I had asked you all for some advice recently on what types of maintenence I should have performed for my 100k mile service on my '02, 4x4, 4.0L, auto, and got some responses. I went to the local Ford Dealership, and for a tune-up (wires and plugs, new serpintine belt, fuel filter), radiator flush and fill, transmission flush and fill, and new pcv valve, they wanted $850.00.

I guess I need to go to Advance Auto, buy some spark plugs, engine coolant, and a new belt and get to work. I may still take it to Ford to have the transmission flush performed, but I have a coupon for that to be done for $89.00, which seems reasonable. While I'm at it, I'll probably replace the shoes on my rear brakes. I may also replace the fluids in the front and rear differentials, as well as the brake fluid.

My main reason for going was to just check and see if I'd rather spend the money than the time (and perhaps a some headache and busted knuckles) to do the work myself. I'm doing it myself. I think I can do all that and more for 850 bucks, which seems extremely high. FWIW, I already bought the Haynes manual. What do you all think?

As I've stated before, I'm no mechanic, but I was able to successfully replace the timing belt on my ex's VW diesel Jetta, so I'm not completely clueless about cars. I will probably be coming back here to ask the experts questions though, if I run into problems. Thanks for your help so far.

 

It'll be easy after hearing their offer!

Wires and plugs - not too difficult, the plugs can get...fun...on the SOHC, but it's not ridiculously bad.
Serp belt - easy off, easy on
Fuel filter - if they still use the "box" in the '02, you gotta remove that, and the fasteners are stupid, but it's not horrible by any means, just make sure the system's depressurized!
Radiator flush/fill - easily done, park in the grass, cause you won't catch it all in the drain bucket!
Tranny flush/fill - you can do this yourself if you so desire, but if you want to let the dealer do it, $89 ain't too horribly bad, plus you know they know what they're doing.
PCV valve - remove vacuum tube, remove valve, replace valve, replace tube. Easy as that.

Have fun!

 

$850.00 for that work is a joke. It's the kind of quote that turns people off to dealerships. And sad to say, your experience is like that of many other people.

The bottom line these days is that, if you can't or won't do at least some of the work on your own vehicle(s), then you are going to get raked over the coals.

You can do the 100K service yourself. Take your time and ask questions. I recommend using Motorcraft parts, you can get them at discount prices from one of the FTE sponsers: http://www.discountfordpartsaty2kford.com/

 

Thanks for the link to the parts. I do want to stick with Motorcraft parts. I've bought and used plug wires from Advance before, and they just seem cheap. It didn't really matter much on the Saturn I was driving I don't guess....but I didn't like them.

I've had similar bad experiences at dealerships, thats' actually one of the reasons I changed the timing belt on the wifes VW Jetta. Her's is a diesel, and the glow plug light came on. I took it to the VW dealership and they wanted $400 to replace four glowplugs. I got four OEM replacement glowplugs online for $60, popped the hood, and replaced all four of them in 15 minutes. The parts I found to replace the VW timing belt online was 300 bucks (included new water pump, belts, tensioners, radiator coolant, and other stuff), and assuming the same markup....well, it really wasn't that hard to do. It took me about a day to change the belt, then three days to get a replacement vacuum ball to replace the one I broke.

When it comes to dealerships, I guess I'm just a slow learner. At least this gets me under the hood for more than just an oil change, so hopefully I'll learn some things.

 

I don't know fellows, changing the plugs on a 4.0 sohc might be worth 500.00$, have you tried it, could cause a preacher to cuse ha ha. 850.00 for a tune up, wonder what a brake job would cost, 1,200.00 ? I would sooner remove the engine and put the new plugs in and reinstall before paying that kind of money, thier not on crack, thier on acid !!!

 

The 'fun' that could be had changing the plugs is one of the reasons I took it to the dealership for an estimate. Just looking at the engine, some of the plugs look like a real pain to get to. It almost looks as if I'll have to pull a lot of stuff out of the engine to get to them.

Based on your post Wendell, it sounds as if you have some experience changing the plugs on a 4.0. Any tips you'd care to share?

 

Yeah Stan, I noticed that myself, might be easier to pull the motor ha ha. Not a job for the faint of heart to say the least. I've heard guy's on here say it can be done with the right tools and alot of luck. I wonder what a local garage besides ford would charge just to do the plugs, the rest would be a picnic in comparison.

 

Depending on who you talk to, you will hear leave the RF tire on or remove it to do the right bank plugs. I removed mine, as well as the small rubber fender flap, and found it easy to get to the plugs. Removing the old wires will be tough, and you get a pretty good shot at them through the fender. I have an inexpensive long needle nose plier that is very handy. And don't forget anti-sieze on the plugs and dielectric grease for the new wire boots. Another advantage to this way is looking over brakes, shocks, etc.
As for the fuel filter, make sure which fittings you have. My '03 had an orange clip, which you PUSH in, as opposed to prying out like the older ones. Not fun to replace after you break them.

 

I Work At A Ford Dealer, Our Price Of $641 Includes
Rotate Tires(balance If Needed)
Fuel Filter
Air Filter
Trans Flush
Induction Fuel System Flush
Deposit Control Kit
Battery Service
Oil Change And Lube
Atw(29 Point) Inspection(brakes, Suspension, Tires Things Like That)
Car Wash
Alot Of Us Can Do Many These Things On Our Own, Thus Seeming Like A "rip Off", But To The Average Customer, Their Knowledge Of Vehicle Maintenance Is :
A. Put Gas In Tank
B. Turn Key Forward To Satrt
C. Turn Key Back To Turn Off
This Is A Good Service To Help Keep Their Vehicles Properly Maintained. Now, Wherever You Did Go, I Think Pushed The Envelope On The Pricing A Bit, But That Could Be Fair Market In The Area You Live In.
Just My 2 Cents.
(no I Am Not Yelling, My Computer Wont Come Off Caps Lock, I Am Getting A New Keyboeard Today)

 

the sohc 4.0l is a pain doing a tune up on it especially the pass. side, but thats just the stealership they are that way not just ford, last time i changed the plugs on my dad 98 regal with the blown motor we got a bad batch of plugs a 2 weeks time 4 of the plugs cracked causing it to run bad it was flashing a steady code so we took it to the stealership, they found the problem but charged $175 for regular plugs $289.99 for stock plug wires. we just paids for diag. and got a set of E3 plugs and msd wires and still spent less the cost the plugs

 

Because I am a total boob at auto maintenance I am off the Ford dealer this am for some items on a 2000 Ranger 3.0, XLT, 4x4. 73689 miles. Just bought, no service records anywhere.
Estimates are:

Tune incl plugs, wires, PVC & safety insp $316
New rear brake shoes w/ kits, turn rotors 192
LOF 29
New fuel filter 71
AT service power flush 175
Transfer case service 55
Front & rear diff service 185
Cooling system service 130
TBI service 57
New brake fluid 99

After you stop laughing let me know how much of a rip this is. After this service I will go to indy techs. Wanted to get this done by Ford the first time, only.

Thanks

 

Stealerships are crooks..........took the Lightning in because one rear brake pad was nearly touching rotor and the other was leass than 1/2 worn @ 25,000 miles.

Figured a caliper was hung up.

Dealer said everything is normal and wanted $275 to surface rotors and change pads!!

Asked how local brakes shops do it for $99......reply was dealer charges 2 hours labor!!

Took truck home, removed wheel and caliper in 10 minutes, drove to Big 0 for $12 rotor resurface, $45 for a SET of rear pads.........15 minutes to reinstall.

Total of $60 in parts and maybe 30 minutes actual labor....$99 would have been more than fair, $275 is a flat out rip-off!!!

 

Hey Yadda, Alot Of Places Are Begging For Work Right Now, Tell Them You Will Do It All Today If You Get A 20% Discount And A Coupon For Next Oil Change Free. They Should Do It, Or At Least Make A Counter Offer And You Save A Few Bucks. They Have The Room, Because Most Motorcraft Parts Cost Are Half The Price Of List.