Duct Tape Under Expedition From Factory

[hellohithere]

Has anyone found parts under their Expeditions duct taped? I saw something hanging under my Expedition today and looked under and was surprised to see a whole piece duct taped. The Expedition was purchased 3 months ago, has less than 4,000 miles, and only this dealership has touched it. I immediately emailed the service advisor with the dealership I purchased it from (Autonation Ford Katy in Houston) and asked what is going on.

Here is his response:

"There are multiple things taped from the factory when the vehicle goes down the assembly line. We have seen the tape drooping like that on other new models. IF it does this we just simply remove it. There are no parts taped up during ANY repairs done here. You can bring the vehicle in any time after 8 am and we can put it in the air so I can show you."

Has this happened to anyone else? Does this seem correct? Pictures are attached. I'm questioning Ford's quality control at this point given the history of work that has been needed for this Expedition (rear AC control and lines replaced, over extending rear view mirror motors, transmission clunking, and now this duct tape issue and a new "Electronic Limited Slip Differential Restored to Normal" error that pops up occasionally when the Expedition is started remotely). Any advice is appreciated. Thank you.

 

[nate6966]

I've noticed tape used by the factory on multiple vehicles I've owned, including Cadillac, Dodge, Chevrolet, Ford, Pontiac, Toyota, Datsun, Isuzu, and a Buick. It's clearly NOT been duct tape, though. Usually some other type of electrical tape, thermal insulating tape, or similar.

 

[Deadman]

I just pulled that crap off mine when I changed oil last week. Ws dangling down......

 

[Squark]

I had a piece of tape dangling under mine when I first got it too. I pulled it down and haven't found more since.

 

[cmiles97]

Don't pull it off. It's holding the whole thing together. Only a factory certified Ford Technician can safely remove the "keystone" tape properly.

You would think that there would be someone at the end of the line to inspect it but Ford only makes $10-15 grand on each and can't afford that person anymore.

 

[Flexpedition]

Congratulations on your first new vehicle purchase ever.

 

[hellohithere]

Thanks for the responses. Glad to know it's normal.

 

[hellohithere]

Congratulations on your first new vehicle purchase ever.

Purchased new Audis, Mercedes, and Toyotas and never had this issue. This is my first Ford though and have had more issues in these first three months than my previous 5 cars combined. Thankfully the Ford extended warranties are so cheap.

 

[cmiles97]

Purchased new Audis, Mercedes, and Toyotas and never had this issue. This is my first Ford though and have had more issues in these first three months than my previous 5 cars combined. Thankfully the Ford extended warranties are so cheap.

I've never seen that either on multiple new vehicles, my 1st in 1989. Then again I've only had 1 new ford. Someone must of pulled the tape of before I got this used 17. LOL

 

[99WhiteC5Coupe]

Purchased new Audis, Mercedes, and Toyotas and never had this issue. This is my first Ford though and have had more issues in these first three months than my previous 5 cars combined. Thankfully the Ford extended warranties are so cheap.

I bought a new 2015 Ford Expedition Limited 4x4, also my first Ford in 49 years of driving. I have also had numerous problems, but no duct tape......

Perhaps the Ford pre-delivery instructions (PDI) for preparing the new vehicle for delivery to the customer includes instructions to remove various tape under the vehicle - but the service department did not perform the PDI properly? I’m speculating, but I can’t image Ford would build a new vehicle with tape that quickly begins to fall off due to the weather.

 

[Shaggy]

I bought a new 2015 Ford Expedition Limited 4x4, also my first Ford in 49 years of driving. I have also had numerous problems, but no duct tape......

Perhaps the Ford pre-delivery instructions (PDI) for preparing the new vehicle for delivery to the customer includes instructions to remove various tape under the vehicle - but the service department did not perform the PDI properly? I’m speculating, but I can’t image Ford would build a new vehicle with tape that quickly begins to fall off due to the weather.

I'd bet that is what happened. The dealership missed take ot off.

 

[N8RIDER]

Took delivery at the end of October 2018 and still have some hanging off mine right about the same location. Will point it out on the first service coming up. Thought it was holding in the blinker fluid.

 

[Retiredusps]

That is to keep the noise from the Muffler Bearing rubbing the He He Pin. Only a Left Handed Monkey wrench should be used for removal.Side effects will be and urge to have a few cold ones!!!!

 

[wingrider]

Last week I noticed something hanging down from the middle underside of my 2012. It turns out it's white strapping tape that is some sort of barrier/"gasket" between the bottom of the chassis and the frame. about 10 inches of it has slid out to the front. I'm going to take a couple pics, then get under there with a box cutter and remove the offending piece.

 

[CHRIS JAMES]

i had that exact same piece of tape hanging from the same spot of my 2019 limited when i bought it. it's more like thick electrical tape than duct tape. i figure the wheels will fall off soon now that i have removed the tape.

 

[wingrider]

On my '99 XLT, I found a black box about the size of a pack of cigarettes crammed under the dash above the parking brake lever with a tiny 3 position switch in the end of it. The dealer didn't know what it was/for. and back in the day i couldn't find it in the forums. I thought it was an alarm but never figured out what it was. It had it's own 8 or 10 pin connector into the car. I took it out to see what would happen and nothing ever changed. I still think it was some sort of security device, but fiddling with and driving with the little switch in different positions changed nothing. The car seemed to never miss it after I pulled it.

As a reference, we purchased the XLT brand, brand new. We went to the lot to look for a Windstar and it was sitting in the lot with all the plastics and wax / chalk marks on the glass having just rolled off the truck. We ended up test driving an Eddie Bauer and we bought the XLT. We loved the color and they prepped it while we waited.

The wife got broadsided in it in 2011 and walked away without a scratch. So we now own the 2012.

 

[AAOO]

i had that exact same piece of tape hanging from the same spot of my 2019 limited when i bought it. it's more like thick electrical tape than duct tape. i figure the wheels will fall off soon now that i have removed the tape.

Same here, black electrical tape hanging from that area that I pulled off the night I took delivery. I have a picture in my phone somewhere. Will look tonight and try and post it.

 

[duneslider]

Just changed the oil on mine and it had some black fabric type tape, not duct tape. Seemed more like a heavier duty masking tape. I guess they just use whatever tape they happen to have on their cart at the time.