30K Mile Service Price

[Newbie]

Dropped my rig off for the 30K service.

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[G1D1UP]

Are trans, tcase and diff fluids essential for changing at the 25k mark? I thought it was much further out, or maybe after extreme service usage.

Boy that's a huge can of comments you just opened! There are soooooo many posts here on B6G about when to service those essential parts/pieces and special intimate spots of your Bronco. Lol.

I can tell you this with utmost confidence, I have read enough threads here on B6G and seen enough nasty photos of dark sludge oil and Trans fluid (no offense to any woke folk), that I chose to err on the side of caution, and changed all that stuff out in advance at around 25K-30K miles. Others here suggest sooner but owner's manual suggests way later.

My 23WTLUX was damn near a $70K driveway dependant, so I take care of it like one of my children...maybe better.

 

[Baja Bronco]

Unfortunately, if you can’t do it, you have to pay others to do it.

Saying that, what you paid is ridiculous!

 

[flip]

"Premium engine oil conditioner".

aka, blinker fluid.

You should go back in and ask: is this "oil conditioner" a Ford-specified product? No? Then take it off.

@flip, what say you about this dealership thievery?

If you look at the lower left corner of the quote or invoice you will see BG. I assume this "menu" is probably one on BG's site and it definitely does not follow Ford's recommendations regardless if you are following the normal or severe schedules.

That said, my position on services has always been to follow OEMs schedule with these exceptions. If the air filter is dirty, replace it, if the pollen filter is dirty, replace it. Use OE fluids and filters but if using aftermarket, make sure the product meets OE specifications. Check all fluid levels at every service since the capacities are small and an undetected leak can lead to early bearing failure. If you do a significant amount of off-roading, water fording, check diffs, t-case and trans as soon as possible after the outing to check for contamination. Keep ALL of your maintenance records and receipts if work is done outside of the dealer. This includes dated invoices if you do the work and write down the mileage it was done.

I have made it clear I have no use for "flushes" as a matter of upselling additional services to inflate the $ sale on a repair. That said, a few months ago Ford completely folded on their previous position statements regarding "flushes" and aftermarket chemicals by approving two Motorcraft labeled BG additives. Ford is suggesting the fuel tank additive at every service and the intake cleaner every other. This about face was pretty much out of the blue and one can only assume Ford is just trying make more money selling product and of course, when you sell either of these, the tech/service mgr/parts mgr keeps the box and the BG guy comes by and spiffs whomever.

There are outlier cases where additives are called for such as a friction modifier if a vehicle has torque converter shudder. This is just a temporary fix as the clutch friction is already wounded from slipping. Since automatic transmissions aren't able to be completely drained, the term "flush" is used interchangeably with "exchanged" where new fluid is put in a machine, machine is plumbed into the cooler lines, old fluid is pumped out, new is pumped in. We do not add chemicals when we do an exchange.

If you want the short version, I do not think these blanket upsells are justified, likely do not provide an measurable service life to the component/system, undermine the manufacturer's position on maintenance, add enormous $ to cost of ownership and are generally pushed because of how service advisor/manager pay plans are structured. There are some outlier cases where Chevron Techron will help clean the fuel sending unit if it's suspected fuel has a high levels of sulphur and the gauge quit working and about 50/50 effective.

For s&g, I told my parts manager to get the new snake oil and we're going to do some testing on employee owned vehicles that have higher mileage. We'll get the bore scope out and take pics of the intake, cylinders, valves if visible, do a before and after fuel economy to see if there's any appreciable benefits. It's not something we are going to push but if we have a vehicle that has a carbon problem it gives us another option to try before a more invasive repair. We could find out the stuff is just piss in a can and throw it in the dumpster.

Not sure if that was what you were looking for.

 

[Bschurr]

@NeoS281
Please review the attached from Ford. This should be a sticky

 

[adam1991]

my position on services has always been to follow OEMs schedule with these exceptions.

the REAL concern is, the authorized Ford dealer does NOT follow anything even remotely like that. They throw $1000 worth of stuff at you, including things FORD SAYS NOT TO USE ("oil conditioner"!), and don't blink an eye.

No sir, that dealership is happy to RIP YOU OFF. "Hey, we just offered it. You didn't have to say yes." This is not what I would call a neighborhood businessman.

And the list does say "recommended maintenance". Hmmm, recommended by WHOM?

Jacking the price of the factory part up while the car is on the lift because it's an unexpected repair and you're charging for the convenience factor--I'll let that slide. We're talking strictly blinker fluid and associated services here, up to and including fluids Ford specifically says NOT to use.

Say, suppose Ford could deny a warranty claim on that basis? Well, the dealership doesn't care.

Zero shame on the dealer's part here. And maybe that's where they get the bad rap?

 

[adam1991]

@NeoS281
Please review the attached from Ford. This should be a sticky

Ford Motor Company recommends against the use of all chemicals, treatments, or additive products not identified in the owner guide or unless specifically recommended in publications such as Technical Service Bulletins. Only approved chemicals, when used as instructed, are compatible with a vehicle's components and systems. Use of unapproved additives/chemicals that result in damage or failure to vehicle components and systems will not be covered under warranty by Ford.

Huh. Just like I said.

Blinker fluid in the crankcase. What a great idea.

Ever wonder why people call them stealerships?

Ford:
Why is Ford Motor Company taking a position on aftermarket chemicals?
The promise of only selling needed services is our commitment to the customer that the suggested maintenance guidelines cover all service requirements throughout the life cycle of the vehicle.

Dealer: fuck off.

 

[The_Viking]

They put the wrong oil in your engine. Ford states 5W30.
https://www.searchforparts.com/articles/2022-ford-bronco-2-3-4-cylinder-engine-oil-type-and-capacity

 

[BroncoB]

I've got nothing good or additonal to add here except op is getting ripped off for un necessary and un approved service. Hopefully others may learn from this.

What the frig is frigi fresh service?

 

[flip]

BG has been in the dealers for decades, don't know what percentage of the total but I would guess 50% or more. Whether Ford gave up fighting dealers with position statements that probably wouldn't hold up in a warranty cancellation challenge and figured they may as well get a piece of the action. Not saying there is zero benefit of these products at this point but I feel the "chemical" is just a vehicle to sell the associated labor.

When we finally get this shit, do some testing, get data and pics, I'll either open a new thread or add onto this one. Probably biased going into it but data is data and if it appears to be a benefit then so be it.

 

[DC1]

"@NeoS281
Please review the attached from Ford. This should be a sticky "

I'd like to know the source of this document. It certainly is not a Ford document. Not dated, no Ford markings so I would be careful about calling it a Ford Position document. Anyone can type up something on a blank sheet of paper but that doesn't make it Official.

 

[flip]

Just for pricing reference in a small town in southern Indiana. All Motorcraft parts and fluids.

Works package topping off all fluids, tire rotation, brake inspection, $70.67 with tax out the door. (6qt)
Air filter, abt $35.00, no labor to replace.
Pair of front wiper blades abt $40.00, no labor to replace.
Cabin filter, abt $26.00 a little bit of labor to replace.

 

[Lowcountry Bronco]

If you approved the extra services well then you're on your own but if you didn't then the only thing I can think of now is to contact the Service Manager and talk with them about the unnecessary services that were provided outside of the true Ford recommended schedule. If they don't agree to refunding some or preferably all of the additional charges then I'd go straight to Google and Yelp and leave 1-star reviews explaining that they're charging for undue services ... oh, your State's Attorney General too, they might be interested!

 

[NeoS281]

While I feel some validation by the shock and awe of the price, I'm also a little embarrassed that I selected this service without digging into details and costs (lesson learned). Appreciate the comments here...I'll double check on the oil that was used when I pick it up today (5w20 vs 5w30).

Sidenote, they also informed me that I have engine valve recall coming. Exciting times..

 

[flip]

While I feel some validation by the shock and awe of the price, I'm also a little embarrassed that I selected this service without digging into details and costs (lesson learned). Appreciate the comments here...I'll double check on the oil that was used when I pick it up today (5w20 vs 5w30).

Sidenote, they also informed me that I have engine valve recall coming. Exciting times..

Do not be too critical of yourself. The unspoken pact is the dealer is supposed to be the expert and sell you what you need when you need it according to the mfgr recommendations. BG invests time in training advisors to sell this stuff and overcome objections so the deck was already stacked against you.

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