Okay then, question from a new guy:

Does anyone fear that Ford, in their infinite quest to cut corners and save money, would ever fail to honor a warranty because an owner did their own maintenance (ie. oil changes)?

For instance, would they dispute that you had actually performed them, and try to claim that you couldn't prove it had been kept up to standards because there was no official records from somewhere like Jiffy Lube, or something like that?

I've always had omeone else do my oil changes and everything else for that matter, but now that I have a car I love, I would like to start doing at least some of the basic stuff myself, so I just want to make sure it's not a mistake. I'm probably being a little paranoid, but TexaStang's comment about guys who did everything right and still got screwed by Ford worries me.

 

You need to read that post again. He said they didn't own Ford's so it wasn't Ford that screwed them on the warranty. That being said, anything is possible. Just keep good records such as dated sales receipts for the oil and filters along with a record of mileage at each oil change.

 

Anything is possible but I do as much of my own maintenance as I can which includes oil changes. I do so for a few reasons, one so I know it was actually completed correctly with the right materials (oil etc.) right levels (not to full or overfull) and second because I am very clean and never get oil and grease all over the place. Many dealer techs really don’t show much respect for other people’s vehicles and most likely don’t show much respect towards theirs…

So, if you want to be as safe as possible you could do it the way I do it. I keep a log, a 3-ring book that I have spreadsheets in which contain all the information about what ever maintenance I have done.

When it is about oil changes I record the date and mileage as well as the brand of oil filter and oil along with part numbers (i.e. Mobil 5W-20 Full Synthetic oil, Motorcraft oil filter number etc). I also, usually, purchase what I need which would be 1 oil filter and 5qts of oil. Attach that receipt to the spreadsheet or make it easy to identify what receipt goes to what maintenance.

If you had a spreadsheet in a book and you did an oil change you could mark the first entry as #1 and then also write a #1 on the receipt and the dates should be very close (date of maintenance and date of purchase of products) even if it’s a few weeks from when you purchase the product till you did the maintenance you could still show you had proof.

It would be extremely hard for Ford to deny you did the maintenance if you have a log book that shows the mileage and date with a receipt for the required products needed. Could they actually ever deny it, well anything is possible but it would be extremely difficult for them to do so and since they make NO mention about actual proof in their owners manuals or maintenance manuals, other then you should keep receipts for products and/or maintenance they would be hard pressed to try and force someone to actually prove a “shop” did the change rather then the owner on their driveway.

The other thing to note is Ford, or anyone else, can do an analysis on the oil to see if it is of the correct weight (5W-20) for example, and just how old it is, 5,000 miles, 20,000 miles etc. You as the owner could have that same test done for about $30 - $50 which could further help you prove you had performed the proper maintenance and the proper time interval.

Long story short, do it yourself and just keep receipts and dates/mileage of when you did it and you will really have nothing to worry about…

 

Okay, thanks guys. Youre' right, I didn't read closely enough. I have always had good luck with Ford, but Like I said, I've never done my own maintenance before, so I wanted to check.

The binder would be a good idea, so I think I'll steal that one. Thanks again.

 

Wal-mart, Jiffy lube or any garage. I believe there is a Fed Law that requires businesses that change the oil accept waste from the public.

 

I record my maintenance records here:
https://myford.fordvehicles.com
It also automatically records dealership work.
Just register and log in, how can they argue with that?

 

I use this, but my local dealer doesn't give the full story on their entries. I had a fuel level sensor go bad. They checked out the code and had to order a part. Then after the R2, I had to take it back after they rolled a seal on the installation. The only entry was the original troubleshooting...

 

Yeah, I know. They cheat. But if you post your stuff, it will be on record with a date. It at least gives prima fascia evidence that you take care of your car properly.

 

hey thats awesome Im definetly going to use that site

 

Hey all,

Just read the fine print on my warranty paperwork. I does say that you may do your own maintenance work without voiding the warranty, HOWEVER, for those that want to use that site, there is this caveat: They specifically state that you must retain all records of the work done, to include "verifiable receipts listing the exact parts and quantities used," along with dates the work was completed.

I haven't said anything here that ya'll can't find for yourselves, but after reading this post I took a look, so there's the info with regard to warranties...

 

I just performed the first oil change in my 2006 GT. I used your aluminum foil trick and it worked great. Thanks for the idea. As a side note, I may have to get a different type of filter wrench. I was using the strap style and the proximity to the A/C compressor line was making me nervous.

 

I never thought of using foil, excellent idea though. My AC compressor is on the passenger side of the engine. Are you referring to the power steering lines?

 

Most likely. I didn't pay close attention to the line and made an assumption.

Power steering line, that would definitely make it easier to notice a leak caused by pushing on the line too hard.

I'll still get a different wrench. Any recommendations?

 

Yep I know what you mean here. My other ride is a 96 t-bird. Its impossible to get the filter out without dripping oil everywhere on that thing. Where the stang is right in the front.

 

Rondosa, I haven't done my first oil change yet (will probably wait until I have about 800 miles on her)...Did you have a problem getting the factory oil filter off? I change the oil in all of my cars and I've always noticed that it's a bit of a struggle to get the factory oil filter off (the first time)...one of the posters said that the factory doesn't lube the oil filter seal...I love it...we all know that normal oil change procedures call for lubing the seal before replacing the filter...is the factory that screwed up? (or perhaps they want some gorilla at the dealership to tug on that factory oil filter)...Hope the drain plug isn't that hard to get off...jeezzzz....

 

I figure two sets in the rear to every one set in the front. It all comes out about the same, just less juggling of tires, not to mention the better traction from fatter rears... Oh and the 255/45-18's up front and the 285/40-18's in the back just look bad ***.


Also, changing the oil yourself, as others have said, piece of cake...

 

Lot of talk here about oil, what about a filter. Manual says part #FL-820-S, does that translate into another brand of filter. Will it be obvious?? Any need for a "high perf" one??

 

Any parts store can cross reference the filter according to whatever brand is your preference. Personally, I've always used Motorcraft filters. No hassles that way and they are less than $4 at wally world.

 

I used the Motorcraft 5w-20 semi-synthetic oil and Motorcraft oil filter in my '02 V6 and ran her 75 MPH average, everyday, to and from work for the last three years and she never burned a drop of oil in 65K miles (did changes at 3K miles right on the button). I plan using the same Motorcraft oil/filters and keeping the same oil change schedule in my new GT.

 

Hey sorry, just saw this post. If I recall correctly, it was a bit of a struggle, but not too bad. My motorcycle filter was way harder, the previous owner musta used an impact gun to get it on

I use a "jaws" style filter wrench, it's adjustable and I think it was branded Castrol, but I'm sure it's just a generic type you can get anywhere. it works really great, better then the strap style - the strap style couldn't get my filter off for the first oil change. it gets good grip, but does destroy the filter.

Something kind of like this: Channel Lock Wrench