Beavis9000

I am hoping to get some advice from those with mechanical knowledge as to how I should proceed after the Ford service department has displayed gross incompetence in servicing my car. On 5/17/14, I took my 2014 Mustang GT with GT Track Pack and 6230 miles to Ford of Montebello, CA for service. They filled my car with 6 quarts of 5W-20 Synthetic Blend oil, instead of 8 quarts of 5W-50 Full Synthetic that is prescribed. I did not notice this severe error. Yesterday, 9/13/14, I returned to the dealership with 10200 miles because I noticed strange noises coming from the engine and that it seemed to be using a lot of oil because it was 2 quarts low. When I asked if this should happen with synthetic oil, the service adviser told me my car did not take synthetic, and had my car topped off with more 5W-20. I finally showed him his gross error. They filled my car with the right oil, ran it for 5 or 10 minutes, and then drained and replaced the oil with 8 more quarts of 5W-50. I received apologies from the General Manager, was told they will contact Ford for instructions on how to proceed, but I fear the damage is done. What type of damage and compromises to long term durability can I expect at this point? I am hearing a knock or vibration from the engine, and a clicking or tapping under the car. I have learned to pay closer attention at service and paperwork, will definitely take my car to a different dealership, and am so mad at myself for not noticing this before, but that does not excuse this epic failure of so many so called specialists. I love my car so much and now I fear it might be compromised. Can anyone offer me some concrete information on what this incident may have done to my engine? Are there any remedies? Should I expect Ford to offer me something as a result of this? I'm thinking I want an extension to my Extended Powertrain Waranty, but I fear that I will be offered nothing. What does everyone think?

Brian (Beavis)

TheReaper

The Dealer is at fault, not Ford. The 5w20 would not hurt the engine but running 2 quarts low is never a good thing.

Moejoe_989

Well... That's really a tough call to make.
I guess IF anything happened to your car; It all boils down to what you or they (Ford) can prove.
The significantly under-filled your car by 2 quarts and with the wrong oil.
Excuse me for playing devils advocate here but:
1) Did your "low oil" level light come on at all?
2) How often do you check your oil?

Seems to me that checking it weekly or bi-weekly or every other fill up should have noticed the lower oil level. I only say that because I neglected to check mine in 4,000 kms until my low oil level light came on one morning. She was maybe a quart-and-a-half to 2 quarts low.
I now check it maybe once every 2 weeks.

Oil is oil... The only REAL difference (just my opinion) is the weight of it when it's cold (freezing) temps.
You're not punishing the car daily or tracking it weekly, so I don't think 5W20 is going to KILL it instead of having 5W50.

That being said, it IS still the wrong oil and it was low for 4,000 miles; So, I would make a note of the knocking. Maybe ask a different ford dealer to take a look or at least have it on file that it's knocking.

When does it knock? How often? Is it constant or consistent, or just intermittent?

Moejoe_989

Worst worst case scenario would be the dealership caused irreparable engine damage and they are at fault. The next step from there, who knows? Maybe they would replace the engine?

But I doubt it's gone that far. Not sure why else you would get knocking though.

14Glassback

As far as the incorrect weight oil... Not a problem. I too have the Track Package. The engine in our cars is the same as a standard GT. It does not excuse the tech who removed a cap that says 5W50 on it... The low oil level could be an issue. But as far as the noises... I have them too. I get random clicks and Lifter type noises especially warm. If you search it on the forums it seems to be somewhat common. Especially after an oil change. I would request a Powertrain Warranty extension.

Jazzman442

The Track Pack has a special oil pan that has special baffling in it. it helps keep the oil close to the pick up. The extra oil capacity is for durability for Track use and Cooling. As long as the pick up had oil and was still lubricating the engine there should be no damage at all. The weight as long as you were not tracking the car is fine.You could always send the oil out for testing to see how the engine is doing.

Good Luck. Hope it all works out. Every time I hear one of these stories it just reaffirms why I do my own work.

Beavis9000

I take some responsibility for not be diligent in checking my oil. I'm beating myself up for being careless because I do know better. I checked my oil a few times since it was serviced, but I think I was reading the dipstick incorrectly. The oil wasn't continues on the dipstick, like patches, and I now think it was low but I saw oil toward the full line and assumed it was full. That's not going to happen again because I'm all over it now and will be checking all the time for awhile.

I never received any low oil warning light, and the Oil Life Monitor was only at 60%.

It seems to knock when the engine is hot. I'm in Long Beach, CA, and it's been in the 90's the past few days and that's when I noticed the knock or vibration coming from the engine. I also here a clicking or rattling under the car. I will be going to a different dealer and have it checked out. Thanks for your reply.

Brian

Beavis9000

I was not tracking the car, and that is what I'm clinging to in hoping there is no serious damage. Thanks for your reply.

Brian

88lx50

2 quarts low on oil should not damage the engine.

Ajcruz1

Ford recommends 5W-50 in track pack GTs because they assume that those who get it will track there stangs and it's a good assumption. Why else spend the money on it? If your not tracking it 5W-20 is fine. Good call OP, on taking it to a different dealer. Hope it works out for ya!

JoeMidnight

This to me sounds like you were checking the oil while the motor was running.... was it?

bones302

careful what you say on record with regards to "taking responsibility".

At the very least, the dealership needs to extend the warranty on the engine.

Moejoe_989

I never understood the sign at the gas station that says "did you check your oil lately?"
I was of the understanding it's always beat practice to check your oil when it's cold, or at least has all drained back into the pan.

Your best bet is check it first thing in the morning before you even start your car. Pull out the dipstick and immediately wipe it clean, then re-insert it fully, pull it out and use that as your oil level.

If you are running the car and pull into a gas station.... If it takes 10 minutes to fuel up and pay then you can check the oil, but it still won't be fully drained into the pan, but better than nothing.

My car ticks as well when you run it, and then shut it off. Most cars these days have that tick after you turn the engine off. Sounds like it's coming from underneath right?

Beavis9000

I haven't been checking the oil with the motor running. I do know the engine should be cold or off for at least 10 minutes. Thanks for the tip.

Beavis9000

Good point, thanks. I do think extending the warranty is a reasonable resolution to this. Thanks.

Moejoe_989

I hope my replies didn't sound
Condescending or rude. Really hoping you get a resolution from this; would you be happy if they "reset" the current mileage or time on your warranty? Essentially saying that you have zero miles on your car from your last oil change? It's not much but it's an extra 10K miles at your disposal.

Galaxie64

How do you know they filled the engine 2 quarts low when they changed it?

Beavis9000

I did not take your replies as condescending. I am grateful for yours and others take on what happened with my car. I have been thinking that a 10 or 20K extension to my warranty might be what I want.

Beavis9000

The details of that first service were stored in their computer, showing they only gave me 6 quarts. I confirmed it when I checked my copy of the service receipt, and it also fits that I was 2 quarts low when I checked the oil.

RMS70

5W20 and 5W50 oils probably have different additives for wear with the 5W50 having more protection. The extra protection would be for the extra loading on the engine components during the "tracking". Assuming the engine of the track pack car and the standard 5.0 car are the same this incident is probably not a big deal for your car since you don't 'track" it. I would have the dealer give you the longest extended warranty offered by Ford - its his cost, and I would want a letter from Ford engineering stating that the use of the wrong oil and the low level will have "what type" of impact on the engine/car.

I have not had a dealer/shop change my oil in over 45 years nor do anything I don't have the skills, tools or time for. I have learned that anytime some else touches my car I NEED to check what was done. Everyone makes mistakes so a second set of eyes is ALWAYS needed.