Missing Passenger Door Button - $870 Repair

[Kamuelaflyer]

This is were I'm going to once again point out how dumb the button-instead-of-a-handle system is. I hope to God that Ford quickly abandons this 'idea'...

Among other things, it's a drag issue. And this system is actually less complex than flush handles ala Tesla. I far prefer this configuration.

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[superdave80]

Among other things, it's a drag issue. And this system is actually less complex than flush handles ala Tesla. I far prefer this configuration.

The handles they put on for you to grab stick out farther than the semi-recessed handles on my previous cars. And I'd be shocked if going from an aerodynamic handle design to the Mach-E button design or the Tesla flush handles saves more than a mile or two of range.

I actually tried to find out how much handles affect drag, but couldn't find much. The only 'solid' number I could find was a paper written about a decade ago... and the affects cited were on the scale of 0.001 to .0001 in the coefficent of drag, for a vehicle that has a coefficent of around .21. So, not a whole lot.

 

[Kamuelaflyer]

The handles they put on for you to grab stick out farther than the semi-recessed handles on my previous cars. And I'd be shocked if going from an aerodynamic handle design to the Mach-E button design or the Tesla flush handles saves more than a mile or two of range.

I actually tried to find out how much handles affect drag, but couldn't find much. The only 'solid' number I could find was a paper written about a decade ago... and the affects cited were on the scale of 0.001 to .0001 in the coefficent of drag, for a vehicle that has a coefficent of around .21. So, not a whole lot.

This is a bit old information as I got it during the lead up to deliveries from a couple of engineers who were involved in the MME design. It’s also from memory which isn’t quite what it used to be.

The current front door handles draft off the outside rear view mirrors. The amount of drag they add is pretty close to nothing. Apparently the difference in drag between the current design and location and a conventional design and location was quite significant. It was also lower than flush door handles and far less complicated of course. Keep in mind that every bit of stuff hanging out, even a fractional amount, adds to parasite drag and it all adds up.

Be all that as it may, you’re not required to like nor approve of the current configuration of door handles. While I consider them to be an iconic feature of the MME, you don’t have to agree in the slightest.

 

[cdubs70]

Kinda confused why the work order says "Replace Keyless Entry Pad". That would be on the drivers side, not the passenger side.

Does the dealership have the correct part on the repair order or is this just a typical 5 IQ service advisor?

I also wondered this. Passenger side doesn't have keyless entry pad. I can see that component being expensive. I can't see a button being expensive. OP... is it possible they typed the wrong product into the computer?

 

[Logal727]

typical 5 IQ service advisor?

I lol’d

 

[Space Buff]

We’ll, I’ve liked them up until now. Wait for Ford to call me back and see what they say.

I also wondered this. Passenger side doesn't have keyless entry pad. I can see that component being expensive. I can't see a button being expensive. OP... is it possible they typed the wrong product into the computer?

Possibly,

it looks like the correct part online is $250-350. That leaves $450 for labor. Not sure how long the R&R takes.

 

[Reality Check]

For anyone that hates them or worries about their added drag, I saw there is a “door handle delete” kit being sold online: Mach-E Door Handle Delete Kit.

EV-VIDA sells a bunch of after-market mods for various EVs. They’ve even got a $99 kit for adding the missing hands-free (foot-activated) liftgate opener to any MMEs that has a powered liftgate: Mach-E Hands-free Liftgate Module Kit.

 

[azerik]

We’ll, I’ve liked them up until now. Wait for Ford to call me back and see what they say.


Possibly,

it looks like the correct part online is $250-350. That leaves $450 for labor. Not sure how long the R&R takes.

They pull the entire door panel and upper door off in order to get to it. About 1.5 hours labor

 

[bdonpwn]

The current front door handles draft off the outside rear view mirrors. The amount of drag they add is pretty close to nothing. Apparently the difference in drag between the current design and location and a conventional design and location was quite significant. It was also lower than flush door handles and far less complicated of course. Keep in mind that every bit of stuff hanging out, even a fractional amount, adds to parasite drag and it all adds up.

Fun fact: Some drag induction can be a good thing where the introduction of turbulent flow reduces drag on other parts of the vehicle. This is often done with what is known as a vortex generator where it’s added drag is more than offset with drag reduction by flow turbulence. The handle very well could be in the slip stream of the mirrors (which have small vortex generating protrusions) and could even further extend the turbulent flow from this down the length of the vehicle, which is ultimately a beneficial thing.

Also, quickly adding my voice to anyone reading that I LOVE the push button door mechanism and dislike traditional handles, particularly Teslas “push and pull” setup.

 

[Space Buff]

Although I haven’t heard back from Ford directly, I did get this from the service manager after I emailed him this morning.

He asked for photos and said he’d talk to Ford.

“After reaching out to Ford and without saying if this is a “known” concern with the MachE’s they gave us the ok to replace it.”

So who knows if this is a good will gesture from Ford or if this is more common that we know.

 

[2021-MMEx-RT1]

Although I haven’t heard back from Ford directly, I did get this from the service manager after I emailed him this morning.

He asked for photos and said he’d talk to Ford.

“After reaching out to Ford and without saying if this is a “known” concern with the MachE’s they gave us the ok to replace it.”

So who knows if this is a good will gesture from Ford or if this is more common that we know.

if that doesn't work, 'test drive' one at another dealer and ask them how you are supposed to open the door without a button.


/no whammy, no whammy...

 

[A-A-Ron]

So who knows if this is a good will gesture from Ford or if this is more common that we know.

Look, every owner who charges to 100% and finds their range is 2 miles less than the sticker range comes on here to tell us about their issues. I’ve been here for quite a while and this is the only thread I’ve seen on this issue so I’m pretty confident in saying this isn’t more common that we think.

 

[Space Buff]

Totally fair, I searched this forum and the FB groups before posting and couldn’t find it. So the good news is it’s a rare thing. No one is going around popping off buttons.

I just wish I knew what happened to it. It would be nice to know how easy/hard it is for someone to pull off. The good news is it’s the passenger side, so not as disruptive if it was the driver door. The bad news is, it could have happened anywhere within about 2 days, so I have no idea when or how it happened.

 

[ChuckA]

The damaged door button is part of a module that needs to be replaced in its entirety. The button didn’t just fall out, it was pried out and probably can’t be done without a tool. Ford’s replacing this is most likely a goodwill gesture as I would think it’s not covered by warranty.

 

[Nklem]

Comprehensive insurance claim......

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