New MECS Pump.

96,691 miles.

Lately I've been hearing an odd noise from the engine compartment when the truck is stopped and the engine is off (but with the key still on). Sometimes I could hear a small motor running smoothly, sometimes it sounded like it was really struggling and "revving". I figured it was some type of pump for the hybrid system, and it sounded like it was near it's end of life.

This morning I went by Capitol Expressway Ford, and though it took them all day to get to it (I didn't have an appointment) they finally did diagnose the problem as a worn electronic cooling pump, or MECS pump. After they told me that I did some quick web searching and came across this page: http://blog.yagelski.com/2011/02/ford-escape-hybrid-electric-motor.html

Part Number: 5M6Z-8C419-A

Apparently this is a fairly common failure, the consequences are pretty severe if/when it does fail (red triangle indicator light, overheated motor, car shuts down), and from the comments on that blog quite a number of people are being gouged by their Ford dealers for what is really a pretty simple repair ($800+ repair cost).

In my case they charged $130 for the diagnosis, in which the tech checked out the full hybrid system. This had not been done before to my knowledge, so I figured it was a worthwhile purchase. He didn't find anything wrong other than the motor and the engine air filter which I was planning to replace shortly anyway. The tech's name was Bruce, an Asian guy; when I talked with him prior he really knew his way around the hybrid system, and I'm glad to know there is a local expert should anything really go wrong in the future.

I ended up having them do the repair, though I could have done it myself. They initially came to me with an estimate of over $700 (which includes the $130 diagnosis; this is a good deal cheaper than the $800 some other people are claiming this pump costs to replace). Since I had the part number by now I went by their parts counter. The gentleman there said they had it in stock for $300+. I mentioned that I had found it online for under $200 and asked if he would be willing to come down a bit. He said "well what were you thinking" and I said "how about $220", he thought about it and said "sure, I could do that." With tax it was closer to $250 of course.

So there you go folks. If your MECS pump should fail it's $202.50 labor, and you can get the new pump for $220 at Capitol Ford, plus tax. Add $30 for an anti-freeze flush and you could be out the door under $500, if you're able to diagnose the problem yourself. Or if you are able to complete the repair yourself, could be only $250 + anti-freeze. Again, check out this great blog for details on diagnosis and completing the repair yourself if you're so inclined:
http://blog.yagelski.com/2011/02/ford-escape-hybrid-electric-motor.html

Unlike most of the commenters on that blog, I've actually had a very positive experience so far, both with the hybrid Escape and with my local Ford dealer.