So, we shared that we visited The Biltmore which is in Ashville, NC about 2 hours from our campground on Wednesday. Well, on the way back from there the check engine light in our 2023 6.7 diesel Ford F250. All of the other gauges remained in the normal range and there were no strange noises or loss of power so I continued and we made it back to the campground just fine. I called the local Ford dealership, Rocky Top Ford, and explained the issue to Nikki in the service department, telling her of our situation of being in a campground and scheduled to leave Monday, so time was of the essence. I k now that dealers have to schedule their appointments and you sometimes have to wait weeks not just days to get in so I was worried about that. Nikki explained that she couldn’t diagnose over the phone, but that if was something relatively quick and easy then she could handle that, but if it turned out to be something major other arrangements would have to be made as she only had one major diesel mechanic and he already was in the middle of a big job. She asked for the VIN and after a moment said that she could see a code that sometimes indicated an O2 sensor might be the problem. My truck communicates with Ford via the internet. Who knew? She said that if I could get it there by 11 then she would get it on the scanners. I was there at 9:30. The waiting room was already full of 8-10 people. My turn wouldn’t come for awhile. Along about 11:30 Nikki came out to say that the truck was in and on the scanners and she should know before much longer what the problem was. It was a bit after 1 when she came out and said “Good news!” It was not anything major, not even an O2 sensor as originally suspected, but 7 modules needed major updating from Ford. Apparently, the way they get you back in to the dealer for updates is to make your check engine light come on. Seems like a low life scummy way to do it on the surface, but when I thought about it I wonder if I would have had the same urgency if they had just sent an email? Probably not. And with what I paid for this truck I will follow the manufacturer guidelines explicitly to maintain the warranty. So now I asked if the local Chick Fil A was within walking distance. I was ready for some lunch, had done some looking on line, have never been to one, and thought I’d try it out. She told me to wait out front and she would have one her guys take me there. I was pleasantly surprised that they would do that. Sure enough, a few minutes later Jum pulled up to me and said to get in. On the way he coached me on their menu so when we got there we were ready to order. As I was reaching for my wallet he said “What are you doing? Put that away. Your money is no good here. I’ve got this.” Despite my strongest protests that it was I who should pay, he wouldn’t have it and insisted. Southern hospitality truly does exist and it is alive and well at Smoky Top Ford! After eating my club sandwich and waffle fries I fail to see all the hub bub surrounding the arrival of two new Chick Fil A restaurants in the Southern Tier. I won’t be in their ridiculous lines. Anyhow, back at the dealer Nikki informs me at 2:30 that the updates are complete and that no other issues were found. I had her do the recommended oil, filter, lobe changes and was astounded at the costs of doing so. This is my first diesel so I was prepared for some extra expense, but I have never paid over $70 for an air filter or $159 for a fuel filter. After all was said and done it was nearly $700 for the maintenance work. The updates were covered by warranty. Oh well. A lost day, but not really. The truck needed the attention and we are depending on it getting us to where we want to go. And it was ready in time to go to Dolly Parton’s Stampede that evening. Doesn’t get any better!
A Day At The Ford Dealership
So, we shared that we visited The Biltmore which is in Ashville, NC about 2 hours from our campground on Wednesday. Well, on the way back from there the check…
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