Rattle in the trunk

[Russael]

'Sup everyone.  Long time no visit.

 

So I still have the 2013 Energi.  Has just shy of 40k miles on it and still looks and drives like new.

 

Getting ready to take it in for the coolant flush since it is now 6 years old... and a new rattle that has appeared somewhere in the trunk.

 

It sounds more like plastic than metal to metal rattling (no, it's not the bar at the top of the trunk).  Sounds further down, like the cooling fan.

 

I pulled the foam tray that holds the air compressor and charging cable (yeah, that needs to be replaced too) and searched everywhere for anything loose.  Nothing found.  Not until I lightly tapped on the driver's side cooling fan in the base.  Rattles like crazy.

 

Someone in the Fusion Hybrid forum said they had to have a cooling fan replaced too.  This thing rattles like crazy at any speed.  Went to the grocery store and filled the trunk and the sound became significantly more muffled, so it has to be one of these stupid fans.

 

Yay for a 7 year Premiumcare warranty.  Didn't get the rental; never thought I'd need it.  Sadly, the wife's car got t-boned last year (one month before we wed) so I gave her the Fusion.  Figure we'd go down to 2 cars for the time being.  Insurance is already insane here in Michigan.

 

Hopefully I'll get the car in this week or next and let you know if the fan is indeed the culprit.

 

I will say... this thing hasn't been the most reliable car I've owned.  HVAC controls have malfunctioned at least 3 times (and still has a partial issue that I'm giving up with), transmission had a seal go and leaked, now the cooling fan.  I need to get the oil changed in it too.  Going to try the Amazon Basics full synthetic with a purolator filter.

 

[jsamp]

Wow, a blast from the past.  Good to see you on here again, Russael.

 

Keep us posted on the outcome.  Those fans run a lot, I'm not surprised they wear out.  Let us know how much they would have charged if you didn't have the Premium Care as I am beyond all my warranties.

[Russael]

The part appears to be $236 for the whole assembly on Fordparts, or 173 just for the fan itself, so I'm guessing that plus whatever the going labor rate is.

 

Looks like the dealership doesn't have it in stock either, so they'll have to keep the car at least overnight.  Bleh.

[Russael]

Changed my mind about getting it fixed.  I folded up some cardboard and jammed it under the metal plate.  Rattle gone.  I saw a TSB somewhere about that particular rattle with something working its way loose.  But it's taken care of for now.

 

Still heading to the stealership tomorrow to get the coolant changed out.

[Russael]

So... rattle returned a day later.  Removed that piece of cardboard and unmounted the fan (just 2 bolts holding it in place), wiggled it around, and remounted it.  Rattle gone and has been for a few months.  Go figure.  *shrug*

 

Coolant service was about 140 bucks.  Should be good for 3 more years.  Changed the oil myself and that's set for 2 more years.

 

I have slightly less than a year remaining on the Ford PremiumCare warranty plan.

 

Still debating on trading it in while it is still worth a little something.  Would love a Tesla model 3 (mainly for the AWD since I live in Michigan), but since Michigan is unwilling to allow Tesla to "sell" here, getting repairs done would be an adventure... and incredibly time consuming according to many customers who own them.  One Youtube channel, The Fast Lane Car, bought a Model 3 and wound up reverse crunching it in to a wall a few weeks after taking delivery.  2 months later... still waiting to get it back.  Makes me wonder, how a vehicle with all the backup sensors it has, managed to do that.  Unless the owners kid ignored it.  Other repairs take stupid amounts of time too.  Ordering missing parts (such as a lug nut) take a month.

 

I absolutely love Tesla's mission, but I absolutely loathe how much pressure they put on the employees and how they keep toying with their livelihood.  So many hirings and layoffs.  You can't keep screwing with your workforce.  I hope they get better.

 

Oh, the other thing stopping me from a Model 3 - the INSURANCE.  I have AAA with multi product discount, and all the good stuff... and of course, knocked for the accident last year since yay, no fault state.  For broad collision with a 1k deductible, is a psychotic 1392 for SIX months, or 2784 per year, more than double what the Fusion is... that's actually more than a Model S was too (1350/6 months).

 

So, I think we'll be keeping this for a while longer.  Maybe Michigan will change with the new governator... we'll see how things go.

[16vjohn]

I have a Model 3 in addition to the Fusion. Great car. TFL's experience was for body work (totally 100% avoidable), which yes, if you need body work it'll be an adventure. More indy shops are popping up, so you should be able to get body work done in your metro area. Note, most Service King's are Tesla certified, and they're in MI. 

 

Keep in mind, my Model 3 cost ~60% more to insure than the Fusion. I still think some of this is carryover from the Model S, which is all aluminum and had more mechanical issues. The Model 3 is mostly steel, except for the 4 doors. Last thing I'll say is they're stupid simple and the Model 3 is well sorted chassis, they've learned from their Model S/X mistakes. You're unlikely to need as much service as you think you will need.

 

I will say, the range still leaves something to be desired... especially if you plan to road trip. Supercharging is evolving fast, but it's still inconvenient. The Fusion is a nice balance. My advice, save your money and wait for the Model 3 platform to mature. Pick one up second-hand for 1/2 price in a year or two.

 

Cheers.