Ford is shifting the blame on a problem they are experiencing with the valve covers on the 2000 Windstar. I brought the car in yesterday to find out why the engine dash light keeps going on (lean fuel, 171, 174, bank 1 bank 2. They said the valve cover was leaking, and that they would have to replace it-- no problem, I have bumper-to-bumper warranty, no deductable, covering the valve covers. When I go to pick it up, the Ford service center guys tell me that the insurance won't cover it because Ford had a bulletin out on this problem, and they are replacing the valve cover with a new improved one. They said the insurance people feel that Ford should cover the repair because it's a factory 'defect'. If they replaced it with the SAME valve cover, there wouldn't be a problem, but because it's an updated version, the service guys said the insurance company would refuse it because Ford was in part admitting it had a problem with the original valve cover. I called the insurace company (AutoGap) after leaving and they said the service center never reported that they needed to replace the valve cover yesterday, only the gaskets.They gave me the number of the Ford Customer Service Center to see if Ford would reimburse me the $360.00+ bill. My friends today stated that unless the valve cover was recalled, the insurance company is responsible for the payment unless they can show in writing that they do not cover repairs listed in factory bulletins... recalls=yes, bullitins=no. If they don't cover it and can prove it in writing, then it's Ford's responsibility because it is indeed a defect. What should I do, or should I just contact the BBB? PS- This 2000 Windstar, with 55,000 miles, has been in the shop almost every month with one problem or another: ABS break module went out, dash electrical system went out, windshield intermittent system replaced twice, break calibers replaced, rear lock came loose, heater 'trap door motor' went out in winter (the motor that lets the hot air into the cabin).... you name it, it's been replaced within the year. I've gotten my money out of this 'extended warranty'! I told the techs. that they would have to call my wife and verify to her I wasn't meeting another woman all of these morning that I've had to leave at the crack of dawn to drop the car off. I actually made them do it yesterday! I love this car, but GIVE ME A BREAK! Any info. about this situation?

Ray,   It sounds to me like your getting the double whammy.  Your dealer is trying to bilk all they can from this "insurer" and the insurer is getting tired of pating for repairs.  I have had this error code (lean on both banks) for quite some time now.  I have not noticed any change in mileage or performance.  I do plan on addressing the problem but will start with a MAS.  If this does not correct the problem, perhaps I will look into the O2 sensors.  I am not familiar with the valve cover issue.  I would like to see Ford's announcement or bulletin referencing the issue.   As far as your issue over payment, I would pay a visit to your service manager at the garage, get him on a conference call with the "insurer" and mediate between them.  In my opinion, the insurer should pay if the repair corrects a problem regardless if the gasket is improved or not.  When technology improves and we use our 20/20 hindsight to find issues and correct them, that is not a reason to renig on our commitments.  Because the gasket is improved does not mean it was defective.  It means that through field testing (by consumers) we have found this other gasket to provide better sealing characteristics.   Hope this helps.  Good luck.   Steven Laughlin

Ray Brent

Thanks for the info. Steve. I did find the bulletin Saturday night discussed on AutomotiveForums.com. The bulletin is TSB 03-16-1, referring to codes 171, 174, "system too lean, banks 1 or 2". It gives all of the info. about the situation and says that the problem is covered under the bumper-to-bumper warrenty. It also says do not replace the PCM, MAF, or heat oxygen sensors. Now, whether it is covered under the extended warrent by AutoGap is another story. I am going to call Ford Customer Service (1-800-392-3673) and see what they tell me first before I call AutoGap back. I anticipate a fight as to who is to blame. I'll let you know how it turns out.