Just replaced all my COP's...

[FritsB]

Re: Just replaced all my COP's...

Don't forget standing at the parts counter talking to other mechanics.......

Yes, about if they should turn the car left or right to start with...

[Ol'Dave]

Re: Just replaced all my COP's...

Dealer's are "suppose" to use a chart to determine billing hour's on Service. But I have personally seen, way to many times, they use the time cards, which the mechanic stamps in when assigned the job, and does not stamp out, until he turns the keys back over to the service writer. (Which would include, all the above mentioned time lapse's that occur during their day!!)

[blue731]

Re: Just replaced all my COP's...

Okay, this is an interesting topic. I did not know there was a potential problem with the COPS. Having said that, in the event that one or more goes out, am I reading correctly that:
a) Cops are covered for 10 years or 100,000 miles on 2003 to 2005 year models? That would mean a no cost replacement at the dealership? Would I mention to the service writer that FORD covers these under a separate warranty?

Also, is there an aftermarket option? Lets say I did not want a FORD COPS, but an actual performance part, which I think would permanently fix the issue. Has anyone identified an aftermarket brand yet and used it, or is everyone going back to FORD?

Thanks for the clarification.

[RMF1960]

Re: Just replaced all my COP's...

The bigger question is:
Why won't Ford cover the 2002 problems?? If they have determined that the 2003-2005 will be covered, what is so different about the 2002 model, that they won't cover it like the later years?
Nobody seems to have an answer...

[joe166]

Re: Just replaced all my COP's...

The bigger question is:
Why won't Ford cover the 2002 problems?? If they have determined that the 2003-2005 will be covered, what is so different about the 2002 model, that they won't cover it like the later years?
Nobody seems to have an answer...

Somebody did have an answer in another thread. Maybe you didn't buy it, but someone said that the explanation might be that the 2002 T-Bird was essentially identical to the Lincoln LS and that since the LS had been around for a couple of years and they didn't have the COPS problem then there wasn't anything wrong with those COPS. In 2003 they changed the tuning of the engine (variable valve timing and some other stuff) and so from that point on they felt responsible.

It doesn't make any sense to me, but I think to say that nobody has an answer is overstating it.

It isn't as though this just came up in the past couple of months. It is largely why I bought an extended warranty for my car. Now everyone (03-05) has one courtesy of FOMOCO. Good, I got what I bargained for and everyone elses good fortune doesn't diminish that in my mind.

I am sorry for all of those who have COPS problems with their 2002 T-Birds, but it is hardly breaking news.

[joe166]

Re: Just replaced all my COP's...

Okay, this is an interesting topic. I did not know there was a potential problem with the COPS. Having said that, in the event that one or more goes out, am I reading correctly that:
a) Cops are covered for 10 years or 100,000 miles on 2003 to 2005 year models? That would mean a no cost replacement at the dealership? Would I mention to the service writer that FORD covers these under a separate warranty?

Also, is there an aftermarket option? Lets say I did not want a FORD COPS, but an actual performance part, which I think would permanently fix the issue. Has anyone identified an aftermarket brand yet and used it, or is everyone going back to FORD?

Thanks for the clarification.

Yes, you just take it in and they know which cars are covered under their policy. It is a warranty repair. You can read the letter in some of the other threads on COPS.

There have been several efforts to find "better" COPS. Some better ones off other Ford cars don't fit. I am not sure what the bottom line was, but search those COPS threads and you will find lots of discussion about replacement COPS and I think they found some. I also think that the last ones they put in my car under warranty looked different and had some new silicon seal on them. So far, so good.

[carnut]

Re: Just replaced all my COP's...

I agree totally gents!

To replace the COPs is no more difficult than cleaning your sidewalk - it should be criminal to charge that much!!

Folks, if you have even changed a tire you CAN replace the COPs - just pay attention to the way it comes apart. Worst case scenario - your dealer charges you the same as if you never attempted it. You don't even get dirty doing this!!

[MATBird]

Re: Just replaced all my COP's...

Okay, this is an interesting topic. I did not know there was a potential problem with the COPS. Having said that, in the event that one or more goes out, am I reading correctly that:
a) Cops are covered for 10 years or 100,000 miles on 2003 to 2005 year models? That would mean a no cost replacement at the dealership? Would I mention to the service writer that FORD covers these under a separate warranty?

Also, is there an aftermarket option? Lets say I did not want a FORD COPS, but an actual performance part, which I think would permanently fix the issue. Has anyone identified an aftermarket brand yet and used it, or is everyone going back to FORD?

Thanks for the clarification.

Hi Dave, I see you're relatively new here, but yes 2003-2005's are covered up to 100,000 miles or 10 years. Do a search above for COPS and you will find endless threads of info.
In your search, you will find the proper letter from Ford that state this. You probably should print one to keep in the glove box since many dealers are out of touch or deal with very few Thunderbirds.
Finally, there is a fellow in PA working on some high performance COPS for the aftermarket, but recently had a motorcycle accident so that will be delayed for a while longer.
During your search, you will also find other aftermarket COP options available as well. Welcome to the Nest!!

[Gobird]

Re: Just replaced all my COP's...

I haven't had this problem on my 02 yet and it is getting close to 60,000 miles now. But if I ever do they will be replaced by me in my own garage. I think I can do the replacement in less time then it takes to drink a six pack. I can't see me paying a dealer the money others are paying for something that isn't that hard of a fix myself.

[MerlotBlue]

Re: Just replaced all my COP's...

The bigger question is:
Why won't Ford cover the 2002 problems?? If they have determined that the 2003-2005 will be covered, what is so different about the 2002 model, that they won't cover it like the later years?
Nobody seems to have an answer...

I could only guess but at this point it seems they wouldn't see it as worth it to Ford.

1/2 of the whole production run were '02s.......cars old enough that many original buyers, the people Ford would REALLY be interested in keeping happy, have probably moved on to new cars.

I can imagine that the decision to cover '03s originally was born out of a large number of complaints.

Took 'em 'till just a few months ago to acknowledge that the problem exists in the '04-'05 cars too.

Some-one here suggested the delay in covering the '04 and '05 models was no accident........something to do with attempting to avoid having to face offering the same for the '02s. '04s and '05s are probably MOSTLY still in the garages of the original buyers and the numbers here are really quite small vs the tsunami of claims they'd face from the '02s.

They know how often the repair has been made to the '02s that were returned to the dealer for service. So they must know the '02 has problems too.

What the thinking was is something only Ford executives responsible for these things know but I'm guessing they just didn't see the FLOOD of '02 owners with claims here as a good trade off for FORD.

As the owner of both an '04 and an '02 I find this frustrating too but I do understand that I bought both cars 2nd hand and honestly........Ford made ZERO from me on either car.......so just covering the one car seems like more than I should have expected here anyway.

......and again......this isn't really an especially tough repair anyway........I'd be more disappointed at being discriminated against if this were truly something BIG like an admission of a major engine or transmission repair.

[thehansons5]

Re: Just replaced all my COP's...

I hate to ask, but what is a COP?

[bronzebird]

Re: Just replaced all my COP's...

I hate to ask, but what is a COP?

search the threads.... you'll find plenty of material to educate yourself.

Bronzebird

[blue731]

Re: Just replaced all my COP's...

Hi Dave, I see you're relatively new here, but yes 2003-2005's are covered up to 100,000 miles or 10 years. Do a search above for COPS and you will find endless threads of info.
In your search, you will find the proper letter from Ford that state this. You probably should print one to keep in the glove box since many dealers are out of touch or deal with very few Thunderbirds.
Finally, there is a fellow in PA working on some high performance COPS for the aftermarket, but recently had a motorcycle accident so that will be delayed for a while longer.
During your search, you will also find other aftermarket COP options available as well. Welcome to the Nest!!

Thanks, Ive started a search and have found tons on COPS... even before I posted. Will find the letter eventually. I was wanting to make sure that I wasn't misinterpreting something. I'm not worried about the COPS, these things happen. I have friends that are very handy with mechanical things that can help out if I can't do the work myself.

Regards!