2019 Heater Box failed. Getting rid of this truck.

[shreddyloam]

So about a week ago, my heater/AC stopped working. When turning the blower off, there would be a whirling/clanking behind the dash. Sounded like bouncing a ball in a tiny box. No matter the setting, it would only blow lukewarm air out of the vent. I figured it was the blend door actuator and took it to the dealer for an estimate. Since I’m at 40k miles, I’m just out of warranty and paid $199 for a diagnostic.

No loaners or shuttle ride back home at the dealer, so I was another $50 uber added to the bill. A few hours later, got a call saying that the Heater Box was breaking and would soon be completely broken. Repair included pulling the dash, pulling the old heater box, putting a new one in, putting the dash back in, and fully changing any AC refrigerant. Said it would be $3700 minimum for the repair.

So heater goes out and I’m out:
$3700
$199
$100 in rides to the dealer

And all in a truck with bucking/surging when cold, an existing dash rattle whenever you hit the throttle, and the terrible slip yoke clunk. Sold my 1999 ranger for this one thinking Ford got their ducks in a row in the last 20 years, but I’m really not convinced.

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[diesel924]

Bummer.

 

[Frenchy]

Unfortunately this is a common issue for the first and possibly the second-year ranger. My truck had this problem as well. What really happened is the case itself warped and causes the Lindor to not move in the correct position. Should the repair cost that much? Well if the labor is that high out there maybe but even then it should not take that much. It's your call what you do

 

[shreddyloam]

Yeah it’s the Bay Area so labor is quite expensive. Just a damn shame that there are common problems like this, and the only option is to shell out that much money for failing plastic bits.

 

[Frenchy]

It is the joy of having the first year of a new model vehicle. That part isnt uncommon

 

[JesseS]

Just for fun I ran your numbers at Zeigler's for an extended warranty, because your under 3 years and 41,000 miles a 5 year (from sale date) 75K mile with $200 deductible is $1055, how long you wait until you notice the heater box issue is up to you.

 

[WNCblueridge]

Unfortunately this is a common issue for the first and possibly the second-year ranger. My truck had this problem as well. What really happened is the case itself warped and causes the Lindor to not move in the correct position. Should the repair cost that much? Well if the labor is that high out there maybe but even then it should not take that much. It's your call what you do

I would assume this is common issue on all models (not just 19&20) considering all the cost cutting measures they had done on 21 model compared to earlier models

 

[Frenchy]

I would assume this is common issue on all models (not just 19&20) considering all the cost cutting measures they had done on 21 model compared to earlier models

Until the problem shows up on the 2021 model we will not know. Something to keep in mind, when manufacturers have an issue and end up having a fix chances are the replacement part or parts are much sturdier compared to the original. After getting the distribution box fix last year I have not had the issue any more

 

[JesseS]

With this being a 'new' truck, and with the number of issues being reported, I will be getting a 7/60 extended warranty/service plan, I have a feeling it will pay for itself in the long run, and the price is reasonable.

 

[alcohenusa]

Yeah it’s the Bay Area so labor is quite expensive. Just a damn shame that there are common problems like this, and the only option is to shell out that much money for failing plastic bits.

You might consider contacting Ford Customer Service and see what they may be willing to do for you. It may be worth a shot since this is a known issue and they had issued a TSB about it.

 

[Frenchy]

With this being a 'new' truck, and with the number of issues being reported, I will be getting a 7/60 extended warranty/service plan, I have a feeling it will pay for itself in the long run, and the price is reasonable.

Having the extended warranty isnt a bad idea in general. If anything I will state that most of the issues I see reported were manufacturer defects or caused by user error(like installing certain things). I consider myself lucky as the only two problems I had was the HVAC box and the stupid handbrake boot.

 

[RedDakooter05]

Have you considered an independent shop?

They tend to be cheaper, and dare I say, more competent than dealer "techs".

 

[Frenchy]

Have you considered an independent shop?

They tend to be cheaper, and dare I say, more competent than dealer "techs".

Depending on the shop you aren't wrong. Something to consider though is the Ranger uses the oh so wonderful 1234YF refrigerant so younhave to have the particular machine to evacuate and recharge(shall I mention that 1234YF isnt cheap either!!)

 

[JesseS]

Having the extended warranty isnt a bad idea in general. If anything I will state that most of the issues I see reported were manufacturer defects or caused by user error(like installing certain things). I consider myself lucky as the only two problems I had was the HVAC box and the stupid handbrake boot.

I actually have had good luck with most of my vehicles, with little to no issues of note. With the exception of my Class A RV, which has had several thousand dollars of warranty work done, the latest being the vinyl peeling off both driver and passenger seats, needing a $2100 recover. Good thing I sprung for the extended factory warranty.

 

[RedDakooter05]

Depending on the shop you aren't wrong. Something to consider though is the Ranger uses the oh so wonderful 1234YF refrigerant so younhave to have the particular machine to evacuate and recharge(shall I mention that 1234YF isnt cheap either!!)

Can't be that uncommon though right?

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