Car Question

[macaroni]

Our 2nd car is a 2012 Ford Fiesta and we love it.
Last Sept when the battery was running low, we got a bunch of error messages on the dashboard.
The Ford Dealer put a new battery in and cleared everything but said we also needed a new Transmission Control Module. They didn't have one and 6 months later they tell me none are still available and may not ever be made again. What should I do? The car has been running fine during the interim.
Thanks
Mike

 

[rmbittner]

If my car is running fine, I tend not to worry about it.

If no TCMs are available now or in the future, that suggests to me that the car can function safely without it. But if you’re concerned, perhaps a second opinion from another dealer would be helpful.

 

[mso489]

With no symptoms, I'd take your time. These replacements on computer parts in cars are often in response to computer read-outs, and I'm not sure how accurate those are, nor do I think that the mechanics know for sure either. It's a whole new world, and I'm not sure the people who write these programs really know the diagnostics for sure.

Ford Fiesta was a cute car, and on my list in several car-shopping forays. I suspect they weren't made in the U.S., since the U.S. somewhat gave up on small car manufacture before the Fiesta appeared. I'm not sure about Fiesta, but I think Ford collaborated with Mazda on small cars for a while.

 

[Kilgore Trout]

Our 2nd car is a 2012 Ford Fiesta and we love it.
Last Sept when the battery was running low, we got a bunch of error messages on the dashboard.
The Ford Dealer put a new battery in and cleared everything but said we also needed a new Transmission Control Module. They didn't have one and 6 months later they tell me none are still available and may not ever be made again. What should I do? The car has been running fine during the interim.
Thanks
Mike

I'm gonna guess the dealer just wants to sell you a new car.


2011-2019 Ford Control Module AE8Z-7Z369-F | Shop OEM Ford Parts - https://www.shopoemfordparts.com/oem-parts/ford-control-module-ae8z7z369f?origin=pla&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIlPvupJu5_QIVMPfjBx0SSQCFEAQYAiABEgLkcvD_BwE

 

[Briar Tuck]

All I can add is that getting parts is apparently a major issue across the industry, and with Ford in particular. Our local Ford dealer recently permanently closed their parts department because of their inability to get parts. It doesn't bode well for us Ford owners.

 

[Chasing Embers]

AE8Z-7Z369-F Transmission Control Module TCU TCM for 2011-2018 Ford Focus 2.0L | eBay

Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for AE8Z-7Z369-F Transmission Control Module TCU TCM for 2011-2018 Ford Focus 2.0L at the best online prices at eBay! Free shipping for many products!

www.ebay.com

 

[verporchting]

Meh, runs fine forget about it. Low voltage can trigger warnings that may or may not be the problem.

If there’s a problem it will reoccur since it won’t correct itself magically.

Just my two cents worth. The trend is for mechanics to replace parts which is sometimes okay and other times not necessary.

If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. If it is broken and parts aren’t available it’s probably time for a new car unless you’re good at sourcing rare or hard to find parts.

Anecdotally, I once owned a fantastic little Daewoo (I know someone’s gonna say it wasn’t a great car, but honestly the company makes satellites and military grade gear so … they ought to be able to make a basic car) but sadly they stopped supporting the cars in the US and parts became unobtainable. I waited months for a thermostat and that prompted me to sell the car for a bargain price and full disclosure to a college student once it was repaired properly, and they more than got their value from it. For me, it wasn’t viable since I commuted several hours each day and getting stranded was not an option. Not such a deal breaker for a local student on a budget.

Bottom line is poor parts availability equals end of useful life for cars. YMMV.

 

[macaroni]

Thanks to all! Great posts from great minds, IMO!!! Happy Puffing, Guys!
mike

 

[mso489]

To indulge in a little history, Volkswagen beetle exploded the American car market in the early 1960's, and the U.S., despite many efforts never quite succeeded in the small car market after that German retro anti-gas-guzzler, underpowered, non-air-conditioned bug. My first car was a bright red bug purchased brand new after getting out of the Navy, and after grad school. The U.S. tried mightily, with the Corvair, the Pinto, the Escort, and some real turkeys like the Cavelier. Finally, the U.S. manufacturers found their niche with SUV's and light trucks and not-so-light trucks, and never looked back. They even mostly abandoned the sedan market, leaving that to the Germans, the Japanese, and the Koreans. Even Vietnam is about to export an automobile to the U.S. I believe the Chinese are building the entire Buick line, mostly smaller SUV's. The once proud U.S. marques like the Pontiac, the Oldsmobile, the Plymouth, the Mercury, and grand old makes like the Packard and Studebaker (and the Studebaker Electric (!) fade into dim history.

 

[kcghost]

It seems strange that this dealer says there isn't spare parts of this type to do you any good. You could call other dealers of this vehicle and decent amount of auto parts places.

 

[romaso]

What should I do? The car has been running fine during the interim.

Kilgore Trout found your car part for sale in his post above.
I wouldn't EVER go back to that dealer.

 

[olkofri]

Junkyards are also a good place to find parts off wrecks.

Whole 'no parts' thing looks to me pure shenanigans from the stealership to get you to buy a new car.

 

[mawnansmiff]

My Skoda Fabia (2002 model) had a permanent warning light on the dashboard soon after I bought it used.

I looked it up in the manual (I forget what the warning was now) and read of dire consequences if I didn't take it the nearest Skoda dealership to be fixed immediately!

I just ignored it and the car drove perfectly for the roughly 6,000 miles I owned it, passing its annual MOT (a legal requirement over here) every year.

Regards,

Jay.

 

[puff_not_snuff]

These lights are so fracking annoying. I have this intermittent check engine light that pops on somewhat related to the gas cap and god forbid it's activated when I go for inspectio in NY as it will fail for emissions and then I have to pay the dude 100$ just to tell me it has nothing to do with anything really.

 

[EA-6B]

...it has nothing to do with anything really.

"EnnnVirOnmaaaAaaaaaWAHHHH...."

Meanwhile, I've spilt more gas than ever, thanks to those stupid obama cans.

 

[Deano]

These lights are so fracking annoying. I have this intermittent check engine light that pops on somewhat related to the gas cap and god forbid it's activated when I go for inspectio in NY as it will fail for emissions and then I have to pay the dude 100$ just to tell me it has nothing to do with anything really.

Last two cars l owned had a amber check engine light on for a few years. Sensors go bad all the time and an honest mechanic will tell you thats all it is.

 

[hoosierpipeguy]

Google is your friend. Looks like it is available ranging from $212 to $290. Dales

Looks like if it fails completely it will shift gears erratically.

 

[Hillcrest]

Find yourself a good mechanic who owns his own shop. Ask around. My mechanic who retired recently kept many old cars running at reasonable prices. Mechanics at dealerships often work on commission. P.S. Last time I went to a dealer for an oil change they ran my car on some computer and gave me a list of necessary engine repairs that would cost $7800.00 I asked him Why would I do that when a brand new factory engine installed is $3500. (Mercury Grand Marquis LS) ... I never went back and drove that car into the ground. Get a good local mechanic.

 

[hoosierpipeguy]

Find yourself a good mechanic who owns his own shop. Ask around. My mechanic who retired recently kept many old cars running at reasonable prices. Mechanics at dealerships often work on commission. P.S. Last time I went to a dealer for an oil change they ran my car on some computer and gave me a list of necessary engine repairs that would cost $7800.00 I asked him Why would I do that when a brand new factory engine installed is $3500. (Mercury Grand Marquis LS) ... I never went back and drove that car into the ground. Get a good local mechanic.

Once a vehicle is no longer under warranty, I do not take it to the dealer for repairs. Per this suggestion, find a reputable local mechanic.

 

[ssjones]

After a couple of years, almost every part for a major auto-maker is available from the aftermarket. I'd repalce that TCM when you start getting codes.