I need your HELP Guys !!!

[Curlyben]

Rather desperate one this.

Here's the condensed version

I am in DESPERATE need of a PCM (Powertrain Control Module)for a 53 plate Mondeo SCi

Long story short. Engine light came on and stuck in Limp Home. Organised garage to have a look and then found the engine was flooded.
PCM has been identified as having an intermittent problem that is causing non-firing of plugs.

As this is an SCi the cost of a replacement is in the region of £1200 !!!

Any help at all will be much appreciated as it seems a shame to write off such a lovely car due to this matter.

So as loads of heads are better than one, I could do with your assistance.

I've already posted elsewhere as well.
If you need any further info just shout..

Cheers
B

[Curlyben]

Re: I need your HELP Guys !!!

This has to be for an 1.8 SCi model as the part is different from all other Mondeos.

[Caspar]

Re: I need your HELP Guys !!!

Does it have to be from a 53 plate one? If not, what years have the same one fitted?

Have you tried the obvious avenues of vehicle dismantlers who'll phone you back if they've got the part etc....?

[Curlyben]

Re: I need your HELP Guys !!!

Well so far so good.
I've found a spares supplier that has the required part.

Best bit, ok it's classed as used, but DELIVERED for £70 !!!!!

With a 30 day guarantee to boot..

here's the URL: Cheap Car Parts Jap Car Parts From Online Car Breakers
So far excellent service.

[Caspar]

Re: I need your HELP Guys !!!

I've used them. They were verey good with me. Hope you experience is the same!

[Curlyben]

Re: I need your HELP Guys !!!

Well I had a feeling it was too easy.
Had a call to inform me that their system was incorrect and that the part didn't actually exist.

I did a whole load more searching with other part sites to get no result.
In the end I have found a company that claim they can repair the unit.
So off it's gone to them.

[Caspar]

Re: I need your HELP Guys !!!

Just stumbled across this, don't know whether it's of any interest. I hope the place you sent it to knows what they're doing the PCM controls nearly everything on a Focus! They can be reprogrammed, but I would guess you've already tried this option?

It would appear you have a PCM fitted to your car which is not fit for purpose. As defined in the sale of Goods Act. In that it developed a fault that Ford via their agents failed to diagnose or rectify. A fault which has been proved by two independent auto electricians.

Now if you read the linked to Sale of Goods Act fact sheet you will come across this paragraph;

"For up to six years after purchase (five years from discovery in Scotland) purchasers can demand damages (which a court would equate to the cost of a repair or replacement)"

Now all that said, where two parties dispute the interpretation of said Act. It may need to be tested in a Court of Law, now that is not as expensive as one may first think.
Small Claims Court Online

Lets for example look at your dispute with Ford. Would a Small Claims Court look at your case, and agree it was reasonable to assume there was indeed a fault with or induced within the PCM whilst being worked on by Fords agents under the warranty period? Would it also be reasonable to expect said agents to diagnose and rectify the fault. Would it be reasonable to assume the PCM on any car should function correctly for at least a period of six years?

If the answer any third party would come to, is yes to all points raised above. Then it has got to be worth the £70 to £80 fee for submitting the claim to the court.

Truth of the matter is the majority of companies will initially reject any claims put to them by a disgruntled customer. This initial rejection is to test you on three points.
1. Are you aware of your rights under the Sale of Goods Act.
2. Do you have a total belief in your claim.
3. Do you have the resolve to pursue the claim.

Put your case in writing to Ford, and see what they say. You may be surprised to find they may indeed choose to settle the claim with you. Rather than have your claim tested in court and found in your favour. Thus opening the floodgates to claims of a similar nature.

I would appreciate, considering the time I've put over to offering this advice. That you in turn keep the forum up to speed with any communications you enter into with Fords, their replies. And or wither you do indeed eventually pursue them in the Small Claims Court. Or even choose to do none of the above...just for the record you understand.

[Curlyben]

Re: I need your HELP Guys !!!

Too heavy in this case Casper.
Bear in mind this is a second hand car and normal wear and tear would cover it.
Another part, the EGR, malfunctioning could cause this failure of the PCM.

PCM's can and do go bad.

[Caspar]

Re: I need your HELP Guys !!!

I know. Thought it worth mentioning just in case. They are ****ing expensive!

[di30]

Re: I need your HELP Guys !!!

Hi Curlyben

I have no idea on these things, my brother in law is a mechanic for Fords, but its always difficult to get hold of him, if he does get back to me sooner rather then later, cos i understand you want this sorted for as soon as possible, then I shall see what he says about this too.

Meanwhile I wish you luck and hope this matter is resolved soon, and you receive a very reasonable price all round.

[Curlyben]

Re: I need your HELP Guys !!!

Thanks Di, but I bet he laughs

Ford only made the SCi Mondeo for 5 years and alot of the parts are unique to this car.

[di30]

Re: I need your HELP Guys !!!

Hiya

I know he himself has a Ford Mondeo 2.4 V6 (petrol), don't know how old it is though, but he loves his Mondeo's.

[Curlyben]

Re: I need your HELP Guys !!!

Hmm might be promising then..

[di30]

Re: I need your HELP Guys !!!

I have just been ringing his house, but no-one there, but just remembered he plays darts on a Wednesday night, and he has no answermachine and i do not have his new moby number, will try again later, but hope you find the answers soon though just in case.

[Curlyben]

Re: I need your HELP Guys !!!

Anyway some good news.

I had the unit shipped to an ECU specialist.
They have run diags on it and found it has been "spiked"
Best of all they CAN repair it, no not $63 million, but £265 and it will be back with the dealer early next week.

The voltage spike was caused by a malfunctioning coil pack.
Of course as this is my car it's not that simple.
It has FOUR coil packs, one per cylinder, so they all need replacing at £80 per.
No matter as that's way less than the £1200 for a single part..

I'm not about to cross my fingers just yet though