Problematic 2010 SHO vs shady repair shop?

[A4Quattro]

Traded my 2011 Mustang for 2010 SHO the first week of this month. Took it to a local repair shop since every Ford dealership in my area is booked up 2 to 3 weeks, to have it inspected, have the AC repaired, oil, trans fluid, diff oil etc all changed. Get it back they mention that the back turbo may be causing an oil smell. Go fill it with gas, get it washed, come home, its pouring out coolant, run it right back to the shop, like one mile away. They keep it, come back they said something flew up under and cracked the radiator. And then stated they seen smoke from the exhaust and blamed the back turbo. Also a leak on the timing cover, and LH output shaft. The front turbo had just been replaced by previous owner. I agreed to have it replaced, and since they were going to remove the motor to do this I asked to have the timing chain and components replaced and water pump while they were at it. Along with the struts and brake pads, serpentine belt and tensioner. They do all this work, give me the car back saying the refrigerant line broke and they would replace it free. When the part comes they fix the AC again everything was fine, go back to the car wash, on the way home the AC stops working, battery light comes on. Take it back immediately...the belt was gone! Also now had noise from the front end which they blamed on the struts I ordered from Rock Auto. They replaced the belt, said I should get struts from a local place and send the bad ones back. Bring it home, idiling in driveway I see smoke start pouring out of the tailpipes. Bring it right back...they are downplaying it saying its left over oil from the bad turbos (while engine was out they said the front turbo had oil in it too so that had to be replaced). I insist they figure it out because I had already ran out a tank of gas after they replaced the turbos. They call the next day saying the pcv valve is clogged with crud, the oil separator is full of oil and crud. (Now I'm thinking was that the problem all along?!) Get it back today drive it a few miles with the new struts...its pulling to the right, AC not working again. They adjust it, say I'll need to go get an alignment. Spend another hour and a half with it trying to figure out why the AC won't work. It has freon, the fuses are good. He says it's a wiring problem and either I can take it to a Ford dealership or leave it there so they have more time. Stated that the compressor will come on then shut right off. Also from the start the stereo will randomly shut off and turn back on, touchscreen never really has worked. They said it might just need to be updated at the dealership or need a new control module. It has navigation. So he was basically starting to blame the AC problem on this issue. I'm posting all this to see if anyone has an idea about the AC, the stereo problem, the noise is gone from the front end but was it really from bad struts, were my turbos really both bad, or was the problem the pcv valve all along? It's now cost me about $5,000. It has 90k miles. My Mustang only had 37k but was a rebuilt title. I tried selling it for months for $7500 most I was ever offered was 6. So I feel like now I have $11,000 into it. Did I make a big mistake here? Should I have just taken it to the dealership to begin with? My Mustang was not repaired as good as it should of been after it was rear ended, new back welded on, bad paint job long story how that got pushed off on me Any help would be greatly appreciated its been bad month to say the least.

 

[A4Quattro]

Traded my 2011 Mustang for 2010 SHO the first week of this month. Took it to a local repair shop since every Ford dealership in my area is booked up 2 to 3 weeks, to have it inspected, have the AC repaired, oil, trans fluid, diff oil etc all changed. Get it back they mention that the back turbo may be causing an oil smell. Go fill it with gas, get it washed, come home, its pouring out coolant, run it right back to the shop, like one mile away. They keep it, come back they said something flew up under and cracked the radiator. And then stated they seen smoke from the exhaust and blamed the back turbo. Also a leak on the timing cover, and LH output shaft. The front turbo had just been replaced by previous owner. I agreed to have it replaced, and since they were going to remove the motor to do this I asked to have the timing chain and components replaced and water pump while they were at it. Along with the struts and brake pads, serpentine belt and tensioner. They do all this work, give me the car back saying the refrigerant line broke and they would replace it free. When the part comes they fix the AC again everything was fine, go back to the car wash, on the way home the AC stops working, battery light comes on. Take it back immediately...the belt was gone! Also now had noise from the front end which they blamed on the struts I ordered from Rock Auto. They replaced the belt, said I should get struts from a local place and send the bad ones back. Bring it home, idiling in driveway I see smoke start pouring out of the tailpipes. Bring it right back...they are downplaying it saying its left over oil from the bad turbos (while engine was out they said the front turbo had oil in it too so that had to be replaced). I insist they figure it out because I had already ran out a tank of gas after they replaced the turbos. They call the next day saying the pcv valve is clogged with crud, the oil separator is full of oil and crud. (Now I'm thinking was that the problem all along?!) Get it back today drive it a few miles with the new struts...its pulling to the right, AC not working again. They adjust it, say I'll need to go get an alignment. Spend another hour and a half with it trying to figure out why the AC won't work. It has freon, the fuses are good. He says it's a wiring problem and either I can take it to a Ford dealership or leave it there so they have more time. Stated that the compressor will come on then shut right off. Also from the start the stereo will randomly shut off and turn back on, touchscreen never really has worked. They said it might just need to be updated at the dealership or need a new control module. It has navigation. So he was basically starting to blame the AC problem on this issue. I'm posting all this to see if anyone has an idea about the AC, the stereo problem, the noise is gone from the front end but was it really from bad struts, were my turbos really both bad, or was the problem the pcv valve all along? It's now cost me about $5,000. It has 90k miles. My Mustang only had 37k but was a rebuilt title. I tried selling it for months for $7500 most I was ever offered was 6. So I feel like now I have $11,000 into it. Did I make a big mistake here? Should I have just taken it to the dealership to begin with? My Mustang was not repaired as good as it should of been after it was rear ended, new back welded on, bad paint job long story how that got pushed off on me Any help would be greatly appreciated its been bad month to say the least.

 

[A4Quattro]

I live like one mile from Livernois Motorsport & Engineering too. Should I bring it to them?

 

[SHOdded]

I gave up halfway through, frankly. That is a LOT to go through in just one month. While buying a used car even with Carfax and Autocheck is a crapshoot, it usually is not THAT much. Wasn't a salvage title was it? or a flood rescue maybe? We see these kinds of issues on cars like that. Do you have a 30 day warranty/possibility of getting your money back?

The shop MAY be telling you the truth maybe not. A second opinion from a well-reviewed shop would be my advice. A Lincoln dealership might be even better, they see these EB cars all the time, and can peek into the OASIS history of the vehicle (work done at a Ford dealer).

How much mileage on the SHO? Very likely coolant, trans, ptu/rdu fluids were never changed.

The PCV valve and separator do tend to get clogged. Probably a good preventative is to replace every 5/60 regardless of use conditions. If there is oil pooling in the turbo hoses or the intercooler, that needs to be addressed - pcv OR leaky turbo seals. The turbo feed lines do leak, and that is a relatively easy fix. I personally estimate the life of original turbos at 100K under mixed use, you can glean more at higher mileages IF the seals hold and the PCV system is not crud-ifying them.

Regular plug changes (2.5/30K for heavy use or 5/60 for normal use, untuned) are a lifesaver as well. Tuned you have to be OCD about them. Might even stress the coils.

Compressors do fail, occasionally the HVAC control module. First is to check for leaks and refrigerant pressures. If it works at over 40+ mph, engine cooling fans are likely done for.

The left axle is known to leak across many models. Easy fix. Assuming the hubs come off LOL. PITA in rust belt states.

Livernois does not really do repairs of this nature. They probably could, but the bill you would be handed would be tantamount to junking this car and buying a brand new one. Not worth it. I would rather pop in a new powertrain (or a gently used one) and go from there.

 

[A4Quattro]

They said I would have a one year warranty on their labor. The turbos came from Ford with 2yr warranty. I'm going to take it to the dealership after they give it back and have everything checked. Thinking the AC is related to the stereo shutting on and off and no response from touchscreen. The shop said they had just had a Lincoln with similar issues. I just looked at the Livernois site I agree with you there. Appreciate the help. I will post more after my trip to the dealer. No warranty or anything I traded my Mustang even up. Wishing I had just kept it, only 37k miles vs 90k.

 

[A4Quattro]

I gave up halfway through, frankly. That is a LOT to go through in just one month. While buying a used car even with Carfax and Autocheck is a crapshoot, it usually is not THAT much. Wasn't a salvage title was it? or a flood rescue maybe? We see these kinds of issues on cars like that. Do you have a 30 day warranty/possibility of getting your money back?

The shop MAY be telling you the truth maybe not. A second opinion from a well-reviewed shop would be my advice. A Lincoln dealership might be even better, they see these EB cars all the time, and can peek into the OASIS history of the vehicle (work done at a Ford dealer).

How much mileage on the SHO? Very likely coolant, trans, ptu/rdu fluids were never changed.

The PCV valve and separator do tend to get clogged. Probably a good preventative is to replace every 5/60 regardless of use conditions. If there is oil pooling in the turbo hoses or the intercooler, that needs to be addressed - pcv OR leaky turbo seals. The turbo feed lines do leak, and that is a relatively easy fix. I personally estimate the life of original turbos at 100K under mixed use, you can glean more at higher mileages IF the seals hold and the PCV system is not crud-ifying them.

Regular plug changes (2.5/30K for heavy use or 5/60 for normal use, untuned) are a lifesaver as well. Tuned you have to be OCD about them. Might even stress the coils.

Compressors do fail, occasionally the HVAC control module. First is to check for leaks and refrigerant pressures. If it works at over 40+ mph, engine cooling fans are likely done for.

The left axle is known to leak across many models. Easy fix. Assuming the hubs come off LOL. PITA in rust belt states.

Livernois does not really do repairs of this nature. They probably could, but the bill you would be handed would be tantamount to junking this car and buying a brand new one. Not worth it. I would rather pop in a new powertrain (or a gently used one) and go from there.

It has a clean title. It was running so good when I first got it, never would of guessed all this would come up. The Mustang I traded was 2011 but it had a rebuilt title and the body shop didn't do a great job putting it back together. The back bumper flew off and dragged behind me for a mile or two before I realized it. They had left clips out behind the back tires and the wind caught it.

 

[SHOdded]

Best of luck, the dealer hopefully can figure it all out.

 

[mrhighcaliber]

I live like one mile from Livernois Motorsport & Engineering too. Should I bring it to them?

I live in Redford and work down the street at Roush Performance Prototype in Livonia.

Just rebuilt my sho, and rebuilt my friends turbos, installed brakes, downpipes, wheel bearings, lowering springs Amsoil fluids, ptu flush and diagnosed an underboost (turned out to be clogged 3rd cat) on his sho.


What side tail pipe has the most smoke? If it's the rear turbo, it will be the RH/pass side.

Also, your Rock Auto struts : Did they squeek during a turn or steering Manuver? Were they fully assembled or did the shop have to reuse your springs?

Sent from my PH-1 using Tapatalk

 

[Lostneye]

I live like one mile from Livernois Motorsport & Engineering too. Should I bring it to them?

NO! They are a performance shop not a repair shop and in my opinion not a good one at that.

 

[abs]

Traded my 2011 Mustang for 2010 SHO the first week of this month. Took it to a local repair shop since every Ford dealership in my area is booked up 2 to 3 weeks, to have it inspected, have the AC repaired, oil, trans fluid, diff oil etc all changed. Get it back they mention that the back turbo may be causing an oil smell. Go fill it with gas, get it washed, come home, its pouring out coolant, run it right back to the shop, like one mile away. They keep it, come back they said something flew up under and cracked the radiator. And then stated they seen smoke from the exhaust and blamed the back turbo. Also a leak on the timing cover, and LH output shaft. The front turbo had just been replaced by previous owner. I agreed to have it replaced, and since they were going to remove the motor to do this I asked to have the timing chain and components replaced and water pump while they were at it. Along with the struts and brake pads, serpentine belt and tensioner. They do all this work, give me the car back saying the refrigerant line broke and they would replace it free. When the part comes they fix the AC again everything was fine, go back to the car wash, on the way home the AC stops working, battery light comes on. Take it back immediately...the belt was gone! Also now had noise from the front end which they blamed on the struts I ordered from Rock Auto. They replaced the belt, said I should get struts from a local place and send the bad ones back. Bring it home, idiling in driveway I see smoke start pouring out of the tailpipes. Bring it right back...they are downplaying it saying its left over oil from the bad turbos (while engine was out they said the front turbo had oil in it too so that had to be replaced). I insist they figure it out because I had already ran out a tank of gas after they replaced the turbos. They call the next day saying the pcv valve is clogged with crud, the oil separator is full of oil and crud. (Now I'm thinking was that the problem all along?!) Get it back today drive it a few miles with the new struts...its pulling to the right, AC not working again. They adjust it, say I'll need to go get an alignment. Spend another hour and a half with it trying to figure out why the AC won't work. It has freon, the fuses are good. He says it's a wiring problem and either I can take it to a Ford dealership or leave it there so they have more time. Stated that the compressor will come on then shut right off. Also from the start the stereo will randomly shut off and turn back on, touchscreen never really has worked. They said it might just need to be updated at the dealership or need a new control module. It has navigation. So he was basically starting to blame the AC problem on this issue. I'm posting all this to see if anyone has an idea about the AC, the stereo problem, the noise is gone from the front end but was it really from bad struts, were my turbos really both bad, or was the problem the pcv valve all along? It's now cost me about $5,000. It has 90k miles. My Mustang only had 37k but was a rebuilt title. I tried selling it for months for $7500 most I was ever offered was 6. So I feel like now I have $11,000 into it. Did I make a big mistake here? Should I have just taken it to the dealership to begin with? My Mustang was not repaired as good as it should of been after it was rear ended, new back welded on, bad paint job long story how that got pushed off on me Any help would be greatly appreciated its been bad month to say the least.

I just read through your saga and I must say that it sounds like this repair shop to you for a major ride. I can't prove it but I also do not find it credible that all these components failed just after they performed some other repair. It also seems as though every time they touch it they either break something or claim some other issue is wrong with it. As a next step, I would not bring it back to that shop under any circumstances. If you are still having issues, it might be a good idea to let the dealership run the diagnostics so you know what is actually happening. There are many possible reasons the A/C might not be working and at this point, the engine has been in/out and the A/C has been messed with by the shady repair shop quite a bit. It is possible you have a bad head unit or some other control module, the dealer should be able to determine that for you. Lastly, if the A/C is overcharged, I'm pretty sure it will not run. These A/C systems require a very specific quantity of R134A to function properly.

Smoke out the tailpipe is usually from oil burning or from a failing fuel injector. The color of the smoke can be an indication of what is happening. If the smoke is blueish, then probably oil burning. Oil burning can come from a blown turbo, a failing air/oil separator on the rear valve cover, blown rings, leaky valve seals, etc. It needs to be diagnosed properly before you start throwing more parts at it.

I hope this helps. Best of luck.

 

[Boochy47]

I’m in Michigan I’m about to take my SHO to this youtube ford guy powerstroketech
I hope he isn’t a scumbag he seems cool and knows fords it seems so I hope he don’t try some crazy shit