Hi Scotty,
I brought my F150 to a shop for intermittent starting issues. The car would turn over but not start periodically. They said it was the fuel pump and I replaced it for $1,600. Despite this, the car the problem persisted. After some research, I found that the F-150 had a common 20 amp fuel pump fuse issue. I the replaced fuse (it was partially burned but intact) and the issue resolved. I believe the initial repairs were unnecessary but the shop is denying responsibility. They say, likely the old fuel pump burned out the fuse, so the work was necessary. Then he got upset that I even questioned it saying he was a mechanic for 25 years blah blah blah. I think that's hogwash! Do I have a case against him?
Help!
Steve
No, you dont have a case. Depending on the age of the truck you may have needed one soon anyway. Was the filter replaced too?
Was the vehicle struggling at all on the highway or under high loads? Typically that's when signs of a bad fuel pump are first shown.
The pump may have been struggling and drawing too much current, just under the rating of the amp, which would explain the damage to the fuse.
More info: The car has 70k miles, 2016. The burnout was a common issue, I believe there was a recall to relocate the fuse to higher amps. The vehicle had no issues at all, whisper quite, good power. I don't believe the fuel filter was replaced.
I saw a TSB on this issue for some older Fords, but either way, you cant say for sure whether your mechanic knew this issue or not. He may have genuinely thought it was the fuel pump, or he may have took advantage of you. I wouldn't go to him again.
That fuse issue was in the 2009-2014 F150 model years
yep^
PS: What a lousy solution, just increasing the rating of the fuse doesn't actually fix anything,
I believe the initial repairs were unnecessary ... Do I have a case against him?
You: "Your honor, I believe the repair wasn't necessary"
Judge: "I believe pigs can fly"
You're going to serve papers , pay fees, and go to court, to go after a shop for $1,600? With no proof? I don't think you've put thought into this plan.
{blackemo}:laughtertotears:
No. There's no "case". Your only hope was to work something out with the mechanic, and it looks like that option is now out.
Sounds like a crazy high price for fuel pump replacement but I don't know how tough a job it is on that truck. (As far as the part itself a complete Motorcraft fuel pump assembly at rockauto.com is about $342-$372 depending on specifics.)
It sounds like the shop didn't do sufficient research or diagnosis. If you sue the problem is proving that in court. Although you could try small claims court or Judge Judy it's unlikely you'll get anywhere.
To even establish that the old fuel pump was actually good you would need to test it for pressure and volume. Did you get your old part back from the shop? (Really the shop should have tested the pump before replacing it.)
