My first problem - passenger door won't close

[BMT1071]

Thanks. Hopefully it will be an easy fix. Did you have to wait long for them to order a new latch?

I would recommend you mention the latch as the potential repair if they don't seem to have a clear direction.

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[macchiaz-o]

@Evermore and @generaltso,

My Fiesta had a few safety recalls for its door lock pawls, which could snap, especially in hot, dry climates. When broken, it'd prevent the door from staying closed.

It actually did break on my front right passenger door. Luckily the car was narrow enough that I could reach over to hold it closed while driving to the dealership.

Anyway... Was just wondering if you two would think about posting this issue to the NHTSA web site. It can help elevate the issue and encourages Ford to analyze the problem and issue a fix for everyone.

 

[generaltso]

Anyway... Was just wondering if you two would think about posting this issue to the NHTSA web site. It can help elevate the issue and encourages Ford to analyze the problem and issue a fix for everyone.

Sure, I’ll submit a report to NHTSA. I wonder how many reports it takes before it makes it to Ford.

 

[macchiaz-o]

Sure, I’ll submit a report to NHTSA. I wonder how many reports it takes before it makes it to Ford.

It's also possible that Ford submits safety issues on its own, too. But, I don't really know. ?‍

None of this is important... But felt like sharing with you, anyway:

In the case of my 2014 Fiesta, one door latch failed in January 2017. It was outside warranty and should have cost $407 according to my records, but for some reason the service advisor coded it as a warranty item. His customer service skills were pretty great, and I think he felt bad I was driving a Fiesta with the DPS6 transmission.

Then in May 2017 I received a recall notice to have the latches replaced on all four doors (including the newly replaced latch).

I received a second recall notice in June 2020 for this same issue. This time only an inspection was required to verify that the correct replacement parts were used during the 2017 recall. I was able to complete the inspection on my own by following the instructions and videos provided by Ford.

 

[generaltso]

I got the car back today. They didn't replace any parts, but fixed the door issue by re-initializing the door control module. I'm not entirely sure what that means, but it's working now. I don't love that we still don't know what caused it, so can't guarantee that it's not going to happen again.

I also asked them to perform the SSM for PaaK and the TSB for the 12v battery concerns while they had it, which they did.

 

[BMT1071]

I got the car back today. They didn't replace any parts, but fixed the door issue by re-initializing the door control module. I'm not entirely sure what that means, but it's working now. I don't love that we still don't know what caused it, so can't guarantee that it's not going to happen again.

I also asked them to perform the SSM for PaaK and the TSB for the 12v battery concerns while they had it, which they did.

Reinitialized is auto tech speak for unplugged it and plugged it back in.

 

[generaltso]

Reinitialized is auto tech speak for unplugged it and plugged it back in.

Yeah, I was thinking it was really just a reboot. If I had gotten to the 12v battery to disconnect it, it quite possibly would have done the same thing.

 

[BMT1071]

Yeah, I was thinking it was really just a reboot. If I had gotten to the 12v battery to disconnect it, it quite possibly would have done the same thing.

For future reference, is the fuse box for the door modules more accessible than the LVB?

 

[generaltso]

For future reference, is the fuse box for the door modules more accessible than the LVB?

Good question. I didn’t look, but now I will.

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