Faint sudden noise from the engine compartment (coolant causing serpentine belt slippage, I believe) and then the engine overheated. Due to roughly a 3 inch crack in the intake manifold plastic composite which dumped coolant into the back of the alternator. I was able to pull off before the engine was damaged. Both the dealer, who is to be commended for a quick and effective repair (makes one wonder if the mechanics have had a lot pf practice with this repair), and ford motor company tell me there is no relief for repairs on a car with my VIN although the replacement part is constructed of metal and composite rather than composite alone. I appreciate this design change which hopefully will ward off another similar failure but doesn't changing the design recognize that there was a weakness? On this same web-site I read that some ford fleet vehicles were recalled and repaired. Concerning safety, the only issue this senior citizen faced was the stress of walking four tenths of a mile in the june heat and humidity to call for help and in paying the tow and repair expense. One is not surprised or greatly upset when the alternator wears out - but the intake manifold? What kind of stress testing did this non-moving part get when approved for production?
1997 Ford Crown Victoria engine complaints
Page 4 of 4: complaints 71 to 85 of 85, newest first, as owners wrote them.
Loss of coolant is due to a cracked engine manifold. Manufacturer was notified. Feel free to provide any further information.
Ford motor company is aware that a crack is likely in the plastic front coolant crossover on the intake manifold assembly (4.6l engines). This is listed as a ford technical service bulletin dated 02-02-02 and as a ford special service message #10379. When the crack occurred on my vehicle, it stranded my wife and I in the florida everglades on a hot sunday afternoon. Total costs incurred were over $1,000 of which maroone ford charged me $773.75 to replace the intake manifold. The replacement crossover is made of metal, not plastic. Not only was this a financial liability, it is a safety hazard. Anyone who inspects the engine compartment at the time of initial trouble shooting will become severely burned by hot coolant boiling out of the crack of the plastic crossover.
Coolant was leaking from vehicle. Dealer determined that intake manifold was cracked. There was a recall 01f02500on for this part, but only police cruisers and taxi vehicles were affected.*ak dealer replaced cracked intake manifold, also the fuel filter was replaced.
Engine has never overheated. Cooling system very clean. Spontaneous crack developed in plastic intake manifold croosover tube, directly behind alternator. Immediate coolant loss through 3.5" crack. Replacement part looks identical, no visible improvement. Ford admits to faulty component through service bulletins,and has made repairs to fleet vehicles. Dealer states they will do nothing for individual owners.
This is a known ford issue, yet they deny responsibility. No safety defect listed.
Intake manifold is leaking radiator fluid. My mechanic said a recall was issued for this exact problem, but ford refused responsibility. 10 complains(same) listed on defective investigation for same car and date.
Engine manifold developed a crack and started to spit out anti-freeze and water. Consumer stated that dealer replaced engine intake manifold. *ak consumer was told there was a recall on some models, however his was not included, consumer is requesting reimbursement. Front brake rotors and front brake pads replaced.
Vehicle experiences stalling at slow speeds in traffic and at stop signs, dealer has replaced idle air control and fuel pump and has reprogrammed the computer, however the stalling still occurs and the dealer can not remedy, consumer has almost been rear ended on two occasions, when stalling occurs, all power steering is lost, possibly engine or computer related.
No summary listed for above vehicle.
Engine check light on and run rough due to maf sensor failure. The hood would pop up while driving due to hood latch malfunctioning.
No summary
Intake manifold failed prior to recall.
Engine fire.
Brake lines mounted under left of vehicle rubbed through causing brake failure.
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