$75 dollars to check transmission fluid

[Msfitoy]

Has anyone paid for full transmission fluid flush/exchange + filter change and what was the price?

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[Megawatt]

@soxnut Just curious if you knew where the access point is to check and fill the trans fluid. It is not like most vehicles where you can pop the hood and pull a dipstick. And then most dealers are close to $100 hr labor rate.

Not defending dealerships but it is a surprise on both counts to learn about.

 

[alcohenusa]

Went to the dealer for an oil change today. Asked about checking the transmission fluid level. I’m not having any problems. Just curious after reading some of the posts here. Said they would be happy to but it would be $75 dollars on top of the oil change price. When I questioned him he said it is because it is sealed, there’s no dipstick, and there is a panel in the way that has to be removed. $75!!!!!! Is it just me or does this seem ridiculous to anyone else?

i passed in the opportunity for them to take more of my money.

My dealer wanted one hour labor extra to check the trans fluid when they were doing the works deal. I declined and they did it for no charge (or, at least they say they checked it).

 

[Jason B]

I can't stand paying dealers for simple things and waiting days to get my truck back.

My plan is to replace the fluid myself at 30k and add a PPE Power transmission pan (with drain) and B&M Dipstick. Then I can easily check and replace the trans fluid forever.

Other than to install the new pan a dipstick, why change it at 30K when Ford says the fluid is good for 150K? 150K seems too long, but 30K seems premature.

***update***
Service guy said they aren’t allowed to check and just top off fluids anymore without a charge. Unless there is a complaint and it is under warranty. So I did and it is.
That checked it (no charge) and found it was 1/2 quart low. Topped it off and reset the shift points.
I know it’s probably placebo effect but it does shift smoother already.

My guess is the reset of shift points is what improved the shifting. Because I don't see how 1/2 quart out of 13 quarts would make a difference. If the 10R80 is that sensitive to fluid levels, there's bigger issues at hand. My guess is the volume of fluid changes as much from cold to operating temp.

 

[MountainGoat]

Other than to install the new pan a dipstick, why change it at 30K when Ford says the fluid is good for 150K? 150K seems too long, but 30K seems premature.

It was something I read on here that convinced me. TBH I don't remember, probably how the fluid looked coming out. I just have it in my spreadsheet to do diff and trans fluid (and the pan) at 30k.

Edit: It was when I found out our transmission pan is made from thin plastic. I want to ditch that way before 150k.

 

[AzScorpion]

This is why I go to anyone but the dealership for service. I just had my oil changed and tired rotated at Brakes Plus and asked if they could check the trans fluid. They did for NO charge. Unless it's for warranty work I stay away from the dealers.

 

[soxnut]

@soxnut Just curious if you knew where the access point is to check and fill the trans fluid. It is not like most vehicles where you can pop the hood and pull a dipstick. And then most dealers are close to $100 hr labor rate.

Not defending dealerships but it is a surprise on both counts to learn about.

Honestly no. I’m just a dumb firefighter. I do know how to check fluids and replace or add and do all my own boat maintenance. It is a matter of having time to do it myself or not. I’m perfectly fine paying someone to do stuff. Especially when it’s outside my abilities. Which most new vehicles are being designed so the “shade tree mechanics” can’t work on them. It’s a shame.

 

[D Fresh]

Isn't checking the transmission fluid included in the "works" package?

 

[Wytchdctr]

Isn't checking the transmission fluid included in the "works" package?

They sent me a link to a video on my last works package being done. They didn't check the transmission/diff fluid, but they checked just about everything else. You could hear the techs sarcasm as he checked things like my brakes with 7k miles on it. Yep; also good, etc etc. I thought it was sort of funny.

 

[P. A. Schilke]

Went to the dealer for an oil change today. Asked about checking the transmission fluid level. I’m not having any problems. Just curious after reading some of the posts here. Said they would be happy to but it would be $75 dollars on top of the oil change price. When I questioned him he said it is because it is sealed, there’s no dipstick, and there is a panel in the way that has to be removed. $75!!!!!! Is it just me or does this seem ridiculous to anyone else?

i passed in the opportunity for them to take more of my money.

Hi John,

I see this is pricing high enough to get out of having to do the trans fluid check.. And they succeeded in doing so....

Best,
Phil

 

[Msfitoy]

i did and it wasn't crazy, couple hundred Canadian bucks.

but i did have issues after with a different sound during spirited acceleration.
its only there when cold and appears to have zero effect on the operation

I describe it as a woosh sound just as it shifts gears.
my mechanic says its the whine sound the 10R80 emits normally.

so, i drive it like i stole it and if i leave parts on the road one day, then they can explain to me how the normal operation is again.

Couple hundred CD? like $150 USD? Sounds crazy cheap...you sure about this? Best quote I got is $450 USD for full fluid flush and new filter/gasket + labor...

 

[D Fresh]

They sent me a link to a video on my last works package being done. They didn't check the transmission/diff fluid, but they checked just about everything else. You could hear the techs sarcasm as he checked things like my brakes with 7k miles on it. Yep; also good, etc etc. I thought it was sort of funny.

Pretty sure it's listed on the checklist you get back after they're done.

It says here that a fluid "top off" is part of the Works Package...

https://www.ford.com/support/category/service-maintenance/coupons-offers-rebates/the-works/

I'll dig up my checklist from the Quicklane when I get home, but I could swear it's on there.

Not saying it actually gets done, but I believe it is a service that's already being paid for.

 

[Jason B]

It was something I read on here that convinced me. TBH I don't remember, probably how the fluid looked coming out. I just have it in my spreadsheet to do diff and trans fluid (and the pan) at 30k.

Edit: It was when I found out our transmission pan is made from thin plastic. I want to ditch that way before 150k.

Plastic pan!?! I did not know that.

 

[Jason B]

Pretty sure it's listed on the checklist you get back after they're done.

It says here that a fluid "top off" is part of the Works Package...

https://www.ford.com/support/category/service-maintenance/coupons-offers-rebates/the-works/

I'll dig up my checklist from the Quicklane when I get home, but I could swear it's on there.

Not saying it actually gets done, but I believe it is a service that's already being paid for.

I have an appointment today for The Works at Quicklane. I'll ask if trans check is included.

 

[Jason B]

I took my truck in yesterday for regular maintenance at Quick Lane. It took about 45 minutes to get done. I asked the Quick Lane service writer if checking trans level is included. He said the 10R80 has a screw in dip stick, so it's considered a sealed trans and Quick Lane doesn't check levels on sealed transmissions. He also said that if you have a shifting problem or a leak, that has to be handled by the repair service side of the shop. And we all know the situation with wait times and delays on that side.

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