Dealer Fluid Service

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dcsang

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My local dealer refuses to change transmission, F/R axle, and transfer case fluids because the vehicle is at 100K and the maintenance schedule specifies 150K. Is this typical? I am not the original owner and thought it might be prudent to perform these services.

I am also hearing and feeling a light clunk in the front-end when in A4WD and releasing the gas pedal. I can make repeat that occurrence most times by pressing and releasing the gas pedal while the vehicle is in forward motion. It was suggested that I change the transfer case fluid to see if that might resolve teh issue.
 

99WhiteC5Coupe

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My local dealer refuses to change transmission, F/R axle, and transfer case fluids because the vehicle is at 100K and the maintenance schedule specifies 150K. Is this typical? I am not the original owner and thought it might be prudent to perform these services.

I am also hearing and feeling a light clunk in the front-end when in A4WD and releasing the gas pedal. I can make repeat that occurrence most times by pressing and releasing the gas pedal while the vehicle is in forward motion. It was suggested that I change the transfer case fluid to see if that might resolve teh issue.


I’d find another dealer.......
 

Trainmaster

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What year truck is this? Find a dealer who will do the work you pay him to do. And hold on to your wallet. The dealers in your parts get a lot of money for this work.
 
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dcsang

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It's a 2013 Limited. I'll call another dealer in Brooklyn but I expect more of the same. I expect the transmission fluid change to be costly, though the dealer wouldn't even provide an estimate. If any locals have a service location recommendation please chime in. I don't mind heading to Eastern LI as long as the service is performed properly.
 

Trainmaster

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I'm in Rockaway and unfortunately I'm stuck doing my own work because I haven't found anyone who does the right thing. If you do find someone, let me know. A dealer in Hempstead replaced a transmission bulkhead connector under warranty and overfilled my transmission by two quarts.
 
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dcsang

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Thanks for the warning. That kind of service is exactly what I am worried about. I don't get the sense of comfort from speaking with some of these service departments and it's quite disappointing considering the costs associated with dealer maintenance.

I'll share any positive findings as I continue this quest.
 

chadh032267

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I have a 2013 also and i have no problems at all with my Transmission except that fact that it has 88K miles. Yes the manual says 150K service interval for Transmission Fluid/Filter flush and change. The dealerships in my area charge 205- 280 to do this service. Surprisingly the Lincoln dealer is the 205 charge and they have a better service dept than all the ford in my area of Louisiana. I am thinking of doing it myself because of the cost. You tube has many videos
 

Plati

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I'm at 100K on my 2014EL.
It's runs perfect in every way.
I plan to do those 4 fluids now.
I don't think it's absolutely needed but I still want to do it. How could it cause a problem?

Dealer refuses to do it?
Dealer refuses service revenue?
Very strange.

If you could find a good independent shop, I would do it there vs Dealer anyway. The diffs are easy but Black said you may have red loctite to deal with and need a torch.

I would probably write that Dealer off my list, that's just me.
 

Gary Waugh

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I have had my dealers replace all fluids at 60k miles (I do a lot of towing and it seems cheap insurance to me) none of them have ever questioned it, I think your dealer needs to rethink his position, I would suggest finding another dealer, there are no known issues to me to changing fluids early (except possibly wasting my money) but there could be many upsides!! I find even at 60k miles the gear changes become smoother and quicker after the fluid change, could be a placebo effect (my mind trying to justify the cost!, but I doubt it as I have done this 3 times and noticed the difference every time.. I would strongly recommend changing all the fluids if you don’t know the full history of your truck.
 
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