Do as much or as little as you want with regards to record keeping.
Keeping accurate records can't hurt, but there is no requirement that can force you to prove you did the maintenance.

It would be up to Ford to "prove" you did not change the oil, and that is impossible. Same with a "tire rotation" issue

Keeping your records and using quality materials can save you some aggravation with dealers who are not familiar with federal laws that govern warranty administration though.

 

A hand written log is a legal document. Anyone that keeps such a notebook or what have you, has all the proof needed.

Leo

 

This is interesting. And generally handwritten notes or logs may come into question in a court and I suspect with Ford aw well. You could get the log notarized by a lawyer or City Hall Chamber of Commerce to officially stamp it and date it. Otherwise, Ford could be within their rights to say the customer just made it up after the vehicle had problems. Seems a bit much for me. It might be better to get Ford to put their approval stamp in writing regarding customer servicing their own vehicles during a warranty period and what they require as proof services were really done at the proper mileage or time schedules. That would be the definitive answer.

Here is a quote from a legal website below that is interesting reading:
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"Receipts: Make sure you keep 'em (All)
Keep all receipts on any maintenance work done at facilities other than the dealership while your car is under warranty. Some people do not return to the dealer for service after buying a new vehicle. They have their vehicles serviced at quick lubes, their local repair facility, and/or anywhere they can find a deal. It's okay, as long as the service provider uses the specified fluids and OEM (original equipment) quality filters. So what's the problem? A lot of folks don't keep records and receipts. They have no documentation proving that the services were done according to mileage intervals as specified by the carmaker. When it comes time to file a warranty claim, the carmakers will ask for proof that the services were done. No receipts? No warranty coverage. This is one benefit of going to a dealer for regular maintenance while under warranty; the carmaker requires that they keep meticulous records. When and if a warranty claim becomes necessary, the dealership simply transfers all vehicle records electronically to the proper people for processing."

 

Calm down everybody! As a tech, if I have a vehicle in with an engine noise, and I find obvious maintenance neglect (yeah, we're smart enough to see it) then theres a warranty problem. If I see a well maintained vehicle, I dont care how many receipts you have, its still covered.

 

I agree... It should be very obvious if the engine oil has been changed on a regular basis.

Now the fuel filter maybe a little more difficult.

 

I have had three major meltdowns on PowerStrokes (mostly injector issues) and never once did the dealerships (4 total) check for records. And going back further, I had a Chevy throw a main bearing and that dealership didn't check records either. I agree with vloney that unless there's obvious negligence, you shouldn't have an issue. I keep everything regardless so if there's a question, I can show a history of maintenance. And with my past issues, it was always very clear that the truck was properly maintained, from the oil change stickers to the receipts and like I said, there were no issues when it came to warranty. Sure, somebody could be having a bad day and try to deny a warranty claim and it's probably happened but I don't think that is the norm.

 

Yep, sure sounds like it was written by a motor company.

You still have to prove it - been there and done that, as a tech with Chrysler. I have had to do major drive line repairs for vehicles that were obviously not maintained, but the proof of that is incumbent on the dealer, and you can't prove that.

4 words govern this, not the techs, not the dealer, not the manufacturer.

"Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act"


The requirement to use certain parts (e.g. Motorcraft filters and oil) or a particular service (dealer only) is considered a "tie-in" to the warranty, and strictly forbidden.

The MMWA is the same law that protects us when we put fancy headlights on and a dealer claims that headlight change caused the rear axle to fail.

And if you keep a written log of all your maintenance who could possibly prove you did not perform what is written.?
As mentioned above your notes are your notes.

 

If I remove the oil drain plug, and what comes out is as thick as pancake batter (been there, done that), you can quote MMA all you want to, just bring your checkbook. If I pull fuel filters, and they have the original filter marks, yep, same result. If I see obvious neglect, I no longer have to prove anything. Then you need to go to whomever supplied you with the oil/filters and get payment from them.

 

Been there already and have replaced the short blocks - under warranty.


That is a different scenario.

A tech's word on presumed neglect will lose if it goes to court.

 

Where in the warranty does it say its good only if FORD does the job.

 

It doesn't.

 

Tech with Chrysler.......HMMMMM, is that why they're so successful?

 

So my comments were general in nature and you go chest poking?

 

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The work definitely does not have to be done at a Ford Dealership to be covered by warranty but it may have to be done by a qualified service technician to be covered should their be a major warranty issue.