My truck recently developed a noise on startup and acceleration. It sounds like noisy lifter clatter. I took it into the dealership since it is still within the warranty period. They saw an aftermarket oil filter and raised the flag that Ford has been typically denying warranty claims for this and have requested my service records. Unfortunately I've never kept any receipts more than the last few as I've never thought about needing them. So I'm kinda stuck, they want me to prove that I've kept regular maintenance, which I can't do. They won't even look further at the truck unless I authorize $3k worth of work (possible cam phaser/sensor), warranty to be determined later. I called Ford customer service at the recommendation of the dealer, but got the same story. I'm not sure what to do, I normally have my oil changed at whatever quick oil change facility is close by when it's due.

The only thing I know for sure is that there are 2 Fords in our household now, both vehicles being upgraded within the next year (wife's lease is up in 6 months) and if I'm stuck with the bill there will be 0 Ford products in our household for as long as I'm breathing.

I can understand their point, I'm sure some people actually do only change their oil once every 50K whether it needs it or not. Unfortunately it seems I need to prove that I'm not that guy more than they need to prove that I am.

 

you have made a few very critical mistakes here. If you are going to go to a quick lube shop, always go to the same one or the same type (ie always go to JiffyLube, or w/e other shop). This will increase your chances of them being able to retrieve the service records from their system.

even the above does not ensure 100% that everything will still be available. if you have a car under warranty it is a must to save every receipt. otherwise, buy used cars, and you don't have to worry.

sucks, i know... I learned these lessons the hard way when my Mazda B-Series's engine died at 30K. i had no receipts (used to change my own oil), they claimed I didn't maintain the engine and it cost me a small fortune for a rebuilt engine. **** happens. now i go to a local shop, get a receipt and stow that away in the event that i need it.

 

Did you always pay cash for the oil changes ? If not go to your credit card company or bank and ask for printouts of you records for the last year, if you used debit or credit the shops name and price of what you paid will be there. Although it is not a detailed receipt we all know the average price of an oil change so if the price is right there is your proof. These records are easy to get so I suggest you start there.

I do have to say the dealer is being a bit of an ***. I change trucks every 2 years and just bought my wife a new 2010 Escape fully loaded last week always from the same dealership. I DONT do all my oil changes there ect but everytime I have had issues they have stood behind me. Ford Canada with a warranty claim goes by what the dealer tells them they "see" to a certain extent. So lets be real if the dealer in question found it to be faulty and under warranty and told Ford they were claiming it for you and all looked above board on their end ect it would be changed no questions asked.

I have had parts changed on my truck well worth over the 3K part you say and have never had a dealer ask me for a receipt for a thing. I dont see why the dealer really cares it is hours for their shop and keeping a return customer happy. I dont get some dealers at all !

 

I managed to scrape up receipts going back almost a year showing consistent oil changes every 5k (3k miles). Hopefully that will help out. I did pay cash for a fair bit of them so chasing records back further is next to impossible.

 

Problem is, if they see a Fram oil filter on there, they may give you a hard time.

 

I had the lifter chatter as well. First thing the service guy asked was if I used Motorcraft filters. I do.. they replaced the lifters without another question. Go put on a Motorcraft filter and bring it to a different dealer.

 

good news and bad news

it looks like they have enough backup to cover it, that's the good news.

the bad news isn't really all that bad, but lets just say my salesman is very good and there's a good chance I'll be driving away with a new 2010 FX4 fully loaded