Drive Control Malfunction after car wash

[Calidad]

Toyota still has some "old school" SUVs I have had my eye-on to include their venerable V-6s/V-8s. Something with a real shifter and real parking brake, and not 2 turbos, 2 fuel systems, etc. The only tech I get excited about is for the safety stuff, and that is pretty low-tech IMHO. I know people who will change cars to match their phone software.
YMMV

So when I do jump, I probably won't have to get "used to it" but I will see an increase in reliability vs and extra 3-6 highway mpg. I currently have a half page of minor things to be fixed by dealer on my 2020 Ex, ranging from cosmetic, to electronic, to mechanical. I am not even including the startup wastegate-lobster boat sound effects.

In fact, in almost 35 years of new, old, and used vehicles this has been the least reliable in 10 months of ownership. To include boats.

I actually quit old school Toyota after 30 yrs of Toyota trucks. Number one reason being cost. Yep cost.. None of my Toyotas were super specially problem free or lower maintenance than similar body style other brand vehicles in my family. In fact all my Toyotas were more expensive, for sure more thirsty, lower power, and even quite costly on regular maintenance vs our other non Toyota trucks. Only today the gap is even larger given a new Toyota isn’t even as good as a 3yr old Toyota with a modern upgraded head unit... Add to that the horrible Dealers acting as if Toyotas are special unobtainable automotive gold and its really just brand perception today. I voted with my money skipped the plug-in Prius with the plug left on the Right hand Drive side (too lazy to offer a left hand charging ie full US version) got a Ford Fusion Energi instead supremely superior vehicle in every way including mileage!!!

So far my Expedition is way superior to the Sequoia it replaced.

 

[5280tunage]

I hope it stays that way. And feature wise, comfort wise, etc, they are superior. And while maybe you have had some issues in the past, I take a look for example at my good friends Land Cruiser that he bought used with 20k miles on it in 2017 (2016 model) and it hasn't been in those shop once for a repair, other than a single recall, to this day.

There are very few people in the industry that won't acknowledge that today, Toyota and Hyundai have some of the lowest manufacturing tolerances out there. While Hyundai isn't generally known for the same reliability of Toyota, companies like Subaru certainly are. The reason most of us bought these was because of their features and capabilities, I just would have expected better reliability for the money spent. Just my experience.

 

[Expedition Dave]

I actually quit old school Toyota after 30 yrs of Toyota trucks.
So far my Expedition is way superior to the Sequoia it replaced.

Your response seems to be the exception, but your experience is your experience. My FX4 is certainly not a "lemon" and in 15,000 miles has never left me stranded or even burped like it would. However, my gut tells me with all the Expy's complexity (I mean two seperate fuel systems, two turbos, a trans heat exchanger IN THE RADIATOR? My trans temp was 205 degrees just driving slowly around town in 80 degree weather towing nothing/no load).

I simply can't see this vehicle lasting reliably past 125-150,000 miles without a major turbo/fueling repair issue ESPECIALLY IF YOU FOLLOW FORD's recommended standard fluid changes/maintanece schedule. That is designed as a cost savings sales principle to compete with everyone else down that rabbit hole and has nothing to do w/long term life span.
YMMV

 

[Fozzy]

We have several Ecoboost F-150’s at work with over 200K on the odometer. They have been driven like they are stolen but get serviced every 5K. With no major failures or repairs. I think One did get the plastic oil pan replaced. Ford should not have tried to quiet the cam phasers and let the turbo rattle and knocking phasers be the sound of the EcoBoost’s cold start. Would have saved them so much headache and the Ecoboost would go down in history as one of the best motors ever.

205 is normal. I usually see 190-206 in town and empty. The truck actually heats the transmission up to operating temps to help improve the fuel economy for short trips.



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[DWs-TTEB]

Just throwing this out there. My local Ford Service writer advised to have the ATF changed every 60k miles. Recommendation derived from 4Gen Expy service history at this location. 7 months of the year where I am temps average 97-102 F.

 

[Expedition Dave]

Good to know 'Fozzola and I wonder if the key is the 5K oil changes (which I believe means your survive?) but I am here to tell you, my last early oil change (and I change at the 30-35% oil life left indicator did not look good). I still personally believe the fluid intervals to be a stretch...YMMV

Also people towing have reported here and on the F150 forum way past "Normal" heat range of 205-215 degrees...?

But we can start another thread I guess--don't want to hijack this any further--

 

[Fozzy]

Pulling 7K @ 75 MPH up a grade in 116* Nevada weather. I do have the HD tow, lift and 35’s. Just remember the engine will go into limp mode at 245. Tons of threads on it. Most F-150 owners I have seen overheat when forced to the slow lane and can’t keep the air movement up. I have an Ecoboost and never have to draft a semi truck.





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[Deadman]

Wow that tank of fuel isn't taking you far!

 

[Fozzy]

Wow that tank of fuel isn't taking you far!

7K at 75 MPH nets me 7-8 MPG. [emoji53]


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[Deadman]

7K at 75 MPH nets me 7-8 MPG. [emoji53]


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Zoinks.... Might save you time by slowing down and eliminating a fuel stop! lol. JK

 

[jimz]

7K at 75 MPH nets me 7-8 MPG. [emoji53]


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Buy a motorhome. More comfort and better mileage. Even pulling a dingy.

 

[Fozzy]

Buy a motorhome. More comfort and better mileage. Even pulling a dingy.

Have one, it gets the same mileage as it has the V-10. Unless I need a place to stay the Expy is way more comfortable to travel in. And it can’t launch the boat without a good shallow concert ramp. The Superduty get-13-14 if I wanted better mileage, but it rides like a tank.


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[Bandroid]

So my truck is back to normal. It took like 1 week to get the sensor and another for them to replace it. The left front wheel speed sensor was damaged. They mention not to pressure wash undercarriage or wheels.

 

[5280tunage]

You've got to be kidding me. Don't pressure wash the undercarriage or wheels? That's horse shit. Next they'll complain if you get too much build up on stuff and you have malfunctions because of it. If these things are built so you cant take them through a car wash (which most carwashes do undercarriage spray), they sure as hell aren't SUV's (or at least the parts used to build them are the same quality/durability you might find on say a Focus). That really frustrates me. Also, if that's the case, then they need some warning labels not to wash your car.

 

[lv2drive]

So my truck is back to normal. It took like 1 week to get the sensor and another for them to replace it. The left front wheel speed sensor was damaged. They mention not to pressure wash undercarriage or wheels.

on what planet is this acceptable!

this “top tier” truck company has dealerships tell their flagship suv owners “don’t pressure wash the undercarriage & wheels...”.

ok, i guess just let the undercarriage rust out halfway through my extended warranty then?

i mean - seriously. for any of us who own vehicles for longevity, this IS horseshit.

my ‘01 6sp manual audi allroad has 245k miles on it, completely original except for doing the struts ONCE (yes once) and replacing the alternator @150k. has air suspension, sensors galore for the time - i religiously (and carefully) washed the undercarriage & wheel wells / struts after any winter driving, & i am quite sure it was a key point to it’s longevity in general on the underside.

to say don’t pressure wash the engine bay, ok. but “don’t pressure wash the undercarriage” is such a joke. no words for that.

 

[5280tunage]

ABS has been around since the 50's and 60's, went more mainstream in the 80's/90's and became std. requirements in 2013 in the US. So essentially, vehicles have had wheel speeds sensors of some form throughout that. And now they can't stand a carwash? As @lv2drive said, I too have had vehicles with things like air suspensions, etc and never had issues with sensors, and I too have always taken great care with keeping the undercarriage clean. I used to put cars on off-axis ramps so I could clean the undercarriage thoroughly after offroading, etc. If that's a real response, maybe we should involve NHTSA, as to me that means they aren't safe to begin with.

 

[Plati]

I routinely train the hose on the underside of the vehicle ... definitely hitting the "back" of each wheel from the opposite side. I guess this makes me think a bit BUT a garden hose with 50 psi water pressure from 5 feet away is not a pressure wash from 1 foot distance kind of power so I'll assume I'm ok. Never had an issue. Shouldn't have said that -- DOH

 

[jimz]

A 2013 Soul is a better car than a 2008 Expedition and about same mileage. Trying to figure who to dump the Ford on. Hard choices.

We drove through a Florida down pour and spray got under hood. Computer bonkers. Road spray soaks motor and can't be stopped. Does not take a pressure washer to do water damage.