Is the 30k mile service worth $700.00 plus tax? (local dealer quote 5/29/08)
What are others paying for the 30k mile service?

 

what all is done? All I would do at 30k is replace the external tranny filter. 30k is pretty new.

 

Depends on what they will be doing. That seems to vary a lot between different dealers.

I would not pay more than $200 for the tranny service. Oil change can be over $100. Fuel filters right around $100. But I have also used a Ford coupon and got oil change and fuel filter change for $99. The dealer did NOT like that one, but they did it.

So as for advice, I would make them break down the services and wait for some coupons or specials. Maybe do some myself.

I've also seen power steering fluid flush and brake system flush added in to a 30k service. You may not need those.

Bill

 

Just have the tranny flushed at the dealer and do the rest yourself. These are very easy trucks to maintain.

 

tranny doesn't need to be actually flushed until 60k, as I understand.

 

Where did you find a coupon like that? I think we all wanna know.

 

LOL, yes I would like another one too. And of course therein lies a tale...

My local dealership for years was Board Ford here in Whittier. Once you get on a dealerships mailing list, you will get their service coupon mailers. But, they really come from Ford. Board Ford closed at the first of this year (broke my heart to see them go) and so I've adopted Downey Ford as my new dealer. Most dealers will match another dealers coupons. A couple of months after Board Ford closed I was still getting their mailings. I guess it takes a while to get them out of the database. So the Board Ford coupon comes in about March. Same week a mailer comes from Downey saying they will match other dealer coupons. But the Board Ford coupon was much better, offering an oil change and fuel filter change for $99. I half expected Downey Ford to decline the coupon, since the other dealership was gone, and I would have understood if they did that, but to their credit they took the coupon and did the work. They took their sweet time, and I was waiting for several hours, but they did the work. I don't expect to see that one again.

Bill

 

I don't think so. Check your manual. I believe it should be "changed" every 30k on the torqshift.

Bill

 

The maintenance schedule in the manual states that the fluid should be changed at 30k. In another location in the manual it states that flushing is an acceptable method of changing the fluid. If you simply drain it and re-fill, you will leave over 50% of the fluid in the system. IIRC re-filling after draining takes 8 quarts. The system capacity is 17 qts I believe.

 

I think that's what I said. It's what I meant anyway. IMO a complete flush every 30k is what is specified.

My dealer does not seem to think an external filter is needed each time.

Bill

 

I spoke to a couple dealers and they only drain the pan, add 8 qts, and change the external filter for $200 @ 30K. At 60K its much more and they flush it.

 

bpounds - yep, you were clear and accurate w/ what you posted. I didn't mean to imply otherwise. I was just adding the little bit of detail about flushing being an "acceptable method". Some people are concerned about the flushing process actually causing problems so maybe it will help reassure folks that Ford states it is OK. If flushing is done, it needs to be w/ the proper machine to heat up the fluid etc. I just had mine done at the dealership. I think that this first flush is very important to ensure that any and all particles from the build and initial operating hours are removed (personal opinion). The dealership sent me a coupon for the work, ($130), so anyone close to 30k should ask their dealership about coupons before getting the work done. They told me the flush is normally $220. Any dealership charging $200 for a drain and fill is ripping you off.

 

I just had a flush done recently, a real flush of the system not draining the pan, and probably won't do another one for as long as this tranny is in the truck. Drain pan and refill with 8 quarts and new external every 30k from here on out. To me, a real flush every 30k seems like overkill unless you tow constantly or sled pull.

 

Bismic, what else is recommended at 30k? You seem to be the new blackhat around here. lol

 

Yes, that's just too much. My last one was right around $130 also. I didn't have a coupon but the SA gave me his best price. It did NOT include the external filter however. I just went with the flow and figured I'd do it myself, or else next time. A couple months later and it's not changed yet, so it looks like next time will have to do.

I just don't go along with mixing new fluids with old. I don't do it with oil, get all the old coolant out that I possibly can, and I don't see that SP fluid is any different.

To the OP, here is another recent thread with a similar question. You might find the replies helpful.
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/7...-my-truck.html

Bill