Coming up on 40k. A few preventative maintenance things the dealer is recommending

[upnorthranger]

Transmission fluid change, brake fluid change and fuel induction service. Are these gimmicks or something I should actually be considering at this mileage? If it makes any difference, I've always used 93 gas and synthetic oil every 5k. Also, now that my factory warranty has expired I'm considering leaving the dealer for service and finding a local indy shop. Any issues doing the aforementioned maintenance outside of a Ford dealer?

Thanks!

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[Jason B]

First, power train warranty is 60K or 5 years, so that part of the OEM warranty is in effect.
As for the others, IMO they are grifting for cash. The manual says 150K on trans fluid, but that's too long, 60K ought to do it. I haven't heard mention of brake fluid change or injector services, definitely not at 40K.

 

[got3fords]

First, power train warranty is 60K or 5 years, so that part of the OEM warranty is in effect.
As for the others, IMO they are grifting for cash. The manual says 150K on trans fluid, but that's too long, 60K ought to do it. I haven't heard mention of brake fluid change or injector services, definitely not at 40K.

I think the manual says 3 years on the brake fluid. I think it's too early for injector service. Plus that doesn't clean the valves.

 

[EJH]

Brake fluid flush at 40k miles is reasonable. There rest of their recommendations is not, IMHO.

With my new vehicles, I replace the brake fluid at about 3-4 years and/or 40k miles. After that, every two years. I live in the PNW.

 

[thorn726]

finding this regarding the fuel service, says only do it if you have troubles i dont know for sure but i think this sounds about right:
Fuel Induction Service vs. Fuel System Cleaner

If you don’t want to shell out the money for a fuel induction service, you may be able to resolve your fuel system issues with just the fuel cleaning additive. Fuel cleaner typically costs around $20–$40 per bottle, whereas a full fuel induction service costs at least $150.


Adding a fuel cleaner to your tank every 5,000–15,000 miles may help you stay ahead of carbon buildup in your fuel system. However, it can only do so much. If you continue to notice performance issues, then talk to your mechanic about getting a fuel induction service.

When Do I Need Fuel Induction Service?

A fuel induction service is typically not part of the mileage-based maintenance schedule in your owner’s manual. That said, it should still be part of your car maintenance routine.


We recommend it every 60,000 miles or whenever you notice performance issues. A complete fuel system cleaning is not recommended as a preventative service; it is only necessary when you are experiencing problems.

 

[Maynard727]

My next oil change will be right around 60K. I'll be doing transmission fluid and brake fluid.

I did get talked into the injector service at around 45k miles and I think it was unnecessary. No noticeable difference as I wasn't having any issues beforehand. If it runs fine, I would skip that one.

 

[9zero1790]

at 40 k i did oil and filter, air filter, changed the front and rear diff oil and the transfer case oil. then checked all the other fluids and topped off as needed.

 

[ctechbob]

Yes to the trans and brakes, induction service is a take it or leave it.

 

[Radioman]

Transmission fluid change, brake fluid change and fuel induction service. Are these gimmicks or something I should actually be considering at this mileage? If it makes any difference, I've always used 93 gas and synthetic oil every 5k. Also, now that my factory warranty has expired I'm considering leaving the dealer for service and finding a local indy shop. Any issues doing the aforementioned maintenance outside of a Ford dealer?

Thanks!

Understand that dealerships don't make most of the profit on cars sales but on service. I think it is too early for all that.

 

[9zero1790]

i dont think ive ever changed brake fluid in anything ever...

 

[Potlickr]

Transmission fluid change, brake fluid change and fuel induction service. Are these gimmicks or something I should actually be considering at this mileage? If it makes any difference, I've always used 93 gas and synthetic oil every 5k. Also, now that my factory warranty has expired I'm considering leaving the dealer for service and finding a local indy shop. Any issues doing the aforementioned maintenance outside of a Ford dealer?

Thanks!

I would do the transmission. And the brake fluid. It’s expensive but a good measure.

I did the trans, transfer case diffs, plugs all at 90,000km..

do it before your warranty is over. The plugs and fluids tell tales that may help you get something fixed under warranty…

 

[DRVMN]

I actually scheduled both services (Transmission Flush and Brake Fluid Flush) for next week - approximately 53,000 miles. Transmission Flush is $290 and Brake Fluid Flush is $150. When I owned my Harley-Davidson Ultra Limited, the brake fluid flush was recommended every two years for ABS brakes. Brake fluid attracts moisture (that's why it turns brown) and if not flushed, including the ABS pump (which needs to be activated by dealership software to purge it of old fluid), ABS pump failure can happen. The Harley-Davidson ABS pump runs $800. My guess is it would be a similar scenario for car/truck ABS systems. I'm hoping it helps with the sloppy brake pedal that others have posted about on the forum. I asked about changing the transmission filter and they said if their equipment used to flush the transmission fluid shows an issue with pressures, then it would mean a dirty filter, which would then be replaced. I believe they hook the flushing equipment up to the cooler lines and capture all of the old fluid as opposed to draining via pan removal, which doesn't come close to removing all the fluid. I see it as preventative maintenance and money spent now to save on a lot more money spent later on repairs. I have the extended warranty as well, so if they find anything that needs service, I am covered.

Just my two cents worth!

 

[Josebd]

Transmission fluid change, brake fluid change and fuel induction service. Are these gimmicks or something I should actually be considering at this mileage? If it makes any difference, I've always used 93 gas and synthetic oil every 5k. Also, now that my factory warranty has expired I'm considering leaving the dealer for service and finding a local indy shop. Any issues doing the aforementioned maintenance outside of a Ford dealer?

Thanks!

Just transmission fluid change?not going to change the filter?

 

[9zero1790]

someone educate me on brake fluid flushes

 

[ctechbob]

someone educate me on brake fluid flushes

As in how, or why?

How is as simple as bleeding new fluid through the brake system. It usually isn't necessary to actuate the pump as most of them these days don't hold a bunch of fluid in their own reservoir. If you can get a quart or so of new fluid through the system, you're really doing well enough.

As for why, brake fluid absorbs water. And while plenty of cars go to their grave on their original fluid, it just isn't optimal. Water in the system will cause corrosion over time.

If you're not keeping the vehicle long term, you can make it someone else's problem. If you're keeping it then it will pay off near the end of the vehicles life.

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