Since I bought this car back in May, I've been getting a really harsh bump within the first 10mph during rapid acceleration. It didn't happen every single time, but probably 3 out of 5 times. I searched TSBs for the car and found one that fit the description perfectly.
For interested parties, the TSB is 11-9-11 and states the following:
Some 2009 Edge, MKS, and Flex vehicles built on or after 5/4/2009, 2010-2011 Edge, Flex, MKS, MKT, MKX, Taurus, and 2011 Explorer vehicles built on or before 4/15/2011 may have a sluggish acceleration or hesitation feel during a rolling stop 0-8Km/h (0-5mph) followed by a harsh bump or feel like a slip on take-off from a stop followed by a harsh bump.
It took over a month to get the car in at my local dealership, but my appointment finally arrived yesterday. They had to order the parts to perform the TSB, but I got the car back today and it seems to have fixed the problem. What they found was interesting. Apparently, another dealership had applied this TSB, but they did it incorrectly. The resolution is to remove a check ball from the valve body and insert a plug into one of the holes in one of the separator plates. When that work is completed, the software is supposed to be updated. When the car was previously serviced, they updated the software, but didn't perform the mechanical modifications. This left the car with a VERY harsh bump at acceleration. It felt almost like the front wheels were hopping a curb. In fact, when the technician rode along with me, he said he wouldn't be surprised if the transmission would need to be replaced. He had never felt one that harsh.
When I dropped the car off, I also mentioned two other issues. On occasion, I hear a metallic ping/pop when I cut the wheel and start to move the car in reverse. As it turns out, there is also a TSB out for this issue. They have ordered the parts, but I'll need to bring the car back in another time to have this fixed. It looks fairly simple in that it is only a special type of washer that needs to be inserted between the hub assembly and the CV shaft.
The third issue was a crack in the driver's seat pad. It's not cracked along any visible wear lines, but seems to be totally random. In my research, I've become disappointed in the materials used in the seating of these cars. This seems to be a common issue. Thankfully, it is covered under warranty. The new seat bottom is on its way.
Between selling my house and trying to get the transmission issue resolved, it totally slipped my mind that the blend door motor is making a crazy scratching noise every time I start the car with the A/C on. From what I've read, this is a sign of failure. To be honest, that is pretty low on my priority list at this time, but I'll try to get it resolved as well.
I mentioned earlier in this thread that I was planning to install aftermarket rotors and pads. I figured I would go ahead and have them machine the factory rotors to extend the life a few more months, but they said their system is showing they have been machined within the last 12,000 miles, so they wouldn't do it. Oh well, the factory brakes are nothing to write home about anyway.
So, how was everyone else's day? Haha!
