Differential Unit problems of the 2005 Ford Freestyle

2005 Ford Freestyle has "awd malfunction" message (Ford diagnostic code: p1889). Malfunction message comes on sporadically. No clear reason for the malfunction. Happens while driving or idling. When this happens the vehicle reverts to 2wd. This can be dangerous while driving (especially in wet, snowy, icy conditions) and happens unexpectedly. Have taken vehicle to Ford dealer, with no success in fixing. The dealer followed what Ford says to do according to the code and can't fix problem. Dealer has replaced oil pressure and temp sensor with no change in issue. Now wants to try to change the traction coupler at the rear differential without any guarantee that will wok either. Ford does not have a clear fix for issue and will not cover costs of repairs for awd defect.

On Sunday, may 18, 2008, at approximately 11:15 am, my wife was driving my two (2) children to the mall which is located approximately six (6) miles from my residence. My wife related approximately one and a half miles from the mall she felt a pull in the front end of the car and then heard a loud explosion. She attempted to move the car to the side of the road to no avail. The car was then pushed off the roadway. After moving the car a few metal parts were secured from the road surface. I discovered that the transmission had sustained a catastrophic failure. The back of the transmission is missing as well as the parts contained within. The damage to this unit appears to be consistent with damage caused by a detonation. My wife related there were no warning lights, noises or mechanical failures of the vehicle before this incident occurred. I reported this matter to the dealership where the car was purchased. They seemed to show some level of concern after seeing the failed parts and offered to tow the vehicle to their service department free of charge. Ford later acknowledged the damage was caused by a failure of the differential. This incident occurred in a rural area. Based upon the amount of material which blasted from the transmission, had this incident occurred in town there would have been significant damage to surrounding structures, property, and persons. In closing, the Ford corp. Has offered to pay only half of the cost at $2,100. 00 to repair the damage. In my opinion this is an admission of guilt as I did not ask for any assistance, it was volunteered. I counter offered to pay only the labor costs and requested an answer by cob Friday, may 23, 2008. It is not surprising Ford failed to respond. Accordingly, I am submitting this complaint and request a recall of these transmissions due to the risk of public safety.

Have been experiencing the awd malfunction message and traction control light coming on. Had it in to be looked at. Dealer replaced the pump pressure sensor. The problem went away for a few months but has returned. Dealer again replaced the pump pressure sensor. My wife got 5 minutes from the dealer and the messages reappeared. Dealer now says the rear differential oil pump needs to be replaced. I just spent 2 hours reading from other freesytle owners who have been through the same thing. Ford doesn't specify that the rear differential oil should be changed at any certain mileage, but from what I have read this is what causes the pump to fail. Furthermore, when this pump goes bad it causes the computer to mess up preventing the alternator from re-charging. My wife barely made it to work before the care shut down. If it would have happened on the interstate during rush hour I'd be typing this from the hospital. Please look into this as I"m no the only Freestyle owner to have the same problems. . Read more...