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

[ctechbob]

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

At 40k the filter should be ok to go for a while. Remember, they did design it to go 150k.

For me it would come down to cost. If, when they do the fluid swap, they are dropping the pan, then there is no reason to not replace the filter. You're there, it is 3 more bolts, you might as well do it. If they're just sucking the fluid out and replacing it, then I wouldn't bother at that point. Just getting the old fluid out and fresh fluid in there will be ok.

Now, when 80k rolls around and you want to do it again, I would consider doing the filter at that time.

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[got3fords]

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. lines and capture all of th

I had my brakes bled under warranty early on, after I did the ABS bleed which helped some. The pedal feel was improved. Then after new tires and The Works more recently, the brakes felt even better for some reason.
Yes, new fluid and proper bleeding should def help with mushy brakes, but I feel it was an issue from the factory.

 

[9zero1790]

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.

that makes sense thank you

 

[ctechbob]

I had my brakes bled under warranty early on, after I did the ABS bleed which helped some. The pedal feel was improved. Then after new tires and The Works more recently, the brakes felt even better for some reason.
Yes, new fluid and proper bleeding should def help with mushy brakes, but I feel it was an issue from the factory.

I guess I should have mentioned that above. I never had the squishy brake thing, so I keep forgetting people do.

There may be cases when you want/need to activate the pump for bleeding, but if you have good brakes now, then you can just bleed new fluid through the system and be ok.

 

[Canadian Ranger]

I bought my '19 Ranger in '22 with 20k on it. The first week of ownership I changed both diffs and transfer case fluids. All three were grey with metal dust and the magnets could no longer collect any more. So it no gimmick.
I won't bore with stories about similar happenings with other vehicles I've had, but I don't think the fluids they install on the assembly line/during manufacturing are even as good as the OEM junk they sell by the quart off the shelf. My next new vehicle, they're all coming out the day I bring it home.
And it's not just Ford, it's all of them. GM. John Deere, Harley Davidson, Briggs & Stratton......I see those logos on a bottle of oil and I cringe.

 

[Racket]

At 44K miles my dealer recommended brake, coolant and tranny fluid changes. The transmission procedure they suggested didn't drop the pan or change the filter, just back flush the whole thing and cost over $100 less than dropping the pan and swapping the filter. I might go for that and the brake fluid as preventative.

If I end up having the HVAC box replaced of course I'll greenlight a coolant change. Should take me to 99,000 miles ?

 

[chasvs]

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!

They are just screwing you. None of that is necessary. Maybe they figure since you use Premium fuel in a Regular engine suggests you support overkill.

 

[Lcr3000]

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 think you are good for now with the exception of, if you pull a trailer or boat a lot. If you use it to pull all the time, then I'd do the transmission fluid a little sooner than 60k and new lubricant in the differentials. As far as the other things you mentioned wait till you get past 60k. I've pulled with midsized vehicles in the past and taken them in before 40k to have differential fluid change and yes, they needed it.

 

[QuickSilver]

I did my brake fluids at 50k kms because it had been 3-4 years. The dealer said it wasn’t necessary but was happy to do it. After he brought out a list of things I could do if I wanted lol

I will do the tranny this year. Mainly for piece of mind and doing it when budget allows instead of when surprised by issues.

 

[Steve l]

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.

The fuel in these engines is injected directly into the clyinder. So there will be no cleaning of the "induction" system by adding a cleaner to the tank.......it might clean some carbon from the clyinder and exhaust!

 

[Retirednavy2010]

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!

The brake fluid you're running is a dot 4 fluid which can absorb moisture so a flush every 3-4 years is expected. As for the fuel system every 6 months I add a can of seafoam gas treatment in the tank and never have issues with the injectors and that will also clean the valves. I've used seafoam in all my 2 and 4 stroke engines to keep them running well.

 

[YaBoiNewton]

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!

If you haven't replaced your transmission every 10k miles then at this point it's too late and you should just throw the whole truck away

 

[Big Blue]

The brake fluid you're running is a dot 4 fluid which can absorb moisture so a flush every 3-4 years is expected. As for the fuel system every 6 months I add a can of seafoam gas treatment in the tank and never have issues with the injectors and that will also clean the valves. I've used seafoam in all my 2 and 4 stroke engines to keep them running well.

Seafoam will do absolutely nothing for your Valves if you put it in the gas. Maybe the exhaust, but that's not the problem one. In a direct injection engine like ours the gas never touches the intake valves.

 

[Retirednavy2010]

Seafoam will do absolutely nothing for your Valves if you put it in the gas. Maybe the exhaust, but that's not the problem one. In a direct injection engine like ours the gas never touches the intake valves.

Sorry, I haven't owned a Ford in almost 30 years until I got this 2019 used with 28,000 miles on it in Jan 2024 so I am not completely up on the Ranger details. I just know that in 3 months that i've owned it the fuel pressure sensor in the gas tank went bad, the blend doors failed so the dash came completely off and the transmission was just rebuilt (glad I bought the extended warranty). I bought is as a tow vehicle behind my motorhome but so far it has lived up to everything I remember about Fords.

 

[theprinceofsnj]

Just over 66K here. At 50K I asked my mechanic about doing the trans? It All depends on how you drive. He said I'm good for 100K. Dealers today seem to want to sell you on things that would make you feel better. And if you don't want the service, they gilt you.

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