Went to the dealership yesterday to get an oil change/tire rotation because I had a coupon. Took forever, but not too bad because the wife wanted to test drive some cars. The finished and I paid, at this point it was kinda late and I wanted to get home. At home I look at the inspection sheet and notice THEY ONLY PUT 7qts OF OIL IN IT!!!!! How does a Ford dealer not know the specs of their own engines? I really should have checked but I did not expect any problems.

What should I do? I could take it back but it is kinda out of the way. I was thinking about just taking some 5W-20 syn blend and adding a qt. Does the type matter? Should I only add Motorcraft or whatever Ford uses? I will check it when I get home from work and if it is in the "normal" range I may just leave it be.

Moral of the story, always check the dealer's work. Even on simple oil changes it seems. Rookie dealer service mistake on my part...

 

I would check the oil level to see if it is full or not. If not, I would add a 1/2 quart at a time until it is full.

Then I would call the dealership and ask for the service manager. I would explain the situation calmly and see what he will offer you. Most likely a refund or a coupon for a free oil change.

Next time you use that dealership for an oil change, make sure you check the invoice before you leave and also check the oil level to make sure it isn't a common thing with them.

As for the type of oil, you should be safe with synthetic blend. Does it say on the invoice what type of oil they used? If not, you may want to call the service manager first to find out what type you should add.

 

Could have also just been a typing/key stroke error on their behalf.

I'd make sure it's at the right height before adding anything and don't just add 1 full quart at once. i'd gradually do it in small increments...

You may want to try and reach the technician that worked on your car- half the time the service manager or supervisor can't tell you anything, except applogize- but if the tech can remember adding in 7 qts or 8 qts that'll be more worth while information.

 

Sometimes when i change my focus oil I only have to put in 3 1/2 even though it is a 4 quart capacity. Its impossible to get every bit of oil out of the engine.

Not saying they didn't screw up but let your car completely cool down and check the oil to see where it is at to check for sure. It is possible 8 quarts added might have filled it too high.

 

The dealer only put 6 quarts in mine on the first oil change. I caught it when I got home. I called them and raised hell with the service manager. They sent me coupons for 3 free oil changes.

 

Yeah, before going off the deep end you should pull the stick and check the level. The way these 5.0 engines work there is very likely quite a bit of oil that won't drain out on a oil change so 7 qts could have put it in the safe range on the dipstick.

 

Not surprising, but when you figure they are dealing with several different vehicles with several different capacities.

 

I think you are being too kind. They are a Ford dealer. If they cannot do a simple oil change on a Ford product, then they need to find some other business to get into. Preferably one where their incompetence won't affect anyone else.

 

Thanks for the advice guys. I will def check the oil when I get home, maybe the tech went ahead and filled it. What about adding oil? I know it is syn-blend they put in, should I only add the exact brand they used? Or is it safe to put any qualified 5W-20 syn-blend in?

 

I would only add Motorcraft Synthetic Blend. I got a free first oil change on my V-6 from my dealer. The oil change guy told me he put 4 1/2 quarts in and checked the level. Then added 1/2 quart more and it was still low. Then added the 5th quart, still low. Then added the 6th quart. He came to me and asked if i knew my Mustang held 6 quarts of oil, i told him, yes i did know. My V-6 was the first 2011 they had changed the oil on. At 3,000 miles i changed to Motorcraft full synthetic. I can't find anything bad about Motorcraft motor oil on the internet so i'm going to stick with it.

 

I'd stick with the motorcraft like the dealer uses, walmart here has it so they may have it down there too.

 

To clarify, there is no reason you can't put any brand of oil in to top up. Motorcraft oil is a good quality, reasonably priced product so it is a good choice. But there's no reason you couldn't use any quality blend or full synthetic oil such as Castrol, Valvoline, or Mobil 1.

 

What you really need to check is to see if the dealer changed the oil filter. If your oil level is full, I would take a close look at the oil filter to determine if it has been changed. If it wasn't changed then 7qts is the correct amount to add as the filter will hold about a qt.

If that is the case it would be very unfortunate & you should follow up to see why.

BTW, I'm going to order the same car as you. Love that race red!

 

are you home yet?

 

Just check your oil level, if it's in the safe area don't worry about it.

 

I always check my oil and filter when getting home from the dealer. Primarily to make sure the actually did it!! I want to see a nice new clean filter ... and crystal clear oil on the dipstick ....

 

Last time I ever let WalMart change my oil was when they put in 1/2 quart MORE than the stated capacity w/filter (Dodge truck)... then charged me for the whole extra quart. I made 'em take a 1/2 quart out and fix the bill. Never occurred to me to check what the dealer's doing... but I probably should.

 

Many years ago when I was working in the parts department of a dealership, a mechanic showed me a molten slug of metal that I couldn't recognize as a car part. Turns out it was a connecting rod cap. The car owner got an oil change at one of those quick change places (no, I won't mention which one) and the kid doing the change drained the oil and replaced the filter but neglected to put any oil back in. When the owner of the lube shop came in to pay for the engine, I asked him if that kid still worked for him. His response was "Oh sure, we get a couple of these situations every year."

I have never gone to a quick change place since then.

 

Just an update. I ran the car for a bit and let it sit on level ground for 15min when I got home before checking the oil. It was right in the middle of the "normal" range on the dipstick. Maybe 8qts would put it on the top of "normal" but idk, it looks fine for now.
One other thing I noticed. I decided to check my tire pressure as well because I did not see it listed on the invoice. Turns out they only filled them to 32psi instead of 35... So I had to fix that. This is my first new car and first time ever dealing with a dealership. It is really opening my eyes to all the stereotypes being true. These dealers are not even trying to help themselves. I could have gone anywhere else to get these services and they probably would have gotten these two things correct. I may just do that from now on and make sure to keep all records of service for warranty purposes. Thanks for all the advice you guys, the forums are great!

 

I don't see how your dealership messed up anything. You said that the oil level was right in the middle of the normal range on the dipstick, so no problem there. And, 32 psi in the tires is fine, unless you specifically told them that you wanted them at 35 psi. Am I missing something?