Thank you, that is a very important thing to know. :snap:

You aren't going to believe this....went to pick it up after they put in a new 'computer'....it was making some odd noise. Something about the exhaust again. The service managers heard it and took it back to the mechanic who said it was normal. Of course, the SM knew I wasn't going to take that. He let me decide and I said that it wasn't making that noise before and it wasn't making that noise when I bought it new. So, it isn't acceptable. He got me another rental.

I wasn't even cursing this time. I think my mind is blown. I told him I had no more money to give them. I told him I expect them to fix it but I have no more money for them. And I am not kidding. :(

I really wish I could let this thread die. Really.

So, what, was that Tuesday when I went to pick it up and it was making a noise? That the mechanic said was normal? Well.....they never called me {were supposed to check it yesterday and let me know....} so I called today. I was told the timing chain has a broken link....that the noise was from that.

All I know is this time, if when I go to pick it up and it isn't right, I am calling the Ford Roadside assistance and having them tow it to a different place. Don't know if they'll do it but I won't drive it if it is running poorly to not make the problem worse nor to break down.

So, now I also want to report them to the BBB. Their mechanics must be monkeys.

It must not have been totally broken, the engine won't run if the timing chain is broken, loose maybe. If the timing chain stretches (depending on the material), eventually it can jump a tooth, and then the engine really runs funny (if at all).

What year is your Ford?

You might check the TSBs (Technical Service Bulletins) and Recalls see if there is anything there that matches your issues:

http://www.fordforum.com/ford/browse.htm

Lemme know when you wanna discuss rollercoaster maintenance...

abg~ no kidding! At first I was like 'Did he say chain or belt 'cause I know this vehicle doesn't have a belt...' but he said chain. Then, I was like WTF this shouldn't be happening until *maybe* 100,000 miles!!! If I get back in the vehicle and it isn't right, I am having it towed right then and there to another place.

DPR~ See, this is what I don't get. The initial problem way back July 3, the piston/head whatever issue, Hubster and I were thinking if maybe this timing chain thing was connected? But, why didn't they find it then? If they fixed everything, like they say they do {but it never is} how could they not see that? And, if they are test driving it, how can they miss what is so obvious to me? And, I still can't believe when I turned around and brought it back with that noise they said it was 'normal'. If it were the timing chain and I went home, I wonder what would have happened to it? I have expressed to them over and over, I want my car safe, I do not want to break down anywhere any more!! I've been lucky to have been just 10 or so miles from my home.

LOL CM~ hey, if you have anything to add....

Thanks for the link to recalls. Of course, when I've asked them they say there are none. I'm so stressed over this. {she must be, you say, she keeps bringing this thread back to life!} This is the first new car we've ever owned. I swear, we never had problems like this with any old car we've purchased.

I think my car got jealous as the check engine light came on after it downshifted hard... and then all the little boxes around the drive letter for the transmission all lit up at once. Dagnabit. Took it right in to the dealer since he's the only mechanic near my office that I'm aware of - I'm sure there are little hole in the wall places but I have serious trust issues with mechanics. I'm hoping it's going to be warranty work - it's only a few years old.

sigh.

Stupid cars.

I got a "new" (to me) one so I could avoid the issues we were having with a 10 year old car. Now this.

sigh.

Stupid cars.

Oooooh! That site was so confusing!! Do you have to be a mechanic to understand what that stuff means? Are all of those things listed on the TSB/Recalls list things that are wrong or could be wrong with this vehicle???

I want a horse. :snap:

I feel your pain, I really do. Yep, we had purchased a somewhat new van, it had only 26,000 but it was about 11 or 12 years old when we finally put it to rest. By that time the a/c wasn't working the brakes always a problem, the steering was becoming shakey. And that was our good vehicle!!

I am saying a little prayer to be sent your way that they fix it the first time, right, and that you never have to see their faces again.