Emissions issues

[Edith Hamilton]

I was trouble-free for the first five years with my 2010 FFH, but in recent months the check engine light has come on three times. All three times the local dealer serviced it. First time, they replaced the vent valve. Second time they replaced the purge valve and updated the PCM. The third time (yesterday) required a call in to Ford, but finally they did a smoke test and then found a leak in an evaporation hose at the clamp.

 

My question is, are all these just unrelated occurrences? Most important, should I expect to continue to have these problems? I admit that the car is not driven enough, just a few thousand miles a year. Could that be a factor? Thanks for any advice.

[Easy Rider]

Nobody knows for sure.

Probably totally unrelated.

But that's just a wild guess.

Other wild guesses probably will follow.

 

It's not necessarily REALLY bad to put low miles on a car........if you can get it out and run it for 50 miles or so once a month.

Edited February 7, 2015 by Easy Rider

[lolder]

In your case, the last item, the hose and clamp, was probably always the problem. As hoses and clamps age, the problems appear. I don't think mileage is a factor. The evaporative emission system monitor is overly sensitive by regulation.

 

I just had a power steering reservoir hose leak in a 2004 Toyota Avalon. The clamp was a fixed snap-around type which you can't tighten further. I replaced it with a standard hose clamp that i could tighten more and so far so good.

[TonyHzNV]

I was trouble-free for the first five years with my 2010 FFH, but in recent months the check engine light has come on three times. All three times the local dealer serviced it. First time, they replaced the vent valve. Second time they replaced the purge valve and updated the PCM. The third time (yesterday) required a call in to Ford, but finally they did a smoke test and then found a leak in an evaporation hose at the clamp.

Hopefully you didn't have to pay for any of those repairs as they should be covered under the Emissions Warranty for 8 years/80,000 miles for 2010 models.

[Edith Hamilton]

Fortunately I got the Ford seven-year extended warranty with a zero deductible. It didn't occur to me to ask whether they charged the original emissions warranty or the extended warranty for the repairs. I am always glad just to sign on the dotted line and pay nothing.

 

Ford calls its extended warranties "extended service plans" or Ford ESP. Do you think there is something psychic about all this?

 

Thanks, everyone, for your helpful comments.

[TonyHzNV]

Fortunately I got the Ford seven-year extended warranty with a zero deductible. It didn't occur to me to ask whether they charged the original emissions warranty or the extended warranty for the repairs. I am always glad just to sign on the dotted line and pay nothing.

Well, in that case it really doesn't matter. The car is fixed and everyone's happy! :) Just remember, for emissions related items, even hoses and clamps, you have another year warranty when your ESP expires. See your warranty guide for items that are covered. Have a great weekend!