From: ajb8886@ritvax.isc.rit.edu
Subject: Re: Ford Tempo Hesitates/Stalls
Reply-To: ajb8886@ritvax.isc.rit.edu
Organization: Rochester Institute of Technology
Distribution: usa
Date: Thu, 21 Jan 1993 19:07:11 GMT

In article <2024@heurikon.heurikon.com>, jeffd@ex.heurikon.com (Jeff Durst) writes:
>
>	I bought a 1991 Ford Tempo GL brand new and back in November
>	it started to intermittantly hesistate when warm at stop lights 
>	or stops signs.  It is always on acceleration that this occurs.
>	It has also stalled three times since December 3.  

I had a similar hesitation problem.  Eventually all I had to do to solve it was
to clean the throttle body for the FI with carb cleaner and a toothbrush, then
disconnected the battery for 10 minutes to force the computer back into
"relearn" mode.  It solved the problem beautifully for me.  I can't guarantee
it'll help yours though.

>
>	I have had it into the Dealer twice now for this problem, the first
>	time they clain to have found a vaccuum leak at the fuel pressure
>	regulator and they also cleaned some emissions stuff, the second time
>	they said they found the base idle speed was low, so they adjusted it.

I would suggest you try another dealer.  I've found that some dealers seem to
have better techs than others.

>	
>	I asked them if they really feel they solved the problem, he said 
>	no.  I asked where do we go from here, he said basiclif the problem
>	happens more frequently so that they can recreate it they will then
>	be able to do more for me.  Until that time I'm SOL.
>

Get them to put that in writing.  ie. Either they feel that the problem is
solved, or that they basically couldn't do anything.  If they feel the problem
is solved, and it keeps happening, or conversely, if they keep saying they
can't solve the problem, you then have firm basis for taking Ford
and/or the dealer to court under the Lemon Law for new car sales (I forget the 
exact details, but it sets minimum standards for problems before the company 
must provide you with a replacement vehicle (usually new)).

>	When I got home from the dealer the #!?/ car stalled when I pulled 
>	into the driveway after sitting for a couple of minutes in drive.
>	I called the dealer right back and they repeated their position.
>

I'd heard about Tempo stalling problems in the past due to a defective fuel
pump.  (A friend of mine had his car recalled by the factory to have this pump
replaced in a 1990 Tempo).  However, the stalling in that case would happen at
any random interval (ie. if you're cruising on the highway it would suddenly
stop and require a brief period before it would run again).  Solved the problem
perfectly though, he's reported no other problems since.

>	I saw the Ford 800# on TV last night and decided to try it.  The
>	guy I talked to said he could not force the dealer to look at the 
>	car again until I can produce the problem for the dealer.  It wasn't
>	until I threatened that if I was in accident due to the problem
>	I would sue FMC that he said he would force the dealer to take another
>	look.
>
>
> 	I told him that I didn't feel that another go around with the dealer
>	would solve the problem and want to pursue the matter with FMC
>	instead of screwing around with the dealer.  He said the dealer is
>	best qualified and has the resources to fix the problem.  I aske
>	if there was anyone else I could talk to a FMC and he said no.

There are.  There's an appeals board at FMC, as well as higher ups.  But the
people who answer the phone are trained to discourage you as strongly as
possible from persuing these means.  It's part of their job description.

>
>	So it sounds as though I'm screwed.

No, just caught between a rock and a hard place.  Get some leverage to move the
rock.  :)

>
>	Does anyone know where I can turn next?  Anyone had a similar problem?
>	I am seriously thinking of new Toyota.

Another friend had to pay his Toyota dealer $325 for a basic tuneup on his late
model Camry, which had been advertised at $39.95.  Really.  They kept finding 
new things to replace which were not covered by the warranty.

Never trust a dealer.  Call me paranoid, but they ARE out to take as much of
your money as they can get their hands on.

Alex



>
>
>	jeffd@heurikon.com