested and the battery checks out fine. they also (ppl at advance auto) also plug their lil computer checker machine into the OBD2 port and it gets nothing.... no code... the damn battery light is just on for the F of it...

so while i was at the stealership i was interested in getting th price on a few items.... LOL @ that
1. Mach 1 chin spoiler... $167.00
2. trunk/cargo organizer... $288.00
3. Wheel lug nuts/cap... $6.00 each

why the hell is everything so damn expensive?.....
i was highly upset with the price for the organizer... i would have gladly paid anywhere from 150-175 today for one...

but atleast they gave me $8.00 for my old motorcraft battery... their so nice

Im gonna have to start using Ray the Dealer (thats his name righht?) cuz Gwinnett Place Ford Lincoln Mercury is outta their mind. I paid $148 or the damn battery i should have just put another 30 with it and bought an Optima

Just letting yall know what mood im in right now. enjoy

[ImpalaSlayer]

i know what you mean. that trunk organizer is worth every penny man, once you get one you will love it! i was lucky enough to get a used one for good price.

you might want to call up some junk yards and see if they have any. worth a shot anyway

[Mac-MerC]

i know what you mean. that trunk organizer is worth every penny man, once you get one you will love it! i was lucky enough to get a used one for good price.

you might want to call up some junk yards and see if they have any. worth a shot anyway

Had one in the first MM i had. i should have pulled it out. but i didnt know the value of these cars and their "assets" i feel like a fool now

[MrBluGruv]

I understand that love-hate relationship. I honestly am pretty positive that I had less problems with my Mitsubishi than this car, and from what I've been told from others with Mitsubishis that's REALLY saying something. Of course, that was no where near the performance sedan this car is, but still...

[musclemerc]

1st stay away from letting people with little car knowlege diagnose your car's problems. You said 2 FLAPS told you it was the battery. You go to Ford with battery in hand for a new one, that's not Ford's fault. Buy some tools and troubleshoot little stuff like that on your own. As far as the cost of the parts go join SVTP.com and put in an order at Tousley Ford and get them at 10% over cost. FYI pulgging into to the OBDII port has nothing to do with the the battery light it's for the check engine light.

Just a reminder the battery was from 2002 any car with a battery that old should be replaced. I think you did good.

Good Luck on the repairs

[Big Black Beast]

i know what you mean. that trunk organizer is worth every penny man....

I still think that thing is worthless. Well, it's good for collecting dust in the corner...

[Big Black Beast]

Just a reminder the battery was from 2002 any car with a battery that old should be replaced. I think you did good.

Good Luck on the repairs

Yeah, at least you know that's not the problem now.

What's voltage reading when it's running?

[ImpalaSlayer]

I still think that thing is worthless. Well, it's good for collecting dust in the corner...

you kidding me?! i love it! i keep all my detailing crap and a few spare parts in there with tools. nothing slides around when im taking corners

[musclemerc]

On the other hand Mac-Merc how many lugs do you need? I'm sure their is enough floating around here from guy's that installed wheel locks. I have 4 spare's

[Mac-MerC]

1st stay away from letting people with little car knowlege diagnose your car's problems. You said 2 FLAPS told you it was the battery. You go to Ford with battery in hand for a new one, that's not Ford's fault. Buy some tools and troubleshoot little stuff like that on your own. As far as the cost of the parts go join SVTP.com and put in an order at Tousley Ford and get them at 10% over cost. FYI pulgging into to the OBDII port has nothing to do with the the battery light it's for the check engine light.

Just a reminder the battery was from 2002 any car with a battery that old should be replaced. I think you did good.

Good Luck on the repairs

the said plugging it into the obd2 port checks the whole computer, it will read any symptoms. they touched the battery with the sticks first... then they plugged up the reader.
it must just b a glitch or something... a fuse or bulb isue

[Mac-MerC]

On the other hand Mac-Merc how many lugs do you need? I'm sure their is enough floating around here from guy's that installed wheel locks. I have 4 spare's

i need 5. 2 on one wheel and 1 on all the others. looks tacky as hell
what wheel locks are good?

[Mac-MerC]

I still think that thing is worthless. Well, it's good for collecting dust in the corner...

if its in good condition i'll take it off your hands

[fastblackmerc]

There are 7 organizers on eBay right now.

[Motorhead350]

I had mine in until I needed to keep a tool box in the car at all times. You don't want mine though, it's a wreck.

[ImpalaSlayer]

hey Mac, do you have access to a volt meter? id stick it on the battery while its running. the battery light comes on when voltage drops below a certain point.

[Mac-MerC]

There are 7 organizers on eBay right now.

$254?...... im not gonnna pay that amount, plus i dont have an eBay account. im looking around 150ish..

[fastblackmerc]

$254?...... im not gonnna pay that amount, plus i dont have an eBay account. im looking around 150ish..

:dunno: Just trying to help out.......

The units are cheap......... it's the shipping that is a killer.

This one is just over $150.00

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/P71-Ford-Crown-Vic-Trunk-Organizer-92-10-Police-_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQhashZitem1c 13b74948QQitemZ120589863240QQp tZMotorsQ5fCarQ5fTruckQ5fParts Q5fAccessories

[Mac-MerC]

hey Mac, do you have access to a volt meter? id stick it on the battery while its running. the battery light comes on when voltage drops below a certain point.

i can make a call and find someone who has one. i know the oil gauge is fake but isnt the volt gauge real?...... it stays between 12 and 14 when the battery lights on... driving and at a stand still, radio on and all.

[musclemerc]

Unless it was a scanner they used (I doubt the guy would even know how to use it) then it will not read voltage. Take a multimeter and hook to the batt, then crank the car and check the idle voltage, then have someone raise the idle to 1500rpm the voltage should ramp up. Cruising you should see 13.5~14Vdc

I'm using McGuard locks but there are plenty to choose from. Do a search we just discussed this issue.



the said plugging it into the obd2 port checks the whole computer, it will read any symptoms. they touched the battery with the sticks first... then they plugged up the reader.
it must just b a glitch or something... a fuse or bulb isue

[Mac-MerC]

:dunno: Just trying to help out.......

The units are cheap......... it's the shipping that is a killer.

This one is just over $150.00

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/P71-Ford-Crown-Vic-Trunk-Organizer-92-10-Police-_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQhashZitem1c 13b74948QQitemZ120589863240QQp tZMotorsQ5fCarQ5fTruckQ5fParts Q5fAccessories

apppreciate the help....but i would prefer the civilian model organizer
:beer:

[ImpalaSlayer]

i can make a call and find someone who has one. i know the oil gauge is fake but isnt the volt gauge real?...... it stays between 12 and 14 when the battery lights on... driving and at a stand still, radio on and all.


Unless it was a scanner they used (I doubt the guy would even know how to use it) then it will not read voltage. Take a multimeter and hook to the batt, then crank the car and check the idle voltage, then have someone raise the idle to 1500rpm the voltage should ramp up. Cruising you should see 13.5~14Vdc

I'm using McGuard locks but there are plenty to choose from. Do a search we just discussed this issue.


do what he just said, should take you 2 minutes once you have the tool. the gauge in the car isnt very accurate.

[fastblackmerc]

My organizer is a Lincoln Golf Bag Organizer. No doors, so I made some out of 1/2 inch MDF carpeted.

[Got_1]

if your battery light is on, chances are you need an alternator. i've never replaced a battery because of the battery light before.

[Bluerauder]

His member name is "TheDealer" >>>> http://www.mercurymarauder.net/forums/member.php?u=1210

Additional contact info is under his "About Me" tab.

[musclemerc]

:shake: +1.....Damn auto store diagnostic team got it wrong. :shake:


if your battery light is on, chances are you need an alternator. i've never replaced a battery because of the battery light before.

[babbage]

:shake: +1.....Damn auto store diagnostic team got it wrong. :shake:


I just got the motorcraft 850cca battery too, (no light) regardless it was time to replace a factory battery. (after 8 years for the OP)

Clean your grounds, all connections should be clean and tight. Wire brush if needed. Add an additional ground from Neg terminal to frame.

DB Electrical sells nice MM (with clutch) style 250A Alternator units if need be.

Or you could just take the low battery bulb in the dash out.... :P

[SpartaPerformance]

I didn't read all the posts so if I repeat somebody i'm sorry but, a battery light means your alternator or charging system circuit not battery.

[4play]

want to know something crazy, I use to work For Budget rent a car years ago and one year budget leased about 50 crown vic's half had the trunk organizer half did not, you know what Budget did with the trunk organizers before they took the cars back to ford? they threw them all in the garbage lol they thought if ford saw that only half had the organizers, they may try to charge Budget for the ones that did not, good thing then I took one even tho I did not have a panther, Then I bought that 05 crown vic 3 years later, used it then, smashed the carnow I have that one for a fluid catch because my marauder came with one.

[Mike M]

if your battery light is on, chances are you need an alternator. i've never replaced a battery because of the battery light before.

YEP! Replace your alt.

[Go2GuyFL]

join SVTP.com and put in an order at Tousley Ford and get them at 10% over cost

What is the correct URL?

[Vortex]

I bought both of mine from Ray and I think they are the best thing since sliced bread. If you ever get groceries in those flimsy plastic bags you can just rack em in the organizer and no problem. Also great for storing towels, tool kit, jumpercables out of sight. Also, if something like liquid wax or whatever leaks, you just wipe it out, it aint all over your trunk carpeting. Well worth the price if you're planning to keep the car.

[ctrlraven]

Battery light flashing means system discharge and the alternator is not putting out the correct voltage. Have it checked out and if need be replaced before it leaves you on the side of the road.

[88LTDCV351]

I've found the organizer to be ok. I got mine at the stealership a few years back. Sometimes though when I want to put bigger things in the trunk, say an old tv, a few dead bodies (just kidding), etc. unfortunately the organizer doesn't leave as much room for bigger items.

[LeoVampire]

You need to have a load test done on your Alternator to find the batter light problem.

What it does is creates a load on the charging system like your turnning on all of the lights and have the AC running and so forth and measures the Alternator output to make sure it is still keeping up with the demand.

It hooks up to your battery and the car needs to be running. and it has a wrap around clamp that goes on the main battery cable that is on the Alternator cable post.

You could have a voltage regulator going bad and this will be able to determin that is the problem.

[BurpyTurtle]

What is the correct URL?

http://www.svtperformance.com/

[Egon Spengler]

All I have to say is that you should have bought an Impala SS.

I should have as well...!

[Mac-MerC]

went to 4 different places... need a new alternator
hopefully its covered in my warranty from carmax.... im looking into that right now.....
http://i829.photobucket.com/albums/zz212/Mac-Merc/test.jpg
http://i829.photobucket.com/albums/zz212/Mac-Merc/test1.jpg
http://i829.photobucket.com/albums/zz212/Mac-Merc/test2.jpg
http://i829.photobucket.com/albums/zz212/Mac-Merc/test3.jpg

Thank everyone for their insite.

[Mac-MerC]

All I have to say is that you should have bought an Impala SS.

I should have as well...!

Carmax tried their damndest to put me in one, it was like they didnt wanna do the paperwork for the transfer from Kentucky... Im not gonna lie, there was a clean black 07' SS with a sunroof and all the sweet goodies... but i was content with the Mercury

[Egon Spengler]

Carmax tried their damndest to put me in one, it was like they didnt wanna do the paperwork for the transfer from Kentucky... Im not gonna lie, there was a clean black 07' SS with a sunroof and all the sweet goodies... but i was content with the Mercury
I meant the like 94-96 Impala SS body style... haha

[Big Black Beast]

if its in good condition i'll take it off your hands

Na, it goes with the car. If I sell it, I might miss it someday...

[Big Black Beast]

apppreciate the help....but i would prefer the civilian model organizer
:beer:

Besides, who knows what's been in those things...
Some smells just won't ever go away...;)

[Big Black Beast]

if your battery light is on, chances are you need an alternator. i've never replaced a battery because of the battery light before.

That's a good point. If the battery is dead, the battery light won't light up, LOL!:D

[Big Black Beast]

I've found the organizer to be ok. I got mine at the stealership a few years back. Sometimes though when I want to put bigger things in the trunk, say an old tv, a few dead bodies (just kidding), etc. unfortunately the organizer doesn't leave as much room for bigger items.

And that's why I hate it....

[LeoVampire]

went to 4 different places... need a new alternator
hopefully its covered in my warranty from carmax.... im looking into that right now.....
http://i829.photobucket.com/albums/zz212/Mac-Merc/test.jpg
http://i829.photobucket.com/albums/zz212/Mac-Merc/test1.jpg
http://i829.photobucket.com/albums/zz212/Mac-Merc/test2.jpg
http://i829.photobucket.com/albums/zz212/Mac-Merc/test3.jpg

Thank everyone for their insite.


I am glad you got it sorted out and had the proper test done! I had a feeling that under a load the altanator would not hold up seeing the light was comming on.

[Mac-MerC]

Monday morning im dropping it off at Carmax so they can do "their test" (cuz supposedly they check the alternator volts different from everyone else) and if its the alternator thats screwed i will b getting a new one.... i wonder will the upgrade it to a high output alternator if im willing to put money with it?...... hmmmmmmmm

[musclemerc]

Probably not for aftermarket... Make sure they replace it with a Motorcraft part and not a rebuilt autostore part that may not have a clutch.

[Mac-MerC]

i dont hate Ford anymore.... i hate Carmax
these mofo's changed out my alternator but they were putting so much emphasis on i need a new battery.... now let me tell u this, my battery was 4 days old(brand damn new). i got it checked before i took it to Carmax. i know that if u have a good battery and a bad alternator it will drain the battery. these fools told me that my battery was only pushing out 300 cold cranking amps.... (remember i got the battery tested b4 i took it to carmax and advance auto said it was pushing over 900cca's). the whole time they had my car they kept saying all this mumbo jumbo about since my battery is about dead it will kill the alternator... i said "so what!?... i have a warranty, yall will just have to install another one" (he didnt like that). So even when i was paying my deductable to get back my baby with the new alternator he (his name was Wayne) was still talking bout if i dont get a new battery blah blah blah etc...... so me being the unbelieveable person i am i decided to go get my battery checked... Now 3 different advance auto parts, 1 Autozone, and Gwinnett Place Ford Lincoln Mercury (my favorite place on earth).... ALL of these places said my battery was great/good/excellent/A-1. its a new damn battery, a week old

Im just upset that this dude (Wayne) was looking me dead straight into my face and continued to lie to me. he must have thought i was a dumbass. maybe he figured cuz i was a young black man that i would believe him or something (yeah right). he should have known i wouldnt believe him and of course i would have not bought a battery from Carmax

After i left the dealership i called back up to carmax to talk to a service manager but none were available, so i plan on calling back tomorrow morning and letting them know a few things. i will no longer deal with this particular carmax, and i will tell everyone i know not to deal with them. if my warranty allows i will only take my MM to a Ford/Mercury dealership. i really feel like "F Carmax!" right now. i dont even wanna call, after work tomorrow i might just go up there and curse out some ppl face to face. i know it wont resolve anything... but it will make me feel better, and thats all that matters right now

Maybe Wayne was just doing what he is trained to do.... to try and get more money outta ppl... but thats Bull. This will b my last experience with them.
So if anyone is planning on dealing with the Carmax located in Norcross, Ga. on Beaver Ruin RD. for service... be warned

F wayne
and its an OEM alternator

[GAMike]

Unfortunately Mac there are alot of ppl. like that in the car biz....... Authorities on nuthin except trying to convince you they are an "authority":rolleyes:. Absolutely I would call till I got the GM on the phone, and tear him a new one for hiring a boob:mad2: like that.

[musclemerc]

I know your probably pissed at the service you recieved but from one black man to another your race had nothing to do with it. He was trying to make a sale on a part that is'nt covered under warranty. A battery is considered a part of maintenance. If he could have gotten away with it, the very Manager you were trying to contact would have praised him at the weekly meeting. It business... Bad business... But business.

Glad to hear you got an OEM altenator replacement.

[justbob]

I know your probably pissed at the service you recieved but from one black man to another your race had nothing to do with it. He was trying to make a sale on a part that is'nt covered under warranty. A battery is considered a part of maintenance. If he could have gotten away with it then the very Manager you were trying to contact would have praised him at the weekly meeting. It business... Bad business... But business.

Glad to hear you got an OEM altenator replacement.
LOL Travis, I didn't know your black:eek: J/K Man, love ya:D

As far as Carmax service, I have absolutely NOTHING nice to share here......