you make think im irrational, but the truth of the matter is that i just paid $30,000 for a truck that the garage or dealer cant tell me whats wrong with because the stupid thing goes in limp mode but wont throw a code.

 

Was this a ford service dept that did the work?

 

no canadian tire - they should be capable to do service on it. they are the largest service garage in canada and everything is done and ordered based off the vehicle vin number on their system. im sure im not the first person ever to take their ford f250 6.4 to a canadian tire for a coolant flush, oil change, and trans service. Their scanner showed no codes. I called the Ford dealer - they wouldnt be able to pull a code from it either unless it was actually in limp mode. they would have a technician drive the vehicle at $100 an hour until the light comes on and then scan it. I pretty much have to pull my pants down and bend over.

i scanned it with my own scanner and scanned it while in limp mode and no codes.

life would be so much simpler if it just threw a damn code and told me whats wrong with it!

 

Your scanner has to be cable of reading for specific codes.


Not just the generic codes for the emission systems.


Most scanners will not read them all unless you have a specific programming for the ford/chevy or whatever.

 

im just reviewing the work order and they did use Mercon LV ATF. they also used shell rotella diesel T 15w-40, hd mixed fleet antifreeze elc that says its compatible with all vehicles so it says, motorcraft ft180 trans filter kit, fram oil filter ch9549 which is claimed to be racon - which is the equivalent to motormaster, it looks like the only questionable item really is the generic coolant. i will call them now and ask them if thats what it had called for.

 

i called the garage and they want me to bring it back to them and they will fix it. they said the are going to drain the fluid, burp it with water, and then replace coolant with the ford gold that i asked them about. do i need to worry about cooler lines and all that other stuff or will a simple drain get rid of the old crap?

 

They should dump the coolant.


Fill with distilled at the very least. Run it a bit and then dump it.


There are a couple of block plugs that need to be removed for a complete drain.


I have heard that the fram filter fits but since you are in limp mode, stop by walmart or something and by the motorcraft oil filter.


Concern is the ability to depress the spring properly for the oil flow. After market filters tend to starve the motor of oil.

 

ok great thanks i will ask them to make sure they use distilled

 

hope it all works out for you... don't want to see anyone suffer after purchasing any truck... but you kind of proved my whole point.. if you would have gotten on this forum or any other knowledgeable one they would've gave you pointers of the do's and don'ts. The way senix is filling you in now...is the exact thing he did to me when I first purchased my truck...with a lot of other good people on here. This place is to help "experts" and the newbies... good luck with your truck!

 

Just because its a large chain doesn't mean that they are educated on newer diesels, Im not saying they don't know what they are doing but with these trucks you need to use OEM only filters.

I maintain a fleet of ambulances and they insisted that the NAPA/CARQUEST fuel filters were good enough, until it got cold enough to cause them not to start. The OEM filters have an Aqua Block membrane on them that help with gelled fuel in the filter housing. After convincing them that the OEM stuff is better they haven't had a problem since.

Unfortunately you made a big investment, my advice would be to take it to the dealer, have them do a used vehicle check over on it, yes this is going to cost you, but you will know what is going to need addressing, and if it were me I wouldn't go back to Canadian Tire.

BTW, anyone that comes to my shop with a FORD, GM, or Dodge Diesel will get OEM filters only, they don't even get a choice, as for oil I run Rotella T-6 in my truck and the fleet of ambulances, they are 6.0's however.

Good Luck,

Sarge

 

It has been 7-8 years since the new emissions diesels have been out. If the large chains are not ready at this point maybe they need to reevaluate their hiring and education process.

 

I understand that, but I see it day in and day out where large chains mess things up. Just because the trucks have been on the road that long doesn't mean that the people are up to speed, I know what I would do if it were my truck.

I spent 15 years in a dealership where training for techs was encouraged and readily available, you would be amazed at how many techs in a dealership don't have the proper training. So with the amount of vehicles that a large chain sees, and I'm guessing the high turnover rate of its techs, its no surprise that folks are not up to speed. I spend a lot of money every year on training and tools to stay up to speed at my shop, so I know what it costs and Im a 1 man band, I couldn't imagine what it would cost for a large chain to keep up.

Some times the owner needs to due his/her due diligence and do a little research but the OP clearly stated that they just want to get in and drive, well if that's the case go to the dealer. Take the 6.0 for example that was a 8 year run if you include the E-Series and people still mess them up every day.

Sarge

 

Not all garages in the chain are created equal either, what part of Canada are you in? Around here crappy tire is the last place I'd take any vehicle for service.

 

I agree with that statement as well roller...I was just trying to get the point across that just because they are big doesn't mean they are good...just like the dealerships, we all know there are good ones and bad ones.

I will stop derailing the thread now...carry on.

Sarge

 

In general the big chains are the worst too.

I get cars and trucks into the shop that were at a big name place and first I fix their mistakes, and then fix the actual problem. Any shop/tech can make a mistake, it happens sometimes. But the big chains are all about cheapest possible expenses. So they don't hire the best guys. The good guys are at good indy shops, dealers, or on their own...

OP: Either hit the dealer for this truck, or a Ford diesel specialist in your area. That's your best bet.