Mustang Forums   Mustang Classifieds   Photo Gallery   Calendars   Search   Live Chat   Contact MF   Sponsors
  Mustang Recalls   Mustang TSB's   News   Timeslips   Timeline   Wallpaper   Member List   Register   Login

RE: 05-07 Saleen S281. What problems have you had?

  Printable Version
Mustang Forums >> Ford Mustang Tech >> Saleen, Roush and Boss Mustangs >> RE: 05-07 Saleen S281. What problems have you had? Page: <<   < prev  1 [2] 3   next >   >>
Login
Message << Older Topic   Newer Topic >>
RE: 05-07 Saleen S281. What problems have you had? - 12/12/2007 3:08:16 PM   
sowaxeman



Posts: 3782
Joined: 3/31/2005
From: Indianapolis, IN
Status: offline
sowaxeman's photo gallery
My wheel shimmy issue has to be flat spotting...its NOT a balance issue as I have taken my front wheels to both a tire shop AND the dealer and neither found them to be out of ballance.  Back on the road, I had to endure the shimmy for about 50-100 miles before it went away....thus my deductive reasoning tells me it has to be flat spotting (at least in my case).

_____________________________


Saleen Club Of America - Central Region Director
http://www.saleenclubofamerica.com/Central


(in reply to teamgsxr)
Post #: 21
RE: 05-07 Saleen S281. What problems have you had? - 12/13/2007 6:00:31 PM   
dheller1

 

Posts: 17
Joined: 12/13/2007
Status: offline
2006 S281SC 5K miles in serivce since July 07
 
1) Front brakes squeaking badly, feels like front rotors are warped also
 
2) Tires feel out of balance at high speed nibble and shake at driver interface
 
3) Right side dash squeak, gauge pod squeak and rattle 
 
4) Coating inside of chrome rims coming off can see chrome in spots, comes off like loose paint in spots. 
 
5) Fake Chrome is worn off fender emblems and starting to look poor after 4 months in service
 
6) Need to have windshield banner and serial # replaced 
 
7) Rear ground effects plastic mounts melted do to exhaust too close to rear body kit, exhaust clunking when going over bumps, need to have exhaust adjusted and rear ground effects replaced
 
8) Third brake light lens has turned faded pink is no longer red needs to be replaced
 
9) Front ground effects metal screen mesh paint coming off, mesh is beginning to break off at bend points, left side is worse the right
 
10) Composite hood line off on left side of car, too high at mid point

It has been sitting at the dealer about 2 months waiting on parts and doing the run around game.....

< Message edited by dheller1 -- 12/13/2007 6:03:32 PM >

(in reply to torqjnky)
Post #: 22
RE: 05-07 Saleen S281. What problems have you had? - 12/13/2007 6:45:50 PM   
abbas

 

Posts: 471
Joined: 8/19/2006
Status: offline
Front brake squeak is driving me nuts.

I also have a goofy problem with SC Temp gauge. The first time I turn on the car in the morning, I could drive the car all day and the temp gauge will not move (as long as I dont turn off the car). Once I turn it off and back on, then it acts normal. Don't know where the problem stems from.

< Message edited by abbas -- 12/13/2007 6:46:09 PM >


_____________________________

2006 S281Extreme Convertible - Satin Silver - #158
Saleen Watts Link Suspension ver. 2 - Pioneer AVIC-Z1 w/rear camera

(in reply to dheller1)
Post #: 23
RE: 05-07 Saleen S281. What problems have you had? - 12/18/2007 8:42:35 PM   
AL_TOON

 

Posts: 147
Joined: 10/7/2007
Status: offline
quote:

ORIGINAL: abbas

Front brake squeak is driving me nuts.

I also have a goofy problem with SC Temp gauge. The first time I turn on the car in the morning, I could drive the car all day and the temp gauge will not move (as long as I dont turn off the car). Once I turn it off and back on, then it acts normal. Don't know where the problem stems from.



nothing really.

I have a 2006 saleen extreme 36. coupe.

I now have 3000 miles on it.

I get an odd viberation from the rear once a while. not sure if the exhaust is bumping the rear.

I have the E sluggish sometimes in 2nd and 3rd gear. I need to get it re-flashed.




but all those problems are pretty minor car problems! you guys need to drive an italian and then get back to me

I was in my m3 last week....thinking...wow I am getting great gas miliage.....put put put.....pfft.. no power is there..... i have no idea what happened...... i tow the car. to the dealership....the fuel censor went out.... this caused the fuel pump to die too.. stupid **** costs me $1400 to fix.



_____________________________

200 bmw m3 46 convertible
2006 saleen extreme E
2006 maserati qt

(in reply to abbas)
Post #: 24
RE: 05-07 Saleen S281. What problems have you had? - 12/19/2007 7:54:45 AM   
dotbomb

 

Posts: 813
Joined: 7/10/2006
Status: offline
I have had almost all that and the following to add

- No engine bay plaque
- Chrome rim peeling

Both issues were fixed along with some of the others listed here I was afflicted with.


_____________________________

1968 GT/CS Sold
2006 S281 SC #469



475 HP kit (more like 465), 3.73 Gears, "E" Panhard & Lower Control Arms

(in reply to AL_TOON)
Post #: 25
RE: 05-07 Saleen S281. What problems have you had? - 1/18/2008 1:52:15 PM   
redpony07

 

Posts: 25
Joined: 1/13/2008
Status: online
Hey guys

spoke with Craig aka torquejunky(sp) we had talked about the shimmy issue. My car has the pzeros craig had suggested raising the pressure to right at 36psi. Having raced a great deal I thought that if these tires are flat spotting dues to pressure fluctuation or lack of use that nitrogen may be tha way to go. Guess what I just happened to have in the ol race trailer....big ol cylinder of nitrogen 36 psi all the way around and walaaaaa no shimmy please feel free if your a stang owner with this prob to get in touch with me I have enough to do a couple more cars,if your in the Dallas area

< Message edited by redpony07 -- 1/18/2008 1:53:58 PM >


_____________________________

2007 S281-SC#265
2000 Ford F-250 diesel(Tow Mule)
1991 Mazda Miata(daily driver)
1991 Mazda Miata(Spec Miata #22 SCCA SWDIV)

(in reply to teamgsxr)
Post #: 26
RE: 05-07 Saleen S281. What problems have you had? - 1/18/2008 5:29:39 PM   
MikeRokkit


Posts: 61
Joined: 12/15/2006
Status: offline
We fill high-performance aircraft tires with nitrogen.  The nitrogen dissipates heat much more efficiently than air, and there's less pressure loss in tires filled with nitrogen.  Longer tread wear, less moisture in the tire... it's good stuff.  But beware of stations charging up to $5/tire for nitrogen.

(in reply to redpony07)
Post #: 27
RE: 05-07 Saleen S281. What problems have you had? - 1/18/2008 5:50:56 PM   
06Saleen3V


Posts: 5423
Joined: 4/1/2007
Status: offline
To all those with the pink third tail light....why not just paint it black

_____________________________

Mickey@HardcoreMustangs.net
www.hardcoremustangs.net
(619) 596-1202

(in reply to MikeRokkit)
Post #: 28
RE: 05-07 Saleen S281. What problems have you had? - 1/29/2008 2:24:16 PM   
elburrito99


Posts: 523
Joined: 9/13/2006
From: Manhattan Beach, CA
Status: offline
elburrito99's photo gallery
Just thought I'd follow up on having this moved up to be a sticky.  There is some good info here and we seem to have more folks stopping by this forum who are looking at used Saleens. 

You beat me to it   As soon as I saw it come back to the front page I was thinking "humm, I was supposed sticky this".....here you go


< Message edited by sowaxeman -- 1/30/2008 7:07:00 AM >


_____________________________


'06 S281 SC Convertible #1170 __ '90 Bronco __ '67 Firebird H.O. Convertible
'89 LX 5.0 (sold) __ '95 GT 5.0 (sold)

(in reply to sowaxeman)
Post #: 29
RE: 05-07 Saleen S281. What problems have you had? - 2/26/2008 12:36:19 PM   
S281 457


Posts: 27
Joined: 2/18/2008
Status: offline
Mmm, I've got an 05.
So far I've had the HeadRests replaced ($400 paid via warranty) and got the 'rattle' in the back. It seems from what I've read, that its the exhaust, but hate to by-pass those valves as they're supposed to force the exhaust thru resonators for low-end torque.

The shimmy was solved by dumping those chrome rims... bah.  Got something lighter for better unsprung weight.

< Message edited by S281 457 -- 2/26/2008 12:41:22 PM >


_____________________________

Thanks,
Robert

2005 Saleen #457
Sonic Blue
20" Bullit Rims

(in reply to elburrito99)
Post #: 30
RE: 05-07 Saleen S281. What problems have you had? - 2/26/2008 2:38:03 PM   
sowaxeman



Posts: 3782
Joined: 3/31/2005
From: Indianapolis, IN
Status: offline
sowaxeman's photo gallery
Resonators - what resonators?  The exhaust exits out the center tips full time, and out of the turn-down tips only when the throttle is pressed enough to actuate the valves.  No resonators back there.

I suggest you just bypass the valves....exhaust rattle will be solved.  You cannot convince me that those valves will have any impact on torque or hp...if they did then Saleen would have found a way to fix them/design them better rather than nix'ing them on the 2006+ models.  All they do is block off the "turn-down" tips which tames the exhaust note under idle and normal driving.  Bypass the valves, and they are open full time, no rattle, and the exhaust note is improved dramatically at idle & cruising speeds.

See my stickied post about this fix for the easy how to.  Its a matter of minutes to fix it....that or you can attempt to file a warranty claim and deal with all that hassle to get a replacement system that doesn't have the valves

< Message edited by sowaxeman -- 2/26/2008 2:39:19 PM >


_____________________________


Saleen Club Of America - Central Region Director
http://www.saleenclubofamerica.com/Central


(in reply to S281 457)
Post #: 31
RE: 05-07 Saleen S281. What problems have you had? - 3/1/2008 10:14:34 AM   
127shtry127

 

Posts: 20
Joined: 6/16/2006
Status: offline
.

< Message edited by 127shtry127 -- 3/1/2008 10:27:05 AM >

(in reply to AmyVCTexas)
Post #: 32
RE: 05-07 Saleen S281. What problems have you had? - 3/1/2008 10:22:43 AM   
127shtry127

 

Posts: 20
Joined: 6/16/2006
Status: offline
quote:

ORIGINAL: AmyVCTexas


* Passenger side airbag light/sensor doesn't work properly. This is a biggie as it has the potential to kill someone.




Given the seriousness of this issue (has the potential to kill someone) has anybody filed a complaint here :  http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/ivoq/index.cfm  ?

Clearly with the number of people that mention the issue on this forum it isn't a one-off problem.  I also suspect that the dealers have fed back the complaints to Saleen and from the sounds of it nothing has been done for the consumer.  Why not file a claim through NHTSA-that is what they are there for.  We pay for the policing service through taxes so you might as well get your monies worth and make your car safe at the same time.  Can't imagine ever buying a car where I had the airbag light flickering while driving.  My first thought would be "this car has been in an accident and the restraint system is botched up".

(in reply to AmyVCTexas)
Post #: 33
RE: 05-07 Saleen S281. What problems have you had? - 3/2/2008 4:43:24 PM   
redpony07

 

Posts: 25
Joined: 1/13/2008
Status: online
Ok I have a new one!!

Heading to work Thursday morning make a turn and hear a thump kinda like when you run over an aluminum can. I think no biggie just didn't see it and then I try(yes try) to turn into my parking space good thing I am a personal trainer cause it doesn't want to turn!! WTF!

Got parked and popped the hood ....you guessed it shucked the belt so I look out in the street and yep there it is. Pick it up take it in and look at it, looks like it was cut hard to diagnos. Fast forward to the dealership and the fiasco starts( not with the dealership ) the wrench working on my car comes out to get me and says he wants me to take a look at something. We get back to the car and he grabs his flashlight and shines it down on the drivers side idler pulley...WTF! its grooved,.... not supposed to be.

My service writer Craig Ellis who by the way has been great through the whole situation, calls George Lopez Saleen's Cust Service rep( yep thats what I thought) and asks what the deal is according to Craig, George tells him thats the way its supposed to be and thats the right pulley. Well Craig doesn't argue, but being the bright kid he is pulls up the schematic(sp) for the blower kit from Saleen and gets the part number from the Saleen kit...guess what its a guide pulley NO grooves just two raised edges. Then he goes on to order the pulley on his own credit card just so I can get back on the road.

Well hopefully tomorrow I get the car back and sometime in the not too distant future the warranty claim will be paid.

My point is how many of our cars have this problem and will we all get the crappy answer if we try to get it changed.

any suggestions?

_____________________________

2007 S281-SC#265
2000 Ford F-250 diesel(Tow Mule)
1991 Mazda Miata(daily driver)
1991 Mazda Miata(Spec Miata #22 SCCA SWDIV)

(in reply to 127shtry127)
Post #: 34
RE: 05-07 Saleen S281. What problems have you had? - 3/3/2008 6:49:44 AM   
S281 457


Posts: 27
Joined: 2/18/2008
Status: offline
Ferrari uses this technology to 'shutdown' the rear resonators under load. This increases the low-end torque.
Since we ONLY have these rear mufflers, it'd seem a straight-thru system... illegal in VA, who has to know !

Are you saying the opposite is true, the valves just turn down the volume at speed / idle ?

Also, in doing this fix, I assume you do NOT have to plug the line going back to the mufflers, just the vacuum to the front ?

Thanks again !

< Message edited by S281 457 -- 3/3/2008 10:11:26 AM >


_____________________________

Thanks,
Robert

2005 Saleen #457
Sonic Blue
20" Bullit Rims

(in reply to sowaxeman)
Post #: 35
RE: 05-07 Saleen S281. What problems have you had? - 3/5/2008 11:50:31 AM   
S281 457


Posts: 27
Joined: 2/18/2008
Status: offline
Mmm, I'll just assume the muffler side piping can be left un-plugged...

_____________________________

Thanks,
Robert

2005 Saleen #457
Sonic Blue
20" Bullit Rims

(in reply to S281 457)
Post #: 36
RE: 05-07 Saleen S281. What problems have you had? - 3/5/2008 2:04:39 PM   
sowaxeman



Posts: 3782
Joined: 3/31/2005
From: Indianapolis, IN
Status: offline
sowaxeman's photo gallery
quote:

ORIGINAL: 127shtry127

quote:

ORIGINAL: AmyVCTexas


* Passenger side airbag light/sensor doesn't work properly. This is a biggie as it has the potential to kill someone.




Given the seriousness of this issue (has the potential to kill someone) has anybody filed a complaint here :  http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/ivoq/index.cfm  ?

Clearly with the number of people that mention the issue on this forum it isn't a one-off problem.  I also suspect that the dealers have fed back the complaints to Saleen and from the sounds of it nothing has been done for the consumer.  Why not file a claim through NHTSA-that is what they are there for.  We pay for the policing service through taxes so you might as well get your monies worth and make your car safe at the same time.  Can't imagine ever buying a car where I had the airbag light flickering while driving.  My first thought would be "this car has been in an accident and the restraint system is botched up".


This is a FORD issue, NOT a Saleen issue.  In fact, Ford just issued a major recall on all the 2005-2008 mustangs for the Passenger Side airbag.  Check with your closest Ford dealer for info.

_____________________________


Saleen Club Of America - Central Region Director
http://www.saleenclubofamerica.com/Central


(in reply to 127shtry127)
Post #: 37
RE: 05-07 Saleen S281. What problems have you had? - 3/5/2008 2:06:51 PM   
sowaxeman



Posts: 3782
Joined: 3/31/2005
From: Indianapolis, IN
Status: offline
sowaxeman's photo gallery
quote:

ORIGINAL: S281 457

Mmm, I'll just assume the muffler side piping can be left un-plugged...


As soon as you cut the line, the valves will open up.  Plug the tube that leads back up to the front of the car.  Plug the other if you wish, but it shouldn't matter.  You want those valves open.  This exhaust system is nothing like a Ferrari   If you look up at the valves you will see they are AFTER the mufflers, and only close of the turn-down tips...which are the major source of that muscular exhaust note

_____________________________


Saleen Club Of America - Central Region Director
http://www.saleenclubofamerica.com/Central


(in reply to S281 457)
Post #: 38
RE: 05-07 Saleen S281. What problems have you had? - 3/6/2008 1:53:36 AM   
127shtry127

 

Posts: 20
Joined: 6/16/2006
Status: offline
quote:

ORIGINAL: sowaxeman

quote:

ORIGINAL: 127shtry127

quote:

ORIGINAL: AmyVCTexas


* Passenger side airbag light/sensor doesn't work properly. This is a biggie as it has the potential to kill someone.




Given the seriousness of this issue (has the potential to kill someone) has anybody filed a complaint here :  http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/ivoq/index.cfm  ?

Clearly with the number of people that mention the issue on this forum it isn't a one-off problem.  I also suspect that the dealers have fed back the complaints to Saleen and from the sounds of it nothing has been done for the consumer.  Why not file a claim through NHTSA-that is what they are there for.  We pay for the policing service through taxes so you might as well get your monies worth and make your car safe at the same time.  Can't imagine ever buying a car where I had the airbag light flickering while driving.  My first thought would be "this car has been in an accident and the restraint system is botched up".


This is a FORD issue, NOT a Saleen issue.  In fact, Ford just issued a major recall on all the 2005-2008 mustangs for the Passenger Side airbag.  Check with your closest Ford dealer for info.


WRONG!  The Ford issue has to due with how much force the PAB has when it deploys.  The Saleen issue has to due with the new higher density foam and changing the cover from cloth to leather-the sensor meant to detect 53lbs of weight does not get recalibrated to accomodate for the new amount of resistance in the seat before the the sensor detects weight.  Roush had the same recall back in 2005-just look up the NHTSA recall document and you will understand.  Trust me, if those who have had the issue filled out the NHTSA complaint you'd see a totally seperate recall.  It's just a metter of time before Saleen is forced to take responsibility-I assure you they know it's a problem based on people here that have complained but they've chosen to try sweeping it under the rug case by case since they probably can't afford a recall.  In my opinion this tarnishes their credibility.  At least Roush stood up and took responsibility.

(in reply to sowaxeman)
Post #: 39
RE: 05-07 Saleen S281. What problems have you had? - 3/6/2008 5:06:41 AM   
ScreaminS281


Posts: 33
Joined: 3/1/2008
Status: offline
I rubbed the chrome off of the s281 fender badges with meguiars extreme shine.  I was trying to make the black look better because someone at the dealership got wax on them and it had turned white. I was going to just buy some new ones but after checking, those little suckers are $50+. Also my third brake light is pink. I'll probably just buy a new one and clear coat it before installing it.  My passenger side airbag light goes off and on when someone is in the passenger seat including me and I'm 215 pounds. I had to replace the windshield banner because it had acid rain spots from sitting on the car lot for a year and a half. Other than that, I love the car.  It turns heads like you would not believe!!

< Message edited by ScreaminS281 -- 3/6/2008 7:09:07 PM >

(in reply to 127shtry127)
Post #: 40
Login OR Register now to post a reply to this forum topic.
Page:   <<   < prev  1 [2] 3   next >   >>

 

 
Mustang >> Ford Mustang Tech >> Saleen, Roush and Boss Mustangs
Jump to:
Forum Rules & FAQ
Today's Posts
Most Active Topics
RSS Feeds
Make A Donation

Mustangs:
Classic Mustang
Mustang II
Fox Body Mustang
sn95 Mustang
New Edge Mustang
s197 Mustang
Mustang Clubs
2007 GT500 Mustang
2009 Mustang
Ford Mustang Prices


Featured Sponsors
Advertising Info

Top 10 Posters
pro50sc17365
nanaki14509
dan04cobra14347
88bluegt14311
ride of the 13253
addermk213232
hotrods_n_bo13184
2000gt4.612439
mustangman0211576
1slo8511492

New Vendors
Auto Badges
Trickflow
Speedware Motorsports
LTM Global
Late Model Restoration
Southern Mustang Parts
4walls
BrandMotion
AMSOIL - Performance Oil Technology
Brenspeed's Saleen Superchargers

MustangForums.com is not affiliated with or endorsed by Ford Motor Company.