Once I have my new truck, the only thing I can see that it would need for routine maintenance is oil changes and air filter changes. I assume there is no probnlem with owners doing this type of maint on their own, correct? Also, is there any 'scheduled maint' that MUST be done by the dealer to keep the warranty valid? I can't imagine what would need to be done by the dealer if there's nothing wrong with the truck. I do understand the manufacturer's issue with people bringing in vehicles that have questionable maint (in other words, you have a vehicle and you don't change the oil for 10k miles). I'll probably change my oil 3 times in the first 5 or 6 thousand miles because of all the initial wear on the engine (tiny bits of metal in the oil). But other than obvious oil changes I can't see why there would be a need to take it to the dealer? What's the scoop?

I plan on making no mods to the truck until the warranty runs out, and even after that, I doubt I'll do much more than replacing the headlight bulbs with zenon bulbs or maybe getting a new stereo.

Also, what's the deal with the tranny fluid? I thought I read somewhere (a Ford statement) that the fluid never needs changing in this transmission. That just doesn't seem right to me. Maybe I'll let it go for 50k miles or so...but I would think it's best to change it and install a new filter after all that driving?

Yet another question. What's the 'failsafe engine cooling system'? It's listed as a standard feature (in the mechanical section) in the brochure.

 

You can do your own maintance. keep records
Trans fluid is lifetime for normal driving.It can be changed.
Failsafe cooling system is a limp home system that will allow you to keep driving in case there is a failure.There is a discripton how it works in the owners manual.

Mike

 

Just follow the suggested maintenance schedule and keep records. There is no need or requirement to have $Ford$ do your maintenance.

 

I got lucky when I got my new truck the through free lifetime oil changes and inspections.

I liked the oil change thing since I usually need mine changed about 6 times a year.

 

As far as proof of maintenance: you can also retain receipts for oil/filters, etc that you purchase and install. Fill out the service record yourself. That has always been fine for Ford warranty claims in my experience.