Blower motor module recall - Charged $500 for resistor replacement as well

[bfun]

Let me know if these seems shady to you all.

My wife took our 2015 Expedition in for the recall to be peformed because our AC kept going out. When I reached under the unit was super hot. Obviously not good there.

They performed the replacement of the module and when my wife picked it up, she was pulling out and the AC still wasn't working. Went back in and they came out to check things. Apparently the guy got shocked when he touched two melted wires. I go pick my wife up so they can fix the wires.

The next morning, they call my wife and tell her these wires are not part of the recall because it's the blower resistor and not the module and we're going to have to pay around $500 to fix it.

I called them up and said I have a hard time figuring out how this cannot be part of the recall. He said there's nothing they can do and I can call the nationl customer service line.

I plan to do so, but wanted to get input from you all first.

 

[99WhiteC5Coupe]

Let me know if these seems shady to you all.

My wife took our 2015 Expedition in for the recall to be peformed because our AC kept going out. When I reached under the unit was super hot. Obviously not good there.

They performed the replacement of the module and when my wife picked it up, she was pulling out and the AC still wasn't working. Went back in and they came out to check things. Apparently the guy got shocked when he touched two melted wires. I go pick my wife up so they can fix the wires.

The next morning, they call my wife and tell her these wires are not part of the recall because it's the blower resistor and not the module and we're going to have to pay around $500 to fix it.

I called them up and said I have a hard time figuring out how this cannot be part of the recall. He said there's nothing they can do and I can call the nationl customer service line.

I plan to do so, but wanted to get input from you all first.

Ford makes a pigtail replacement connector. That, plus the resistor, takes about 1/2 hour of labor to replace. I think you’re being overcharged.

This is a TSB about the connector (not a recall): https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/tsbs/2019/MC-10163573-0001.pdf

This will show you how to replace it: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=42Ae37Zx90E

What was the cost of the parts and the labor charge?

 

[bfun]

It was 179 for labor, 159 for the blower resistor and and 113 for the wiring harness. My wife had already told them to do it before I got ahold of them about it all.

Is the resistor totally unrelated to the module that was the recall? Seems like a big bait and switch but I'm not super knowledgeable on this.

 

[99WhiteC5Coupe]

It was 179 for labor, 159 for the blower resistor and and 113 for the wiring harness. My wife had already told them to do it before I got ahold of them about it all.

Is the resistor totally unrelated to the module that was the recall? Seems like a big bait and switch but I'm not super knowledgeable on this.

The resistor helps control the blower motor assembly, which is subject of the recall. It mounts on the blower motor evaporator case.

 

[Ryan L]

It was 179 for labor, 159 for the blower resistor and and 113 for the wiring harness. My wife had already told them to do it before I got ahold of them about it all.

Is the resistor totally unrelated to the module that was the recall? Seems like a big bait and switch but I'm not super knowledgeable on this.

Definitely shady of Ford! You did need a new pigtail and resistor, but that price is outrageous. My dealer did something similar with the brake booster recall. Aggressively tried to sell me an expensive brake flush. Seemed rather difficult to do that recall work without replacing the fluid, so I declined. Funny thing, the fluid sure looked new when I got it back home.

 

[JamaicaJoe]

The motor speed is regulated by the blower resistor. If the motor is drawing too much current (the reason for the recall), the resistor may overheat. I would argue they are related and thus should be covered in the recall. The labor to replace both at same time should be minimal. Yes it is possible for the connecting wires to be burned as well due to the motor current. It is after all a potential fire hazard.

 

[bfun]

Thanks all, really appreciate the input and time you took to respond. Going to be calling the National Customer service and we'll see what happens.

 

[bodabdan]

I'm still stuck on someone allegedly getting shocked by 12v DC.....
I would offer a cash reward to anyone who could duplicate that.
Also, anytime someone says "there is nothing else they can do" they usually mean they don't want any of the duty or responsibility to the customer, just the profits from the over msrp stickers and the denials of legitimate warranty claims.
They could offer you a sweet trade in. They could eat $50 on a part for once. They could offer you a discount detail service. They could offer a discount oil change.
If there was a million dollar bonus, I'll bet there's something they could do........

 

[JasonH]

It's a DIY job. That price is ludicrous.

 

[NC17]

Same thing just happened to me. Please update on your success speaking with the national customer service.
As a side note, the replacement of the resistor and pigtail did not fix the issue and they wanted to take apart the dash to replace wiring that 'may have been burnt'. All this crap should be related to the motor failure, but I said forget it. Anyone else have the recall performed and not had the issue resolved? Thanks.

 

[Yupster Dog]

they wanted to take apart the dash to replace wiring that 'may have been burnt'.

The only wires that would be burnt from resistor is the pigtail, There will be no burnt wires anywhere else from this. Maybe going to another dealer might be your best option.

 

[Calman2k]

I had issues with my '16 too. Only I had a pigtail start acting up a few years ago and I replaced it. Funny thing is, Ford had the wrong pigtail listed in the parts list. I ended up getting this, and it fit perfect. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07XDRGSV6?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details
I would be willing to wager the main problems are the pigtail, not the resistor. The resistor has a heatsink on it to keep it from cooking. I just replaced the pigtail again a couple weeks ago. I used crimped connectors, as shown on the Amazon listing, but had used my own that fit better. Sure enough, the wire inside the connector (the stripped back part) was all burned and oxidized. I'll be taking it in for the recall soon, knowing the resistor and pigtail are good, so they shouldn't be able to get more money out of me. Ford: "Hold my beer."

 

[Ericcccccc]

I already had issues with the blower not working in my 2017 Expedition before the recall. I eventually replaced these two parts myself after I was quoted $500.00 of BS to replace stuff. It has worked fine ever since.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07JG3BYGW

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07L2DQBP3

It was a very simple install - any DIYer could do it.

 

[BlackBetty]

I feel your pain as I experienced the exact same issue with my ‘16 Expedition. Last year in April my a/c was intermittent. Took it to the dealership for a diagnosis. They told me it was the blower motor & resistor which was under warranty. However, the blower motor/ resistor harness was not. WTF?!?! The harness was damaged/ burnt pins due to the faulty motor & resistor.

They quoted me approximately $725-750. I politely told them they were crazy. So, told them to do the warranty repair of the blower motor & resistor. I picked up a new harness for approximately $65-70 if I remember correctly. It’s four wires… not hard to wire up at all. I’m a retired Army helicopter electrician/ avionics technician, so I’ve got all the tools and materials to complete the task.

Got it installed and working over 18mos now. I warn against getting an aftermarket harness!!! More specifically AutoZone’s Dorman parts. Got two connectors that had an issue lining up with the receptacle end. In other words, you plug the male/ female end’s together (it was a snug fit) and get nothing. This was because the male pins did not line up with the female receptacles. This happened with the replacement the gave me as well. What drew me to AutoZone was the price; $35. The time spent on my knee’s in the Arizona spring wasn’t fun. Should’ve just used the Ford part from the beginning!!!

Oh, my second issue with a Dorman part was with a MAF sensor for my ‘04 Expedition. Same issue… pins didn’t line up.

 

[CattleCracker]

Let me know if these seems shady to you all.

My wife took our 2015 Expedition in for the recall to be peformed because our AC kept going out. When I reached under the unit was super hot. Obviously not good there.

They performed the replacement of the module and when my wife picked it up, she was pulling out and the AC still wasn't working. Went back in and they came out to check things. Apparently the guy got shocked when he touched two melted wires. I go pick my wife up so they can fix the wires.

The next morning, they call my wife and tell her these wires are not part of the recall because it's the blower resistor and not the module and we're going to have to pay around $500 to fix it.

I called them up and said I have a hard time figuring out how this cannot be part of the recall. He said there's nothing they can do and I can call the nationl customer service line.

I plan to do so, but wanted to get input from you all first.

I am going through the same thing. I am going to call my state's highway safety and motor vehicles department as well as the NHTSA to see if I can get anywhere. The wires to the blower resistor get unsafely hot. I feel they are a fire hazard. Is it possible that the recall and the issue of the resistor are not related?

 

[psnow2000]

I literally just got off the phone with the local Ford dealer for the same issue. They quoted $740!!! Parts are less than $100 when sourced elsewhere. The Service Manager did suggest calling into Ford Customer Service to complain about it since the recall does state that there may be damage to the Blower Motor Resistor and the wiring connector but they will not cover it under warranty (they did call Ford to try to get approval and it got declined).

 

[rozman4]

Thanks all, really appreciate the input and time you took to respond. Going to be calling the National Customer service and we'll see what happens.

I just had the same issue after the recall. The charge was $468 here in NY. Now the rear blend door for the AC/Heat appears to be stripped and making a loud banging. This will be my 3rd time in the dealer AFTER the recall. I am at my wit's end! Let me know if the National Customer Service results in anything.

 

[kiano]

Same thing just happened to me. Please update on your success speaking with the national customer service.
As a side note, the replacement of the resistor and pigtail did not fix the issue and they wanted to take apart the dash to replace wiring that 'may have been burnt'. All this crap should be related to the motor failure, but I said forget it. Anyone else have the recall performed and not had the issue resolved? Thanks.

Just had the climate control blower motor replaced fan settings 1-3 didn't work before the motor was changed and don't work now that the motor is changed. Only high works setting 4. I kinda doubt the motor was even changed and if it was changed they didn't bother checking to see if it worked or not.

 

[WhoaTed]

Just had the climate control blower motor replaced fan settings 1-3 didn't work before the motor was changed and don't work now that the motor is changed. Only high works setting 4. I kinda doubt the motor was even changed and if it was changed they didn't bother checking to see if it worked or not.

Resistor will set you straight.

 

[SLOANSMITTY]

Ford makes a pigtail replacement connector. That, plus the resistor, takes about 1/2 hour of labor to replace. I think you’re being overcharged.

This is a TSB about the connector (not a recall): https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/tsbs/2019/MC-10163573-0001.pdf

This will show you how to replace it: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=42Ae37Zx90E

What was the cost of the parts and the labor charge?

I actually watched this video and replaced my pigtail connector, TWICE!!! (great video by the way) I could get it to work for 5 months and then the wiring would burn out or melt the connectors. This whole wiring issue is crap and insane. I gave up on fixing the rear AC. I don't want to fix the front wiring again but it's in the 90s here in TN for the next 4 months. I would sale it but would be lucky to get 2K for the Expd. It's a 2014 with 243K miles. PLUS the whole board under the passenger seat that runs the hot and cold seat temps is shot. IT's just a piece of crap. BUT THE chairs are cozy, haha.