I also posted this in the crossover forum. The bad thing is this dealer is where I had extended warranty trouble before and I gave them a second chance.

Went to the local Ford service dept this past week because the back heat on our Freestyle was not working. Covered under the extended warranty and fixed. Only a one day delay in getting parts. The real problem occurred when I asked about the 60k mile service on our transmission. "That will be $189, but it is not due till 100k miles." After explaining to the service person about the CVT and it should not be flushed, arguing with their transmission "Specialist" about what filter should be changed, high pressure not the pan filter, I was quoted $480 plus tax.

The specialist "always replaces the pan filter" during the service. I asked him and the service manager to check fords service manuals for the correct filter, guess what, it is the high pressure filter. I already knew that. The specialist told me at one point that he has rebuilt over 15 CVTs and that is the only time he has ever replaced a high pressure filter. Probably because they are not servicing these CVTs at 60k mi and replacing the wrong filter at 100k mi. I can only hope that the heater rear heater core was properly replaced since they could not get the trim back together right.

I know these are not "normal" transmissions how hard is it to be sober or not sleep through training.

Anyway, make sure your service dept is knowledgeable before you let them touch your car. An independent shop is doing our service next week for $320 with tax. I still had to explain the full procedure but they confirmed they can read by saying that was what was in AllData. And I trust them.

 

Sad, but good advice!

 

It's a shame - I can confirm All Data has fantastic information available. Even if a tech has never worked on a specific vehicle, function,etc - it provides step by step instructions and usually has diagrams to completely walk you through it.

Here's an excerpt for your specific situation:
********************
Removal

CAUTION: MERCON, MERCON V, MERCON SP, Motorcraft Premium Automatic Transmission Fluid and Motorcraft Continuously Variable Chain Type Transmission Fluid are not interchangeable transmission fluids. The use of any fluid other than what is recommended for this transmission will cause transmission damage.

CAUTION: Do not attempt to clean or flush the oil-to-air (OTA) transmission fluid cooler. Contamination may remain in the cooler and eventually be returned to the transaxle causing internal transaxle damage. If the transaxle is to be overhauled or if installing a new transaxle, install a new transmission fluid cooler.

NOTE: When carrying out a fluid change interval, the removal of the fluid pan and filter is not required. When carrying out a fluid change interval, the installation of a new high-pressure case filter and seals are required.

***********************

It then gives the specific steps with diagrams on how to handle the service. Good luck!

 

Got our car done yesterday. The shop did a great job. They did say that Alldata's labor time was a little low, but I still saved over $150 off what the stealership would have charged me.

I know I only have to be an expert on 2 or 3 models at a time but their job is to be an expert on everything that rolls in the door. Especially Ford. Anyway I guess next time I need anything under warranty I should drive the extra 30 min to one of the other ford dealers. I could have done this myself for a lot less but having time, wife and three kids around the holidays, and cold weather would make it a miserable job. I can't wait till my 2 boys are old enough to be truly helpful.