Coolant valve broken, no parts, buyback: Fix#92

[ZSC100]

I got around to watching it. It seems like it could benefit from an upgrade to metal gears.

Absolutely, but at what cost/economics. Martin and I did this fix at 100kmi, I now have 155kmi on the truck with zero issues since. I immediately purchased the replacement valve and still have it in the box new. If the plastic gears consistently last 100kmi+ that's a pretty dam awesome job by some engineer who made the decision to save Ford a few bucks on every one, but if Ford is so stupidly not keeping spare parts stocked and causing issues even close to what has happened here for the OP then it was all in vain. The reputation and PR damage of something so extreme as a buyback over a $100 coolant valve is so ridiculous there's no amount of engineering effort worth it, ever. Ford should be ashamed the way this has played out. Someone high up should have stepped in, yanked this valve of an unsold 25 anywhere in the US, and shipped it to this dealer first class.

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[KahnDawg]

Absolutely, but at what cost/economics. Martin and I did this fix at 100kmi, I now have 155kmi on the truck with zero issues since. I immediately purchased the replacement valve and still have it in the box new. If the plastic gears consistently last 100kmi+ that's a pretty dam awesome job by some engineer who made the decision to save Ford a few bucks on every one, but if Ford is so stupidly not keeping spare parts stocked and causing issues even close to what has happened here for the OP then it was all in vain. The reputation and PR damage of something so extreme as a buyback over a $100 coolant valve is so ridiculous there's no amount of engineering effort worth it, ever. Ford should be ashamed the way this has played out. Someone high up should have stepped in, yanked this valve of an unsold 25 anywhere in the US, and shipped it to this dealer first class.

Precisely this.

Ford conducting business in such a manner makes me consider if they are more interested in buying back units experiencing issues, than carrying the potential liability until 2033, or 2034, in the case of units sold new this year.

I like my truck, but only if it is supported for the next 8-10 years. I have an upcoming service scheduled and I am curious to know what obstacles I will need to navigate.

 

[ZSC100]

Precisely this.

Ford conducting business in such a manner makes me consider if they are more interested in buying back units experiencing issues, than carrying the potential liability until 2033, or 2034, in the case of units sold new this year.

I like my truck, but only if it is supported for the next 8-10 years. I have an upcoming service scheduled and I am curious to know what obstacles I will need to navigate.

There's no indication that these aren't awesome truck, better than ICE trucks in every way. There are always going to be random failures, due to random issues. I truely believe that the majority of trucks will make it to 300+kmi with zero issues.

Ford does NOT want to buy back trucks, that's very clear by lots of past accounts. In fact they will systematically deny buy backs at least one time in every case I've ever heard of. This is why something seems off here. Either someone is lying and telling the OP they will buy it back, or there is some other issue going on simultaneously IMO.

 

[JRDM2]

Absolutely, but at what cost/economics. Martin and I did this fix at 100kmi, I now have 155kmi on the truck with zero issues since. I immediately purchased the replacement valve and still have it in the box new. If the plastic gears consistently last 100kmi+ that's a pretty dam awesome job by some engineer who made the decision to save Ford a few bucks on every one, but if Ford is so stupidly not keeping spare parts stocked and causing issues even close to what has happened here for the OP then it was all in vain. The reputation and PR damage of something so extreme as a buyback over a $100 coolant valve is so ridiculous there's no amount of engineering effort worth it, ever. Ford should be ashamed the way this has played out. Someone high up should have stepped in, yanked this valve of an unsold 25 anywhere in the US, and shipped it to this dealer first class.

Right, I'm not complaining about the engineering end. I was thinking a possible aftermarket fix. SLM metal printing in single digit or even single unit quantities on the gears that are breaking and wearing out might cost less than a new valve.

 

[ZSC100]

I was thinking a possible aftermarket fix. SLM metal printing in single digit or even single unit quantities on the gears that are breaking and wearing out might cost less than a new valve.

Sure, but the cost to design, test, and organize a platform to sell or offer it, other than thingaverse would not be economical in this case. There's no confirmation this is what is wrong with the OP's valve, the gear failure doesn't ever cause a leak (that I've heard of) And I've only heard of a few (5 maybe) having the gear issue. 5, out of 100k+, that's not even a statistical blip.

 

[Robocop]

My new 2025 Ford Lightning Pro came complete with a coolant leak from the coolant valve. Ford Part # MU5Z-8C513-D. The truck has been at the local dealer for 2 months now....... This part is backordered indefinitely.
I have tried everything, filed a case with customer service and just received approval for buyback.
I really like this truck, and I bought a bunch of accessories for it.
I can't find another 2025 Pro and I am incredibly frustrated that this part is not available for a new truck.
The stress is taking a toll on me, especially since I am short a vehicle for our family.
This is a $ 150 part that is keeping a $ 50,000 truck from operating.
I have bought an A version (MU5Z-8C513-A) for this truck, but was told that it is not compatible.
There is also a B and C version apparently and I saw that the installed valve is a MU5Z-8C513-CD.
Does anyone have any suggestions?
I checked all the local junkyards and used parts business without success.

This sucks OP and I feel for you on this. I don't recommend used parts or junk parts but an emergency is an emergency, so I'd go that route too if I was you and if you love the truck and want to have another one. I'm like you so I'd just want it to work so I can enjoy it.

Having gone the buyback route with a different brand, I'd recommend you take the buyback option. If you're interested in getting a replacement lightning, you might be able to get Corporate to work with you to locate a replacement and organize a suitable deep discount (or an upgrade in spec) to make your situation right. In my case I was given some options to consider as part of the process. I had a deal on the table for a trade and deep discount on a brand new replacement vehicle, full extended warranty, shipped halfway across the country by truck to my front door, etc. Except I opted for a full cash buyback and walked away after the dealer where the car had been sitting unsold for months tried to screw me and corporate on the same transaction that was part of an international buyback campaign intended to keep angry owners like myself with the brand. I took my money and bought a very nice used Ford Lightning for cash and never looked back. I've also realized I'm overjoyed with how it has worked out.

Talk to your case manager about your options. You have a new truck and you invested in a bunch of stuff for it. if the buyback is approved, they can work with you if you want another lightning. You've said you're happy with the truck and it sounds like you'd be a happy owner otherwise so I'm sure Ford would rather keep you as a customer/owner rather than lose you over this. It doesn't hurt to ask them to work with you on this.... to help you make this right.

 

[TaxmanHog]

I'll assume the Mach-E has a similar valve, the DNA of the thermal management system for the Lightning comes from the MME, so one would expect the ongoing production of the part(s) can continue until that platform shutdown.

Then, the next generation of BEV would likely still have similar basic architecture, using similar if not identical parts, has FoMoCO forgotten lessons learned by Henry and later generations of common stock & reuse of solid designs on multiple platforms !?!?!??????

 

[ElectrifyingMe25]

I got around to watching it. It seems like it could benefit from an upgrade to metal gears.

If you haven't watched Martin's Rebuilds video on the simple fix for the Coolant Valve Issue, you should. Problem solved. The link is in the message I'm replying to.

Watch it. Thanks Martin. You are good.

 

[Jim Lewis]

Five pages of comments and no reply from Brian yet (@Ford Motor Company). When the word gets around on the lack of Lightning parts, there will be no resale value to anyone's truck.

 

[B177y]

Five pages of comments and no reply from Brian yet (@Ford Motor Company).

Brian "not AI" initially had a really high engagement with this and the Mach-e forum. Slow decline to what seems like now is completely absent. My guess is that Ford has reassigned him somewhere else now that the initial fire (whatever issue it was that initially caused Ford to assign him to this job in the first place) has subsided. I'll be surprised if he comes back or has any engagement like he initially had at the start.

 

[ka-chow]

I'm also guessing he probably has to take a deep breath before logging on. He get's a lot of heat for being the face of the company here. Not saying Ford doesn't deserve it, but I also get to be the punching bag for my company sometimes and it's not always easy. I probably wouldn't visit as much either. I'm ready for the hate. Bring it on.

 

[Ford Motor Company]

My new 2025 Ford Lightning Pro came complete with a coolant leak from the coolant valve. Ford Part # MU5Z-8C513-D. The truck has been at the local dealer for 2 months now....... This part is backordered indefinitely.
I have tried everything, filed a case with customer service and just received approval for buyback.
I really like this truck, and I bought a bunch of accessories for it.
I can't find another 2025 Pro and I am incredibly frustrated that this part is not available for a new truck.
The stress is taking a toll on me, especially since I am short a vehicle for our family.
This is a $ 150 part that is keeping a $ 50,000 truck from operating.
I have bought an A version (MU5Z-8C513-A) for this truck, but was told that it is not compatible.
There is also a B and C version apparently and I saw that the installed valve is a MU5Z-8C513-CD.
Does anyone have any suggestions?
I checked all the local junkyards and used parts business without success.

Sorry for the slow reply. Not my best work... I have been head down in a lot of other things lately.

From what I have heard is that part is on backorder (caught up in supply chain), but I am asking the team if there is an ETA that can be provided. As previously mentioned, we are still supporting F-150 Lightning customers - parts, servicing, software etc.

 

[ZSC100]

Sorry for the slow reply. Not my best work... I have been head down in a lot of other things lately.

From what I have heard is that part is on backorder (caught up in supply chain), but I am asking the team if there is an ETA that can be provided. As previously mentioned, we are still supporting F-150 Lightning customers - parts, servicing, software etc.

Brian, what we need here, immediately is for a tech/engineer from Ford to confirm if a different part # valve which is the same mechanically can be used here, and if so which one specifically. If so, that needs to be conveyed officially to the service advisor and that part overnighted.

Please personally check on this ASAP. I cannot fathom how Ford thinks this is worthy of a buyback unless they literally know there is no alternative valve that can work here and the part is indeed not going to be available for a LONG time.

 

[Ford Motor Company]

Brian, what we need here, immediately is for a tech/engineer from Ford to confirm if a different part # valve which is the same mechanically can be used here, and if so which one specifically. If so, that needs to be conveyed officially to the service advisor and that part overnighted.

Please personally check on this ASAP. I cannot fathom how Ford thinks this is worthy of a buyback unless they literally know there is no alternative valve that can work here and the part is indeed not going to be available for a LONG time.

I'm on it.

 

[TobyB]

Some more details:
VIN 1FT6W1BM4SWG19781
186 miles

Valve is leaking between the body and the control module as indicated by the screwdriver tip.

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