fjpikul
GT Owner
Data, good luck. Several of us have contacted the manufacturer, only to be fed the "comtract with Ford" line. Perhaps you may have more "executive" pull than we do. Good luck. Captain Picard
Tachometer Stopped Working
- Thread starter BillyGT
- Start date
Kayvan
GT Owner
- Jul 13, 2006
- 4,782
I havent read all 23 pages of these posts; I lost interest in the back/forth some 20 pages ago.
My take is Ford did very rigorous testing to make sure guages work while car is in normal use. I think there are some paid testers here who drove the cars 24/7 for 50,000 miles with no issues.
That said a modicum of testing was probably done on down-time use, and secondary effects of drained-battery, tender use, jumps, etc. and the GT passed those tests, within industry limits.
Neverthless, if the gauges fail (or risk is worrisome), I would investigate investing in a higher end charger like C-Tek that has more microprocessor/capabilities to deal with fluctuations, float, surges, v. the OEM, Tenders which seem not to.
Lastly, if a failure does happen; consider, a hard wire remedy (if possible). I am sure Autometer has ability to provide another option.
At $5K for the module, I would stop by a Doctor to have my head examined, before going to the SVT TEch:bored
My take is Ford did very rigorous testing to make sure guages work while car is in normal use. I think there are some paid testers here who drove the cars 24/7 for 50,000 miles with no issues.
That said a modicum of testing was probably done on down-time use, and secondary effects of drained-battery, tender use, jumps, etc. and the GT passed those tests, within industry limits.
Neverthless, if the gauges fail (or risk is worrisome), I would investigate investing in a higher end charger like C-Tek that has more microprocessor/capabilities to deal with fluctuations, float, surges, v. the OEM, Tenders which seem not to.
Lastly, if a failure does happen; consider, a hard wire remedy (if possible). I am sure Autometer has ability to provide another option.
At $5K for the module, I would stop by a Doctor to have my head examined, before going to the SVT TEch:bored
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DataDale
Ford GT Team Alumni
Ha never thought of the star trek thing.funny guy
I called myself datadale because I managed all the 3d Cad for the Ford GT.
Coming and going to all 30 plus suppliers on the project.from june of 2002 till/still.
Just finished sending ACS some info as they build up there new chassis.
Now I don't know about "executive pull".
I will quiz the the Product Engineer & sales guy from that supplier.
and I'll let you know.
I seen in the thread "Hope Ford will step up" I'll do what I can.
Should I get a line of s**t from them.
I will mention the problem to my management. And my concerns about future business.
With them should they not support the past products.
But I will need to know is?
What has FCSD told you guys?
I called myself datadale because I managed all the 3d Cad for the Ford GT.
Coming and going to all 30 plus suppliers on the project.from june of 2002 till/still.
Just finished sending ACS some info as they build up there new chassis.
Now I don't know about "executive pull".
I will quiz the the Product Engineer & sales guy from that supplier.
and I'll let you know.
I seen in the thread "Hope Ford will step up" I'll do what I can.
Should I get a line of s**t from them.
I will mention the problem to my management. And my concerns about future business.
With them should they not support the past products.
But I will need to know is?
What has FCSD told you guys?
Autometer's OEM Manager for Ford basically told me to go sh*t in my hat when I talked to him at SEMA. Very arrogant and un-yielding. "We met all of the specifications supplied to us by Ford, yadda, yadda, yadda."
Didn't seem interested in the least to try to help. I mentioned that it was no secret among GT owners that Autometer made the gauges and that maybe he ought to be concerned about a potential impact to their reputation. "We met all of the specifications..." Really, it was like he had rehearsed lines and nothing else to say. The personality of a twig. Autometer, are you reading this? I used to buy and support Autometer products - no more.
Just to be clear, like everyone else, I don't know where the problem is. It could be the Gauge Control Module, which AutoMeter did NOT make. However, I just hate their carefree attitude and unwillingness to get involved.
Didn't seem interested in the least to try to help. I mentioned that it was no secret among GT owners that Autometer made the gauges and that maybe he ought to be concerned about a potential impact to their reputation. "We met all of the specifications..." Really, it was like he had rehearsed lines and nothing else to say. The personality of a twig. Autometer, are you reading this? I used to buy and support Autometer products - no more.
Just to be clear, like everyone else, I don't know where the problem is. It could be the Gauge Control Module, which AutoMeter did NOT make. However, I just hate their carefree attitude and unwillingness to get involved.
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DataDale
Ford GT Team Alumni
Thanks not4re this is all good to know going forward.
I'd just like you guys to get a straight answer and a best practice things to look out for at least.
And a fix, even if it is adding some additional backup or whatever.
And to know the factor services parts ok. stupid to replace a failed part with a suspect failure coming down the pipe at you.
Plus we sill buy gauges from them.
I don't want to package there product in a new product and see a thread like this 2 or 3 years from now, on another product I worked on.
I'd just like you guys to get a straight answer and a best practice things to look out for at least.
And a fix, even if it is adding some additional backup or whatever.
And to know the factor services parts ok. stupid to replace a failed part with a suspect failure coming down the pipe at you.
Plus we sill buy gauges from them.
I don't want to package there product in a new product and see a thread like this 2 or 3 years from now, on another product I worked on.
Hope you got his Business Card - might come in handy!
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fjpikul
GT Owner
I work about an hour from the main office here in Illinois. I spoke to the supervisor in charge of OEM projects. Anyone I spoke to was very nice at all times, but the stand pat answer was "we have a contract with Ford, we can't sell and we can't service." No help from them.
DataDale
Ford GT Team Alumni
I understand that AM has not supported you.
They have a contract with Ford, in around about way, all true.
I need to know what FCSD said & Any names?
Unfortunitly we have to peal the onion one layer at a time.
I'm sure you guys started here, but the boss is going to want all the facts.
before he picks up the bat phone. And that all other means have been tried according to Corp G-Lines.
They have a contract with Ford, in around about way, all true.
I need to know what FCSD said & Any names?
Unfortunitly we have to peal the onion one layer at a time.
I'm sure you guys started here, but the boss is going to want all the facts.
before he picks up the bat phone. And that all other means have been tried according to Corp G-Lines.
- Aug 25, 2006
- 4,436
Now I will toss a few comments out
The fact that AutoMeter will not chat about or service the product is not only IMO understandably but likely prudent on their part; the relationship is/was with Ford. During the last rally several of us chatted about this issue and Frank agreed to and did approach them with the results being as anticipated.
Now as for Ford not openly supporting the concern; this too I understand and yet there is always a glimmer of hope that they will step into the proverbial arena but there is only a modest compelling reason for them to do so. For most the warranty has expired, it is not a DOT issue; as such IMO their decision to step into the proverbial arena would have to be based on their wanting to combined with their belief that in doing so it would increase their customer loyalty base. The problem with this thought process is if they step into the arena for this issue then what do they do next year when another issues arises?
I share this because a few folks have made mention of lobbying for a class action lawsuit and I dare say that this would not be the phrase or threat that I would present to Ford; this is IMO a need for honey rather than vinegar situation.
Now having shared this I now must say that these gals in very limited numbers were created on an extreme budget in a record timeframe with the results IMO being nothing shy of phenomenal. They were sold at a fricken bargain and are IMO built like a brick poop house and then add to this they have remained by and large extremely reliable even after all of the twisting and tweaking done to them by a great number of folks.
As with many folks within this Forum I have been around and owned exotics for a very long time and the cost of admission to the exotic arena as created by way of the Ford GT certainly shook up Ferrari and Lamborghini; I dare say that they have watched with great anticipation for the “it’s a lemon” hammer to fall however this was not to be the case. Now by comparison the cost of admission through any other exotic marquee is far greater and then once the entrance fee has been tendered to cost to stay in the arena is extreme when compared to the Ford GT; this is on/at any level and I share this based on personal experience.
Now is this to say that it would not be nice if Ford would materially participate in defining and then correcting the issue; absolutely not and yet that which I am trying to say it they do not have to and even if they do nothing they still gave us one “badass” moderately priced exotic that will weather the test of time on/at all levels.
My gut tells me that a the root cause will be defined and the preemptive fix will be fairly painless as such I encourage all to take a deep breath and go back in time emotionally to the day that your gal first arrived and remember just how excited and happy you were.
IMO this is a nit albeit an expensive one by some standards and yet it is still a nit.
Now in closing; there is absolutely no doubt that the cost of Ford GT specific parts “will” continue to increase at a rate greater than many are accustomed to for the very simple reason that there were only approximately 4000 of these gals created and then production ceased as such there is “no” way that Ford could preemptively anticipate all of the replacement parts needed over the course of time as such when the inventory levels are at a must have level they have to go back to the/a vendor and order a new batch each time with IMO understandable and expected cost increases; do I like it; no and yet these are the facts. Take the tachometer as a good example; when the gals were created over 4000 tachometers were ordered however today I suspect that as fulfillment order maybe 25 pieces; this should make the cost per unit deferential easy to understand; furthermore those that were replaced and or purchased early on were likely part of the initial inventory as such had a much lower cost bases and then this is pivotal too; the tachometer by design is an odd duck; looking at the shell of it make this blatantly obvious.
The only way IMO that Ford can flat line prices aka keep increases consistent with parts for other models is if they were compelled to have the other models absorb the price increases but then why would they even consider this as this type of cost manipulating has become a component of failure for many.
Folks these are limited production hand built exotic gals that will always be by comparison expensive to own and this will be particularly true when they get sick and or hurt.
Sorry to rant but after a while I see folks focusing on the nit and the wonderful picture becomes diminished.
Takes care
Shadowman
The fact that AutoMeter will not chat about or service the product is not only IMO understandably but likely prudent on their part; the relationship is/was with Ford. During the last rally several of us chatted about this issue and Frank agreed to and did approach them with the results being as anticipated.
Now as for Ford not openly supporting the concern; this too I understand and yet there is always a glimmer of hope that they will step into the proverbial arena but there is only a modest compelling reason for them to do so. For most the warranty has expired, it is not a DOT issue; as such IMO their decision to step into the proverbial arena would have to be based on their wanting to combined with their belief that in doing so it would increase their customer loyalty base. The problem with this thought process is if they step into the arena for this issue then what do they do next year when another issues arises?
I share this because a few folks have made mention of lobbying for a class action lawsuit and I dare say that this would not be the phrase or threat that I would present to Ford; this is IMO a need for honey rather than vinegar situation.
Now having shared this I now must say that these gals in very limited numbers were created on an extreme budget in a record timeframe with the results IMO being nothing shy of phenomenal. They were sold at a fricken bargain and are IMO built like a brick poop house and then add to this they have remained by and large extremely reliable even after all of the twisting and tweaking done to them by a great number of folks.
As with many folks within this Forum I have been around and owned exotics for a very long time and the cost of admission to the exotic arena as created by way of the Ford GT certainly shook up Ferrari and Lamborghini; I dare say that they have watched with great anticipation for the “it’s a lemon” hammer to fall however this was not to be the case. Now by comparison the cost of admission through any other exotic marquee is far greater and then once the entrance fee has been tendered to cost to stay in the arena is extreme when compared to the Ford GT; this is on/at any level and I share this based on personal experience.
Now is this to say that it would not be nice if Ford would materially participate in defining and then correcting the issue; absolutely not and yet that which I am trying to say it they do not have to and even if they do nothing they still gave us one “badass” moderately priced exotic that will weather the test of time on/at all levels.
My gut tells me that a the root cause will be defined and the preemptive fix will be fairly painless as such I encourage all to take a deep breath and go back in time emotionally to the day that your gal first arrived and remember just how excited and happy you were.
IMO this is a nit albeit an expensive one by some standards and yet it is still a nit.
Now in closing; there is absolutely no doubt that the cost of Ford GT specific parts “will” continue to increase at a rate greater than many are accustomed to for the very simple reason that there were only approximately 4000 of these gals created and then production ceased as such there is “no” way that Ford could preemptively anticipate all of the replacement parts needed over the course of time as such when the inventory levels are at a must have level they have to go back to the/a vendor and order a new batch each time with IMO understandable and expected cost increases; do I like it; no and yet these are the facts. Take the tachometer as a good example; when the gals were created over 4000 tachometers were ordered however today I suspect that as fulfillment order maybe 25 pieces; this should make the cost per unit deferential easy to understand; furthermore those that were replaced and or purchased early on were likely part of the initial inventory as such had a much lower cost bases and then this is pivotal too; the tachometer by design is an odd duck; looking at the shell of it make this blatantly obvious.
The only way IMO that Ford can flat line prices aka keep increases consistent with parts for other models is if they were compelled to have the other models absorb the price increases but then why would they even consider this as this type of cost manipulating has become a component of failure for many.
Folks these are limited production hand built exotic gals that will always be by comparison expensive to own and this will be particularly true when they get sick and or hurt.
Sorry to rant but after a while I see folks focusing on the nit and the wonderful picture becomes diminished.
Takes care
Shadowman
- Aug 25, 2006
- 4,436
Hi DataDale
First of all I for one appreciate your willingness to participate with this issue.
Now having said this I do not think that this is the best course of action; IMO this issue if to find a resolve that has Ford's participation is best presented by those affected when compared to attempting to get the issue to the desk of a person that will listen.
Ford IMO has no reason to do anything so folks need to create a compelling reason for Ford to listen to them aka the affected.
Just my thoughts
Thank you again DataDale as I have no doubt that your heart is in the right place.
Shadowman
DataDale
Ford GT Team Alumni
Thanks for that shadowman.
I'm still going to try on my end. And voice my concerns. (I left a couple of voice mails today on this subject) Shaken the tree see what falls out.
So that I feel comfortable, & you guys know that the emplyees here do beleive and care about are products and customers. I want ever Ford owner to be comfortable with the Ford Ownership & investment they make in a Ford.
Don't need you guys 2nd guessing what you'd tell a friend or family about your Ford Ownership Exsp.
Plus I want you guys out there buying more Ford products with confidence.
Not wondering who the Gauge supplier is of that model.
And the Gauges may not be at fault. Electrical is a mother.And The FGT with all the aluminum, steel, & different plating, coating & Historically some of these materials don't play well with the others. We try are best to simulate time, but it is just that, a simulation.
We need a little root cause first, before the hanging.
I'm still going to try on my end. And voice my concerns. (I left a couple of voice mails today on this subject) Shaken the tree see what falls out.
So that I feel comfortable, & you guys know that the emplyees here do beleive and care about are products and customers. I want ever Ford owner to be comfortable with the Ford Ownership & investment they make in a Ford.
Don't need you guys 2nd guessing what you'd tell a friend or family about your Ford Ownership Exsp.
Plus I want you guys out there buying more Ford products with confidence.
Not wondering who the Gauge supplier is of that model.
And the Gauges may not be at fault. Electrical is a mother.And The FGT with all the aluminum, steel, & different plating, coating & Historically some of these materials don't play well with the others. We try are best to simulate time, but it is just that, a simulation.
We need a little root cause first, before the hanging.
- Aug 25, 2006
- 4,436
Thank you DataDale
There is no douibt that we all appreciate your efforts
All the best
Shadowman
richardhead
GT Owner
- Sep 19, 2006
- 169
Some Additional Thoughts...
Has anyone given thought to the fact most car manufacturer's systems share common technical parameters, since they source/share a lot of common sensors and guages from a single vendor. Might another Ford product's gauge control module provide the ability to drive the GT's gauges...like the supercharged Mustang? Just a thought.
Has anyone given thought to the fact most car manufacturer's systems share common technical parameters, since they source/share a lot of common sensors and guages from a single vendor. Might another Ford product's gauge control module provide the ability to drive the GT's gauges...like the supercharged Mustang? Just a thought.
hollywoodstunts
GT Owner
Can't wait to hear what you guys think about this. As of February 8, 2010 Ford has REDUCED the price of the tach from $2700 to $1,338.23.
BlackICE
GT Owner
A step in the right direction. Anyone that paid 2700 will not be happy, but neither will those that have to pay 1338.
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racelance
GT Owner
A half off discount for Valentine's day...?!?
We're going in the right direction. The only thing that concerns me is if we replace the old one with a new one will we find out a year or so from now that we have to purchase a new one?!
Thanks for the update.
Lance
DataDale
Ford GT Team Alumni
OK shadow please PM.
I'll give you my # to chat.
Need some history to past along to Ford staff to review.
I'll give you my # to chat.
Need some history to past along to Ford staff to review.
- Aug 25, 2006
- 4,436
Dino
Ford GT Owner
At $1300, isnt it still 3 times the cost at this time last year. I think it is still rediculously overpriced specifically because of the high failure rate. Somehow we should decide what is palitable and pass that back to Ford. Maybe around $800???
ViperJoe
GT Owner
That would be perfectly acceptable provided that the problem isn't recurring ..... besides, I've never heard of a tach failure and of the 100+ cars I've oned I've never had a gauge failure. OK, once ..... a $5 oil sending unit failed on a 1965 Corvette (but strictly speaking, that still wasn't a guage failure).