Oil Changes/Warranty
Posting Guru
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 2,016
Likes: 3
From: NC
Plus 5k is so EASY to remember.
For us old guys that
a lot this is an important consideration.7.5k would require a calculator (or I remove my shoes and socks to count) every other change. This is not going to happen!
FWIW, every other oil change I also rotate the tires. Every 4th change I change the air filter (yes, this is 10k sooner than I need to per the maintenance guide).
But as I said above:
PLEASE DO WHAT MAKES YOU FEEL COMFORTABLE AND HAPPY. IT'S YOUR TRUCK, YOUR MONEY, AND YOUR CHOICE!
Posting Guru
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 1,490
Likes: 16
From: Arizona/Texas
Well, when I bought my new focus, I was bombarded with the 3K oil change, 60K tranny flush, undercoat, sealants and all that crap. Nothing but BS spewed from this woman's mouth.
I asked her how long she'd been stuck in the 70's.
I opened the manual and shut her up about everything she said. I was actually offended at the idea that she fear mongers everyone to make a buck.
I did speak to dealership management about this. I'm sure there was plenty of back slapping when I left.
I asked her how long she'd been stuck in the 70's.
I opened the manual and shut her up about everything she said. I was actually offended at the idea that she fear mongers everyone to make a buck.
I did speak to dealership management about this. I'm sure there was plenty of back slapping when I left.
But here it is 13 years after my first modular motor, (4.6 in a 97 F150)
and now that Ford has gone to 7500 miles, the dealer is pushing 5000.
My company did an oil study several years ago, and found out that the oil is just fine all the way up to 5000 miles. And all of our vehicles go to 150000 or more.
I'll get my first oil change at 5000 miles because it's free. And the General Manager has assured me it will be done in 30 minutes. After that, it's to be changed at 7500.
But if I tow a heavy trailer in the heat of the summer, I'll shorten that distance between oil changes.
Senior User
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 110
Likes: 0
Great thread. lots of very good common sense thoughts. I agree if one can do their own oil changes, it is probably better to do so. IMO, it saves a lot of time and one really knows that the job is getting done properly. I love the comments that we could start a thread on stupid salesperson comments/suggestion and also the 5K oil change because as we get older, every 5K is easier to figure out. You guys are too much...thanks.
Posting Guru
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 1,617
Likes: 4
From: Denver, Co
Owners manual obviously states 7,500 miles. Service Department at preferred dealership obviously endorses that when they have questioned me on my 5,000 mile oil changes. And yet they still put a sticker on my windshield with a 3,000 mile interval on it. 
Personally, I like 5,000 miles. It is easy to remember, and I have seen evidence in torn-down motors & oil analysis reports that some FTE members have posted that both support how well the newer motor oils can handle that interval, or longer.
Personally, I like 5,000 miles. It is easy to remember, and I have seen evidence in torn-down motors & oil analysis reports that some FTE members have posted that both support how well the newer motor oils can handle that interval, or longer.
Junior User
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 71
Likes: 0
Along the line of this thread, the message appeared on my dashboard to change the oil. This is at 3500 miles.
If I change the oil myself, will that reset the computer and remove the oil change message?
I too, have had a problem with the dealership changing the oil in my last F-150. The drain plug was stripped and the dealer had to replace the oil pan. Wasted time while they did the repairs.
If I change the oil myself, will that reset the computer and remove the oil change message?
I too, have had a problem with the dealership changing the oil in my last F-150. The drain plug was stripped and the dealer had to replace the oil pan. Wasted time while they did the repairs.
Posting Guru
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 2,016
Likes: 3
From: NC
Break out you owner's manual...
Freshman User
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 30
Likes: 0
From: Coppell (Dallas), TX
I'm looking to buy a 2010 Ford F-150 4x4 Super Crew, but don't have one yet. My wife has a Honda Ridgeline (I know sacrilegious on this site) that has some sort of sensor that monitors the cleanliness of the oil and indicates when the oil starts to get dirty. It shows the % of the oil life left. I think that the 'indicated' oil changes by this computer work out to be between 5,000 and 7,500 miles. Does the Ford have any type of sensor in their system computer?
Last edited by Mr Bill TX; Jul 15, 2010 at 12:10 PM. Reason: clarification
Posting Guru
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 1,617
Likes: 4
From: Denver, Co
If you do not have an Owners Manual, you can download one at http://www.motorcraftservice.com/.
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Senior User
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 128
Likes: 0
I'm looking to buy a 2010 Ford F-150 4x4 Super Crew, but don't have one yet. My wife has a Honda Ridgeline (I know sacrilegious on this site) that has some sort of sensor that monitors the cleanliness of the oil and indicates when the oil starts to get dirty. It shows the % of the oil life left. I think that the 'indicated' oil changes by this computer work out to be between 5,000 and 7,500 miles. Does the Ford have any type of sensor in their system computer?
Posting Guru
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 2,016
Likes: 3
From: NC
Actually some Ford 2010s and 2011s have a more intelligent system that base engine life on running hours, RPMs, temperature, load, etc. Not sure if the F150's OLM is one of the newer versions or not.
If it's not, it's based on miles (7500) OR time (6 months), whichever occurs first. The 2010s do have the ability to set the time to 12 months.
If it's a major deal to you, then download an owner's manual and read all about it.
If it's not, it's based on miles (7500) OR time (6 months), whichever occurs first. The 2010s do have the ability to set the time to 12 months.
If it's a major deal to you, then download an owner's manual and read all about it.
Elder User
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 560
Likes: 1
It's a Texas thing mostly...short for slapd*ck.
New User
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
Change your own oil, if you have the facilities and enjoy the experience. It's like finishing a detail and stepping back. Satisfaction. I take it step further. I like syn, I run it to 5ooo tops. I could probably go more but my choice. I do replace the filter @ 3Gs and I placed a 90 lb magnet @ the base of the filter. When the old oil drains I can still see thru it. But then again, I'm a 4DNUT.
Cargo Master
Joined: Sep 2023
Posts: 2,779
Likes: 276
From: Virginia Beach
I'm looking to buy a 2010 Ford F-150 4x4 Super Crew, but don't have one yet. My wife has a Honda Ridgeline (I know sacrilegious on this site) that has some sort of sensor that monitors the cleanliness of the oil and indicates when the oil starts to get dirty. It shows the % of the oil life left. I think that the 'indicated' oil changes by this computer work out to be between 5,000 and 7,500 miles. Does the Ford have any type of sensor in their system computer?
