Projector - Puddle light - fell out

[JimC]

I was driving the other day and caught movement in my driver side rear view mirror in my peripheral vision. Looked over and at first thought it odd because there wasn't anything next to me. Then I noticed something hanging below my mirror.

Rolled the window down at the stop sign and reached over -- the projector or puddle light had fallen out of the mirror!

I have an appointment on July 2 and they said that the entire mirror has to be replaced. The service advisor said, "I'm not sure if it's covered by warranty though and it is $1,200 to repair"!

Has anyone else had this happen on their car? It never happened on any of my prior Mustangs, nor on my wife's Lincoln. I can't imagine that the light simply falling out (and it will not snap back in place) won't be a warranty issue but we will see what they say. If it isn't covered by warranty I told them I don't plan to pay that price myself and will look at other options.

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[roadpilot]

They will likely look for any other evidence that might indicate damage from hitting something or similar. Lots of folks break things, then expect the dealer to "fix" it under warranty.

Let's see what your dealership says.

 

[GrabThatBlue]

This should be covered by warranty, since it's a defect from the factory.
1200 USD to repair it?
Side mirror with puddle lamp costs around 450/470 USD. So 750 USD for labor?

 

[S550VIN54]

This happened to me as well on my 2021 Mach 1. The puddle lamp was covered under warranty as there was no evidence it was damaged. Not sure why your mirror would need to be replaced unless the area the assy fits is damaged.

 

[4ksk416]

Not really surprised, have had to tighten up a few screws and addressed some other issues that should have never gotten past QC on my 25. I am sure they will take care of you.

 

[TimSez]

I replaced my own puddle lamps on my 2014 GT before I purchased my 2024. I sure hope these are just as easy to replace DIY for the future when I have to do that again.

 

[JimC]

This happened to me as well on my 2021 Mach 1. The puddle lamp was covered under warranty as there was no evidence it was damaged. Not sure why your mirror would need to be replaced unless the area the assy fits is damaged.

I was surprised too when they said the entire assembly has to be replaced. I've removed the mirror on my other Mustangs in the past and worked on them, and one of my daughters worked for a tier one supplier who does the mirrors and she said that it is an easy fix based on the assembly process. I figure remove the mirror cap and unplug is all that should be needed.

 

[JimC]

They will likely look for any other evidence that might indicate damage from hitting something or similar. Lots of folks break things, then expect the dealer to "fix" it under warranty.

Let's see what your dealership says.

I'm sure that they will look for something to indicate an impact, but they already looked at it when I stopped in, and there is no evidence of impact on the mirror. I looked it over when I got home to see if someone had messed with it while it was parked.

But I agree, people will do something to break things and try to get warranty coverage for their action so manufacturers have to be wary.

 

[JimC]

I fixed the puddle lamp today. Because the dealer sent it in saying that the entire mirror had to be replaced, and the guy who did the PPF on the car did a terrible job on the mirror, they denied coverage. Bubbles in the edge of the PPF, and a small chip from when he trimmed the PPF, led Ford to conclude that the mirror had been impacted. Calls got me nowhere trying to explain the PPF issue and that all I really want is the new puddle lamp. So I gave up and ordered the lamp.

It arrived today and I popped it in the housing in 5 minutes. Done. Just $50 out of pocket because I had some points on a credit card to apply to the Amazon order.

 

[Bikeman315]

I fixed the puddle lamp today. Because the dealer sent it in saying that the entire mirror had to be replaced, and the guy who did the PPF on the car did a terrible job on the mirror, they denied coverage. Bubbles in the edge of the PPF, and a small chip from when he trimmed the PPF, led Ford to conclude that the mirror had been impacted. Calls got me nowhere trying to explain the PPF issue and that all I really want is the new puddle lamp. So I gave up and ordered the lamp.

It arrived today and I popped it in the housing in 5 minutes. Done. Just $50 out of pocket because I had some points on a credit card to apply to the Amazon order.

I’ve gone through four lamps on my 2019. The plastic clip on these lights suck. While I’m driving I hear a loud pop. Next thing I know I’m looking at a lamp hanging off the mirror. I have an ESP so all I pay for is the module itself.

 

[GrabThatBlue]

I’ve gone through four lamps on my 2029. The plastic clip on these lights suck. While I’m driving I hear a loud pop. Next thing I know I’m looking at a lamp hanging off the mirror. I have an ESP so all I pay for is the module itself.

Can you show me a picture of your 2029?
I'm really curious how the refresh looks like.

 

[Bikeman315]

Can you show me a picture of your 2029?
I'm really curious how the refresh looks like.

What! I have no idea what you’re talking about!

 

[Wiley Marmot]

@JimC ---Dang! Remind me to NOT go to your dealer for any claims! I can't believe they wouldn't warranty your light and also claimed $1200 to fix it?!

Glad you got it squared away OK!

 

[GrabThatBlue]

What! I have no idea what you’re talking about!

Yeah yeah, too late for changing your post

 

[Fortnutgamer]

Just had this happen to me on my Mach 1 drivers side, I 3d printed an adapter to replace the clip that broke off. I had to cut off whatever remained with an exacto knife, and replaced it with this. Did a test fit first before gluing.
See link, hope this helps someone with the same issue:
https://www.printables.com/model/1366443-ford-mustang-puddle-light-lamp-clip-fr3z-13b375

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