Engine coolant over temperature & service engine soon warnings pop on

[BUCKYBRONCO2021]

LOL serialized? That's a straight up lie. But most service writers have no idea what they're actually talking about.
I hate to throw other technicians under a bus, because sometimes you do run into some crazy problems that don't make sense, but in this case I think the FSE is at more at fault for even telling them to continue getting more shutter assemblies until they receive a new one. That just seems ridiculous.
Anyway, wish I could be more help, but hopefully they'll figure it out soon.

You have been a tremendous help. I appreciate all of it. i think i would be in a much worse position had you not given guidance and advice. I agree with what you said and ill take it a step further; i think im being lied to. either they have not changed that many shutters, they are just dragging their feet, or something in between, remains to be seen. Im not happy about that but they have my truck and kinda have me by the balls. I know once i pull the pin on a call to ford there is no make-a-nice coming back from that. So im swallowing a lot of pride and frustration for as long as i can. Thankfully most of this is in text message format so its easy for me to reference. Will keep everyone updated. it makes for good reality tv lol. Thanks again Sir.

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[crenca]

It’s hard to even parody this level of incompetence and lying.

Even if you are on the path of hiring a lawyer and pursuing a lemon law path, you need to hire a tow and get that vehicle out of there ASAP. If it was me I would take it to an independent mechanic and have an evaluation done, but in the very least get it to another dealer…

 

[GreyZ]

Something about these two photos does not make sense to me. You're showing in .1 of a mile your water temp went up 4 bars (however much that is). Secondly once moving the grill shutters can be completely closed and maintain temp at the indicated 65 mph(eco mode).

It does appear based on oil temp that there is actually an issue, but with that kind of temperature spike I would be looking at valves, thermostates and waterpumps rather than just the shutters.

 

[BUCKYBRONCO2021]

Something about these two photos does not make sense to me. You're showing in .1 of a mile your water temp went up 4 bars (however much that is). Secondly once moving the grill shutters can be completely closed and maintain temp at the indicated 65 mph(eco mode).

It does appear based on oil temp that there is actually an issue, but with that kind of temperature spike I would be looking at valves, thermostates and waterpumps rather than just the shutters.

Totally hear you with that and normally thats where id have started, but the codes it was throwing were active grill shutter fault codes. There now were additional codes but all leading back to the shutters. So they have to run that gremlin down either at the shutters or upstream in the wiring somewhere.

 

[BroncoChallenger]

Something about these two photos does not make sense to me. You're showing in .1 of a mile your water temp went up 4 bars (however much that is). Secondly once moving the grill shutters can be completely closed and maintain temp at the indicated 65 mph(eco mode).

It does appear based on oil temp that there is actually an issue, but with that kind of temperature spike I would be looking at valves, thermostates and waterpumps rather than just the shutters.

I think the part you're missing is he's ACCELERATING when it happens (though 70 in a 40 isn't advised...), which means the engine is building heat, so the shutters should be opening to increase cooling.

That said, the only time I've EVER seen a spike like that is when there is a lack of water flow in the water jacket, whether from a blockage or a air void. It allows the engine to heat up way too fast, and yes it'll spike that fast - but it doesn't usually cool back down very fast either. The shutters may be contributing but it sure feels like it's something else.

While I understand that OP is getting codes related to the shutters...I'd be concerned about something else going on. What exactly I couldn't say...though I've seen some doozies in the past, up to and including a rag being left in a radiator hose when it was reassembled.

 

[BUCKYBRONCO2021]

I think the part you're missing is he's ACCELERATING when it happens (though 70 in a 40 isn't advised...), which means the engine is building heat, so the shutters should be opening to increase cooling.

That said, the only time I've EVER seen a spike like that is when there is a lack of water flow in the water jacket, whether from a blockage or a air void. It allows the engine to heat up way too fast, and yes it'll spike that fast - but it doesn't usually cool back down very fast either. The shutters may be contributing but it sure feels like it's something else.

While I understand that OP is getting codes related to the shutters...I'd be concerned about something else going on. What exactly I couldn't say...though I've seen some doozies in the past, up to and including a rag being left in a radiator hose when it was reassembled.

I agree. As an explanation for driving it hard: Unfortunately i had just picked up the car at 5:30pm (after the first shutter replacement) and noticed the temp climbing in regular driving home. I had a half hour before the dealership closed so i was in a time crunch and wanted to make sure i was good so i goosed it in order to see if the codes and warning messages happened. And they certainly did. So i brought it back right away. I agree they could have left something in there or had an issue with the engine that they just put in. I'm assuming they reuse the water pump and thermostat. I'm a cause and effect guy. Everything operated perfect before the engine replacement. Got the truck back and started having these issues. I feel like they damaged something (aside from the coil bolt they cross threaded and snapped or numerous connectors they left off or loose) possibly a wire or connection i cant see. If it was up to me i would have taken it back and either diagnosed it at my job or brought it to another dealer but they have already had the vehicle for 74 out of the 130 days I've owned it and I'm in a few bucks for the shutter replacement already so i have to wait this out. Its beyond frustrating and i plan to reach out to ford when i get it back. I hate being in limbo like this.


Also i should add, a normal vehicle should be able to accelerate to 4,600 rpm one time (that's really the most i ever pushed the truck) without throwing a code or overheating. Thats not me being a smartass just saying.

You bring up a good point though, i will mention to them if one of the things you suggested could be the cause. I just don't want to send the already questionable tech on a wild goose chase.

Also also they are saying they are not getting the right ohm reading to the shutters. I don't know if you saw that or if i even mentioned it i honestly cant remember for sure if its buried in this thread. Which is why the tech is saying the smart junction box or whatever they called it. But yeah if they traced the wires and tested them that would lead them to the cause. I feel like they are just drawing this out giving me semi or full BS explanations. That call to ford may come sooner than later...

 

[GreyZ]

I think part of the frustration is the techs have their hands so tied that they cannot actually trouble shoot. It takes about 15 minutes to remove the shutters and have the grill back together. He could have done a test to see if it is the grill shutters are staying closed in a half hour.

 

[BUCKYBRONCO2021]

So, update, I contacted the dealership for an update on my truck and they informed me they have tested their 7th set of shutters and they were also not working properly. At this point my bs meter was broke because it has been going off for so long and i finally called ford. They actually confirmed the "ford mobile tech engineer" (i could not remember what they termed this person)has advised the dealership to keep ordering shutter assemblies till they get a good one. I was absolutely dumbfounded. One the dealership was telling the truth, which im glad, and two that is just crazy. I asked Ford what is the end game, time frame plan? Are they just supposed to order shutter assemblies till the end of time? Its just so open ended it doesn't make any sense. Their response was they need to keep ordering assemblies till they get a good one or the tech engineer says to try something else. And also told me there is nothing i can do but sit tight and wait for a solution.

While this was going on the dealership text me and told me they got approval to change the junction box but the tech wanted to get the ok from the tech engineer to do that. So who knows whats going on.

I share all this as half diary and half cautionary tale. The truck worked perfectly before the engine replacement. You live you learn. Im in it now so im just going to ride it out. You guys can enjoy the ride.

 

[crenca]

Im in it now so im just going to ride it out. You guys can enjoy the ride.

Honestly I don't really believe your story. Any sensible (or just plain conscious) person would have removed their vehicle from this situation and gone to a competent (probably non-dealer) shop. I think your making all this up, or most of it...just sayin.

 

[BUCKYBRONCO2021]

Honestly I don't really believe your story. Any sensible (or just plain conscious) person would have removed their vehicle from this situation and gone to a competent (probably non-dealer) shop. I think your making all this up, or most of it...just sayin.

You probably are the tech working on my truck lol...Just sayin.

I wish i was lying and won't waste the time trying to explain to you why i haven't taken the truck out of there. Have the day you deserve Chris.

 

[BroncoChallenger]

Honestly I don't really believe your story. Any sensible (or just plain conscious) person would have removed their vehicle from this situation and gone to a competent (probably non-dealer) shop. I think your making all this up, or most of it...just sayin.

The thing is - I do believe him. I have heard far too many horror stories of various dealerships (not just Ford ones) that can't figure out a problem, so they call the OEM to send an engineer from headquarters out...and the answer doesn't make any sense. I still don't see why they aren't doing further diagnostic work...but it could be a situation of their best tech really doesn't know what he's doing.

Now, that said, I'd be raising considerable more fuss about this, and discussing with Ford that if their game plan is to 'keep trying assemblies' looking for a good one...means that they've got a TERRIBLE supplier on their hands, or an engineer who has no clue what he's doing (which, sadly, is not as uncommon as I'd like...as an engineer). At this point I'd be calling weekly...the issue is to get it away from that dealer, another dealer likely won't touch it (unless you're hundreds of miles away from home and you're sending it to your local dealer), and most independent shops tend to take liberties I'd prefer not be taken with my vehicles.

 

[BUCKYBRONCO2021]

The thing is - I do believe him. I have heard far too many horror stories of various dealerships (not just Ford ones) that can't figure out a problem, so they call the OEM to send an engineer from headquarters out...and the answer doesn't make any sense. I still don't see why they aren't doing further diagnostic work...but it could be a situation of their best tech really doesn't know what he's doing.

Now, that said, I'd be raising considerable more fuss about this, and discussing with Ford that if their game plan is to 'keep trying assemblies' looking for a good one...means that they've got a TERRIBLE supplier on their hands, or an engineer who has no clue what he's doing (which, sadly, is not as uncommon as I'd like...as an engineer). At this point I'd be calling weekly...the issue is to get it away from that dealer, another dealer likely won't touch it (unless you're hundreds of miles away from home and you're sending it to your local dealer), and most independent shops tend to take liberties I'd prefer not be taken with my vehicles.

I try to cut these messages down even though it doesn't seem that way. I am in contact with the dealer twice a week and have opened the case with Ford. I was shocked when they confirmed what the dealer was telling me. They kinda have me by the balls because the truck is apart and they are warrantying their work. Plus i have a 2025 explorer as a loaner. If i take the truck out of there then whatever state of repair/disrepair its in is on me. And no other dealer is going to touch it. And no loaner.

Not to mention a very reputable source of info on here confirmed the issues i was having by sharing the codes on here. As well as the pictures i posted. I'm sure some people enjoy telling victim stories. Not me. This is more a buyer beware story. I want to see how this goes and hope others learn from it or can avoid it. Happy, safe, trouble free driving to all on here. Even the grumpy ones.

 

[Ducati1098]

Honestly I don't really believe your story. Any sensible (or just plain conscious) person would have removed their vehicle from this situation and gone to a competent (probably non-dealer) shop. I think your making all this up, or most of it...just sayin.

It's not made up. I can tell that very easily

 

[crenca]

I am in contact with the dealer twice a week and have opened the case with Ford. I was shocked when they confirmed what the dealer was telling me. They kinda have me by the balls because the truck is apart and they are warrantying their work. Plus i have a 2025 explorer as a loaner. If i take the truck out of there then whatever state of repair/disrepair its in is on me. And no other dealer is going to touch it. And no loaner.

Ok, assuming this is real none of the above makes sense. It is always "on you" - you a choosing to allow this level of incompetence to continue. "Free" warranty work is never free. In this case you are paying for it with the hassle and time of allowing these fools to possess your vehicle for I don't know how long (perhaps you have stated how many days/weeks/months they have had it in total,). They do "have your balls" because you have given them over. Why would not some other dealer work on it? Not that it matters, because you started with a dealer in the first place - should have started with an independent shop so that at least you would be armed with useful knowledge even if you decided to let a dealer do "free" warranty work later.

These sorts of "horror stories" occur because too many buy into the idea that in this special case there is a free lunch called "warranty", then they learn the hard lesson that warranties are just part of the sales job. Like any insurance, occasionally it works out in your favor, but just as often it end up costing you more then it was ever worth.

There is no warning here, only the oft repeated tale of "hey, they lied to me!" Of course they did they are a dealer after all for goodness sake!! The incentives are all wrong - you are not the customer, Ford is (sort of) and they will continue this 'blind following the blind' behavior because they will continue to make $ from this ludicrousness. They stop making $ when they actually fix it and return it to you so actually fixing the problem is not helpful to them.

As with everything, occasionally we have to stop digging when we are in a hole.

Get that vehicle somewhere else, spend some $ to get it properly fixed, and then never ever ever take it to a dealer for "free" work again!

Or....

 

[BUCKYBRONCO2021]

Ok, assuming this is real none of the above makes sense. It is always "on you" - you a choosing to allow this level of incompetence to continue. "Free" warranty work is never free. In this case you are paying for it with the hassle and time of allowing these fools to possess your vehicle for I don't know how long (perhaps you have stated how many days/weeks/months they have had it in total,). They do "have your balls" because you have given them over. Why would not some other dealer work on it? Not that it matters, because you started with a dealer in the first place - should have started with an independent shop so that at least you would be armed with useful knowledge even if you decided to let a dealer do "free" warranty work later.

These sorts of "horror stories" occur because too many buy into the idea that in this special case there is a free lunch called "warranty", then they learn the hard lesson that warranties are just part of the sales job. Like any insurance, occasionally it works out in your favor, but just as often it end up costing you more then it was ever worth.

There is no warning here, only the oft repeated tale of "hey, they lied to me!" Of course they did they are a dealer after all for goodness sake!! The incentives are all wrong - you are not the customer, Ford is (sort of) and they will continue this 'blind following the blind' behavior because they will continue to make $ from this ludicrousness. They stop making $ when they actually fix it and return it to you so actually fixing the problem is not helpful to them.

As with everything, occasionally we have to stop digging when we are in a hole.

Get that vehicle somewhere else, spend some $ to get it properly fixed, and then never ever ever take it to a dealer for "free" work again!

Or....

You started off basically calling me a liar. Thats not a very friendly way of starting a conversation. So im going to turn back the hands of time and take the polite route of explaining this. You didnt read everything i wrote. It explained the progression of where i am now and how i got here. Ill give you the cliff notes.


1. Brought in for valve recall (to a ford dealer cause thats where you have to bring it for a recall)
2. Needed new engine
3. New engine put in (poorly)
4. Problems with truck after new engine in
5. Since the dealer did the work/damage they agreed to fix it
6. Its escalated from there while they have the truck

The truck is apart. I will never bring the truck back here. But i have to get through this. MY goal of documenting it on here was to keep others informed. And also get advice. Trust me id rather have my truck back and just be on here creating the 1000th thread about what wheel tire combo will look nice on my truck.

And also, hindsight is 20/20. Its easy for these things to grow and before you know it you know it you're here. Not because someone is stupid, lazy, cheap, or a liar. These things do happen. Trust me its a lesson learned. I wasn't well physically and bought this truck as a fathers day present to myself to enjoy with my young son. The last place i want it is there.

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