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Ford Escape 2004: Shudder at low revs

I purchased my 2004 Ford Escape XLT V6 new and have done 158,000 km in it since. I have also serviced it religiously in accordance with the logbook. In late 2009 it developed a shudder when driven at around 1500 revs or 75-80 km/h. The number four coil was replaced at the 150,000 km service, but the problem persisted, so I took the car to the Ford dealer and they diagnosed that the number four coil was faulty. After I informed them that this was replaced previously they then decided that the number four cylinder was the problem and the engine should be removed, head shaved etc. and repairs carried out. Three weeks and $6,652.80 later I had my car back. Despite my protests they maintain the costs were correct. I complained to Ford and also suggested that the vehicle must have been defective for such an extensive repair to be needed, but they supported their dealer. Do you think that Ford has ripped me off, as I am appalled at my treatment?

You don't say who replaced the coil in the first instance, but when it showed up as a problem again soon after I would have first checked that the coil had been replaced. Next, I would have asked for a diagnosis of the problem that pointed to a problem with the number four-cylinder before I had them pull the engine down. If you want to pursue the issue get an itemized copy of the invoice and have a trusted mechanic go over it and give you an opinion on the charges. Armed with that information you could then think about going to your state consumer affairs people for their help.

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