LoveTaurus Posted May 17, 2011 Share Posted May 17, 2011 (edited) I can vouch for that $5-7K tranny repair, I have a friend who works at one of the dealerships and thats what he had to quote the customer after their CVT died, and its just about how much their Freestyle is currently worth, out of warranty, so obviously the owner will probably have to dump it. Your friend can try getting an used CVT replacement at a fraction of the cost! As per discussions at Freestyle forum, its CVT failure rate is not more or less than a conventional transmission, but yes cost more to replace new. Edited May 17, 2011 by LoveTaurus Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NLPRacing Posted May 17, 2011 Share Posted May 17, 2011 I can vouch for that $5-7K tranny repair, I have a friend who works at one of the dealerships and thats what he had to quote the customer after their CVT died, and its just about how much their Freestyle is currently worth, out of warranty, so obviously the owner will probably have to dump it. $5K to $7K for a tranny repair? Wow! I would think a D30PIP/6 speed auto swap from a 09 or newer Escape would cost less than that and would probably be a lot more reliable. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kev-Mo Posted May 17, 2011 Share Posted May 17, 2011 Replacing transmissions at dealers - This is one of those commonly practiced things that defies common sense. Why on earth would anyone pay $5k to replace their transmission at a dealer who will install the same transmission that failed prematurely? Find a good independent mechanic who can go in and fix the component that failed with an upgraded component so that you don't leave yourself open to another failure. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Donaldo Posted May 17, 2011 Share Posted May 17, 2011 Nissan seems to be having good luck with them? Mitsubishi, Subaru, and even Jeep are also on the list. If you count e-CVTs as are in most hybrids, the list gets longer. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NickF1011 Posted May 17, 2011 Share Posted May 17, 2011 Mitsubishi, Subaru, and even Jeep are also on the list. If you count e-CVTs as are in most hybrids, the list gets longer. Yes. They offer them. But have they had good luck with them? Certainly appears Nissan has not. A quick google search reveals a lot of results of complaints about the others as well. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LoveTaurus Posted May 17, 2011 Share Posted May 17, 2011 (edited) As per Freestyle forum discussions again, sorry, a conventional transmission could not be swap onto a Freestyle ! Edited May 17, 2011 by LoveTaurus Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
silvrsvt Posted May 17, 2011 Share Posted May 17, 2011 Find a good independent mechanic who can go in and fix the component that failed with an upgraded component so that you don't leave yourself open to another failure. Well from the what it seems like, the CVT isn't something a "shade tree" Mechanic can pull apart and fix with a mythical "upgraded" part that most likely doesn't exist! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
theDuff Posted May 17, 2011 Share Posted May 17, 2011 Replacing transmissions at dealers - This is one of those commonly practiced things that defies common sense. Why on earth would anyone pay $5k to replace their transmission at a dealer who will install the same transmission that failed prematurely? Find a good independent mechanic who can go in and fix the component that failed with an upgraded component so that you don't leave yourself open to another failure. I'm getting sick of this. A dealership transmission specialist is way more likely to do an internal trans repair than an independant garage. (Unless of course the independant is a tranny shop named "trans plus" or whatever.) Ask me how I know. If the chain slips on the variators you might as well replace the whole thing. Hmmmm.... $4000 for a new chain and variators, plus filters, seals and gaskets; or $5000 for a new one with a Ford warranty. Plus, there is no way an independant has all the special tools just to split the case on one, or all the special tools to reinstall the case half. Trust me, its quite a contraption. About 30 pieces to each tool. No one should let an independant touch one of these things. I wouldn't even let them flush it because they might put the wrong fluid in which will cause failure. Again, ask me how I know. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
theDuff Posted May 17, 2011 Share Posted May 17, 2011 ...........dealers............... All of your bad vibes from dealer service can probable be attributed to one thing: you never built a relationship with a dealership mechanic. You probably (I'm guessing here) only dealt with a "service writer". At your favorite independant garage you probably know your mechanic, or its the owner, or the guy who talks with all the customers also fixes all the cars. If you find a good dealership mechanic who has a wealth of brand knowledge and experience, build a repoir with this man, and always request him, you would never look back. The mechanic knows you will be a repeat customer (future money) and will likely bend over backwards for you, maybe even throw in some free service and or advice. A service writer ........... not so much. He's looking to roll your vehicle as quickly as possible and will have an 18 year old lube tech replace that chipped badge for you. A few of us on here are dealership mechanics, and we're damn good. So, please, leave the mechanics out of your dealership bashing. Sure, some shops aren't run that well (both independant and dealership) but everyone of them has at least one guy (ours has about three, maybe three and a half) that are very talented, and can fix anything...... on a Ford anyway.... :shades: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hoser768 Posted May 17, 2011 Share Posted May 17, 2011 I love the CVT on my Five Hundred. Only problem I've had with the CVT was fixed with software under warranty. I had a lunging problem once. It was my fat right boot hitting the brake and gas at the same time. Overall I've heard of more problems with the Aisin 6spds on the forums, But I guess I don't know how many of each were sold, so I can't make an accurate determination of failure rate. I too find it strange the Five Hundred/Montego wouldn't be included with the same powertrain. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
transitman Posted May 17, 2011 Share Posted May 17, 2011 (edited) All of your bad vibes from dealer service can probable be attributed to one thing: you never built a relationship with a dealership mechanic. You probably (I'm guessing here) only dealt with a "service writer". At your favorite independant garage you probably know your mechanic, or its the owner, or the guy who talks with all the customers also fixes all the cars. If you find a good dealership mechanic who has a wealth of brand knowledge and experience, build a repoir with this man, and always request him, you would never look back. The mechanic knows you will be a repeat customer (future money) and will likely bend over backwards for you, maybe even throw in some free service and or advice. A service writer ........... not so much. He's looking to roll your vehicle as quickly as possible and will have an 18 year old lube tech replace that chipped badge for you. A few of us on here are dealership mechanics, and we're damn good. So, please, leave the mechanics out of your dealership bashing. Sure, some shops aren't run that well (both independant and dealership) but everyone of them has at least one guy (ours has about three, maybe three and a half) that are very talented, and can fix anything...... on a Ford anyway.... :shades: theDuff, I couldn't agree with you more. Every experience I have had with the actual technician has been positive. You guys (and gals) do a great job. Just like anywhere, you hire the best worker and you get the best work from a skilled and dedicated employee. Edited May 17, 2011 by transitman Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kev-Mo Posted May 17, 2011 Share Posted May 17, 2011 (edited) No one should let an independant touch one of these things. I wouldn't even let them flush it because they might put the wrong fluid in which will cause failure. Again, ask me how I know. I am sure if he accepted the job, he would do it right. My Independent uses only Amsoil super-premium fully synthetic fluid when servicing standard transmissions. Better (and far more expensive) than what you use - I assume Motorcraft. He has a choice, and you don't. In addition he actually pulls the pan down and changes the filter - and I have seen the used filter - so don't tell me "with our machine the filter does not need to be changed" (which I have been told). All this at about 2/3 of what the local dealer charges - even with the upgraded fluid. He actually guarantees his trans rebuilds 2 full years. Local dealers don't even use the word 'guarantee'. Not your fault personally, if you are that good - and I don't doubt you are, consider opening up your own shop and stop working for the man. Just because a certified mechanic and trans expert has the gumption to break away and do his own thing, doesn't mean he can't be as good as you. Doesn't mean he can't keep current with new stuff if he takes pride in his craft. Just like you defend that all dealers are not shady, I defend that all independent shops are not Brakes Unlimited Plus etc. Edited May 17, 2011 by Kev-Mo Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fordtech1 Posted May 17, 2011 Share Posted May 17, 2011 I'm getting sick of this. A dealership transmission specialist is way more likely to do an internal trans repair than an independant garage. (Unless of course the independant is a tranny shop named "trans plus" or whatever.) Ask me how I know. If the chain slips on the variators you might as well replace the whole thing. Hmmmm.... $4000 for a new chain and variators, plus filters, seals and gaskets; or $5000 for a new one with a Ford warranty. Plus, there is no way an independant has all the special tools just to split the case on one, or all the special tools to reinstall the case half. Trust me, its quite a contraption. About 30 pieces to each tool. No one should let an independant touch one of these things. I wouldn't even let them flush it because they might put the wrong fluid in which will cause failure. Again, ask me how I know. I agree totally. I can't imagine any independent trans guy buying all those specail tools for Fords CVT. Covering 05-07 MY. BTW most CVT's don't get the 60k service with the high pressure filter and fluid change like required. In my experience you either get a bad CVT and it craps early, or you get a good one and it last for over 100k. Opinions are like A holes, everyone has one. :reading: Like every profession, some people are great at their job and some just get by. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kev-Mo Posted May 18, 2011 Share Posted May 18, 2011 Dirty or malfunction throttle body and /or MAS !! Many times cleaning those parts would clear the problem, others need replacement of throttle body ! Back to the problem at hand - the guys on this thread seem to be having good luck with the cleaning: Clean the grime away and recalibrate and the problem is gone. (Reclibrate is simply "showing" the TB sensors the new difference between WOT (wide open throttle) and fully closed throttle...) http://www.myfordfreestyle.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=2951&sid=79e4c9debea45cd5f43de6e072e4dce9&start=15 Seems like simple fix with a 6 dollar can of 3M cleaner. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NLPRacing Posted May 18, 2011 Share Posted May 18, 2011 As per Freestyle forum discussions again, sorry, a conventional transmission could not be swap onto a Freestyle ! Anything can be swapped... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Captainp4 Posted May 18, 2011 Share Posted May 18, 2011 "..with enough time and money." :shades: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NLPRacing Posted May 18, 2011 Share Posted May 18, 2011 "..with enough time and money." :shades: Now I'm thinking a broken down Freestyle with a 5.0 swap/RWD conversion sure would make a nice sleeper... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Captainp4 Posted May 18, 2011 Share Posted May 18, 2011 The new 5.0? Ohh yeahhhh.. :lol: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NLPRacing Posted May 18, 2011 Share Posted May 18, 2011 (edited) The new 5.0? Ohh yeahhhh.. :lol: Definitely the Coyote. It's available with AWD, so it already has a driveshaft tunnel. If they can do it with a Focus, a Freestyle should be a snap... :happy feet: Imagine a Freestyle, with the 11 Mustang 5.0 running gear and 04 Cobra IRS. Edited May 18, 2011 by NLPRacing Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Edstock Posted May 18, 2011 Share Posted May 18, 2011 Now I'm thinking a broken down Freestyle with a 5.0 swap/RWD conversion sure would make a nice sleeper... Interesting . . . maybe a RWD EB 3.5 might fit easier and give better weight distribution. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fordtech1 Posted May 19, 2011 Share Posted May 19, 2011 Back to the problem at hand - the guys on this thread seem to be having good luck with the cleaning: Clean the grime away and recalibrate and the problem is gone. (Reclibrate is simply "showing" the TB sensors the new difference between WOT (wide open throttle) and fully closed throttle...) http://www.myfordfreestyle.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=2951&sid=79e4c9debea45cd5f43de6e072e4dce9&start=15 Seems like simple fix with a 6 dollar can of 3M cleaner. You are right, most of the time that fixes any t-body issues with Freestyles/500. It even works on some other models with ETB. However, 04 F150 and Explorers save your time and put a TB on it. Replacing TPS does not always fix them. I personaly think its good PM to clean them every 30k. The only thing to be careful of, is if its really dirty and you clean it without reseting keep alive memory, it will not idle or idle too fast. One more tip. If you replace a battery and the TB is gummy, it probably will not idle because it lost its learned trim values. Cleaning it will take care of that also. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Captainp4 Posted May 19, 2011 Share Posted May 19, 2011 Definitely the Coyote. It's available with AWD, so it already has a driveshaft tunnel. If they can do it with a Focus, a Freestyle should be a snap... :happy feet: Imagine a Freestyle, with the 11 Mustang 5.0 running gear and 04 Cobra IRS. That's a windsor motor in there, but I'm pretty sure I've seen a 4.6 in a Focus before.. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wildosvt Posted May 19, 2011 Share Posted May 19, 2011 That's a windsor motor in there, but I'm pretty sure I've seen a 4.6 in a Focus before.. 03-04 Cobra engines fit in there too. :shades: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Edstock Posted May 19, 2011 Share Posted May 19, 2011 IIRC, Ford Racing sold a kit for putting a mod in a Focus, and built one or more with the "Cammer" as they called it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cobrajim Posted May 20, 2011 Share Posted May 20, 2011 (I'm getting sick of this. A dealership transmission specialist is way more likely to do an internal trans repair than an independant garage. (Unless of course the independant is a tranny shop named "trans plus" or whatever.) Ask me how I know. If the chain slips on the variators you might as well replace the whole thing. Hmmmm.... $4000 for a new chain and variators, plus filters, seals and gaskets; or $5000 for a new one with a Ford warranty. Plus, there is no way an independant has all the special tools just to split the case on one, or all the special tools to reinstall the case half. Trust me, its quite a contraption. About 30 pieces to each tool. No one should let an independant touch one of these things. I wouldn't even let them flush it because they might put the wrong fluid in which will cause failure. Again, ask me how I know. ) amen fellow technician! nothing can ruin a trans faster then a quicky lube dork using the wrong fluid(or none for that matter)then send it to us to fix(what do you mean there is no warranty on the trans that quickydork just wrecked) these fly by night mechanics sicken me,if people only knew how many 1000's of hours of training we have to take to get master status and it's on going as vehicle systems change every year. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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