ORDER SPEC CHANGE QUESTION

[Outactrl]

I have a question I'm hoping someone can help with. I have placed an order for a 2021 F-150 Lariat. The dealership has given me the vin# along with a Scheduled to Day of 6/25. Since placing the order & receiving this information I have asked the dealer to add the power tailgate option. His response was that since the truck is scheduled he cannot make any changes. I sent him the information below which was copied from the detailed ordering info thread on this site. Dealer says he went in & tried to change the order, but that the system would not allow him to do so.

My questions are:

1. Is this change possible or is it too late?
2. If this change is possible, can someone educate me so that I can educate my dealer on how to make this change?

o Dealers can change vehicle specifications for a scheduled vehicle up until the vehicle is “locked in” for production or about two weeks prior to the scheduled build date. Specifications for certain vehicle lines (EcoSport, Focus RS, etc.) cannot be changed once scheduled.


§ Dealers are limited to making 6 changes to scheduled orders.
§ Dealers cannot change Order Type, Body Code, Order Code (Package/Trim Level)

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[flynavy]

I heard once you have a VIN assigned you can’t change.

 

[Viking150]

I recall reading in one of the forums that after some specific date that has already past Ford would no longer allow changes to orders in part due to the chip shortage and backlog of orders. Sorry don't recall exactly where I read the post.

 

[xtraman122]

Yes, once you have a VIN and a window sticker (Which also means you've been "sent to plant" and scheduled to a day, or at least a week) you can't change anything. Sometimes this is a few days after ordering, sometimes it's a month, all depends on how busy they are, but there definitely is a certain lock-in period where it's too late to make changes.

 

[Vulnox]

The system not allowing changes and the dealership order manager not being able to reach out and make changes anyway are very different things. Saying you can't make a change after the VIN is assigned is flat out wrong. After finding out the issue with 502a Lariats not getting front parking sensors unless you do the Co-Pilot Prep Package, I contacted my salesman and while his order manage couldn't make the change in the system, he contacted corporate who got it added to my truck. This was a few days after getting the VIN.

There is definitely a limit, once it is "Sent to Plant", which is usually when you get the window sticker, that takes an act of god just about to get any real change made, as someone noted already.

Now, if the dealer contacted Ford corp and they said "No changes", then it's a done deal. But I do know with mine the system they put orders in wouldn't allow the change, but a phone call got it done.

All that said, while I like the power tailgate, I wouldn't cancel my order or anything over not having it. I would make sure the salesman is trying, that his order guy called Corporate, and didn't just try to edit your order on their end. If it really bothers you, tell him to put that truck out for dealer stock and order another one, but since it wasn't their mistake and given how hard it is to get trucks built, I would be absolutely sure this is make or break.

 

[xtraman122]

Given that you apparently have an exact scheduled day, it sounds like you're in the "act of god just about to get any real change made" phase as the previous poster mentioned, so like he said, I unless this is some do-or-die change, I wouldn't sweat it and just be glad your truck is schedule to be built.

I regretted not adding the B&O sound to my truck but then remembered how lucky I got with a super fast order to delivery timeline and just appreciated the fact I was getting a truck and didn't worry about it. You'll always have second thoughts and last minute regrets like this, just try not to obsess over it.

 

[Outactrl]

Thanks for the responses so far. I do have a vin, but do not have a window sticker. Will ask the dealer to contact corporate. It's not a make or break thing & was my mistake in not having it in the original order. Either way I'll be happy to finally have a new truck to replace my 2007. Thanks again for the responses.

 

[xtraman122]

Just as a FYI, you'll still have power release on the tailgate, you just won't be able to have it automatically close on its own.

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