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Was driving the other day in cruise control at 55mph and out of nowhere the truck cancelled it and the dashed flashed like a Christmas tree with warning lights and the truck went into limp mode. Got it towed to a dealer and their first diagnostic was for a crankshaft position sensor fault.
After they looked into if further, they removed the grommet from the top of the bell housing where the sensor is located and noticed an acorn. Using their snake camera they were able to see 5-6 more acorns along with shrapnel from other broken ones inside the hybrid unit. They contributed the engine problem was that a piece of acorn must have gotten stuck and blocked the sensor making the truck freak out. They said the only way for these acorns to get in there was through this grommet since the bell housing is completely sealed. I was told in order to clean and confirm no other pieces are in there is to drop the transmission for $2100 and Ford is denying the warranty clam due to "Environment reasons" of that being a squirrel (or something else) caused it.
1. Has anyone heard of acorns or any other objects getting into the hybrid bell housing and causing issues with the crankshaft sensor? I can't find a valuable diagram to see this part or how this could happen.
2. Does anyone have a strategy to dispute the warranty claim for "Environmental reasons"? Could this be considered a design flaw if a foreign object (whether its's dirt, sand, road salt, water, etc...) was able to get into a sealed cavity through their grommet causing a mechanical problem? The warranty book they referenced was page 14 "Damaged caused by use and/or the environment" to which I interpret as appearance issues, not mechanical.
Just looking for some insight or advice. Insurance will hopefully cover but I am still out my deductible.
Was driving the other day in cruise control at 55mph and out of nowhere the truck cancelled it and the dashed flashed like a Christmas tree with warning lights and the truck went into limp mode. Got it towed to a dealer and their first diagnostic was for a crankshaft position sensor fault.
After they looked into if further, they removed the grommet from the top of the bell housing where the sensor is located and noticed an acorn. Using their snake camera they were able to see 5-6 more acorns along with shrapnel from other broken ones inside the hybrid unit. They contributed the engine problem was that a piece of acorn must have gotten stuck and blocked the sensor making the truck freak out. They said the only way for these acorns to get in there was through this grommet since the bell housing is completely sealed. I was told in order to clean and confirm no other pieces are in there is to drop the transmission for $2100 and Ford is denying the warranty clam due to "Environment reasons" of that being a squirrel (or something else) caused it.
1. Has anyone heard of acorns or any other objects getting into the hybrid bell housing and causing issues with the crankshaft sensor? I can't find a valuable diagram to see this part or how this could happen.
2. Does anyone have a strategy to dispute the warranty claim for "Environmental reasons"? Could this be considered a design flaw if a foreign object (whether its's dirt, sand, road salt, water, etc...) was able to get into a sealed cavity through their grommet causing a mechanical problem? The warranty book they referenced was page 14 "Damaged caused by use and/or the environment" to which I interpret as appearance issues, not mechanical.
Just looking for some insight or advice. Insurance will hopefully cover but I am still out my deductible.
Thanks
That sucks. For that kind of money, check into making a claim with your insurance carrier. That’s why you have it!
Put yourself in their shoes. If someone approached you at work and wanted warranty for squirrel damage, is it on you to fix?
Could this be considered a design flaw if a foreign object (whether its's dirt, sand, road salt, water, etc...) was able to get into a sealed cavity through their grommet causing a mechanical problem?
No. a design flaw is an issue that is repeated many times. IE over hundreds of examples. if we called every one off a design flaw, no one would build anything.
Last edited by Sherman-GT350; Aug 24, 2024 at 08:35 PM.
Yes, this certainly does not fall under any type of warranty, nor should it. It’s just like someone who has a truck in an old barn and mice chew wiring.
Yes, it does suck but you can’t blame the manufacture for a squirrel hiding a nut
I hate tree rats, they also tear at siding, roofing, my wife's flowers, lawn furniture, etc. If it wasn't for my daughter I would be thinning the herd doing some suburban hunting.
Squirrel vs Powerboost
