Does the oil change have to be performed by a ford tech. I guess what i am trying to say is can they void my warranty for changing my oil on my on.

 

As long as the correct type/amount of oil is used, Ford can't void your warranty.

 

no, but the main thing is that you have real reciepts from a business with dates and mileage that prove that you had the oil changes (or whatever service is in question) performed.

Ford is really starting to crack down on people who don't do their maintenance. They are starting to deny ESP warranty claims on big ticket items (over $1400 parts and labor) such as transmissions and engines if the customer can't provide proof of maintenance.

some people buy ESP and think that means they are protected forever and don't have to take care of their vehicle. NOT ANYMORE!

later,
chris

 

So if you change your own oil/filters is a service log of your own good enough or not? I sure hope it would be.

 

If you do your own service, I would recommend that you keep your receipts for the oil and the filter or whatever other required service you are doing. As long as you have receipts showing the oil and filter was purchased and their is no sign of not properly doing the service, then they shouldn't be able to deny your warranty. Keeping a log is also good proof of service.

 

I'm keeping a log only. If they challenge me for reciepts I'd go ballistic on them. Just cause you go to crappy lube, you don't know they are doing the right thing there either. Reciepts don't provide proof of anything, only a witness could possibly do that. I know I've never been challanged by any car dealer yet. I keep records of all my changes in my log book. Some of you might be concerned if your receipts actually indicate a 5w30 oil like Mobil 1 and your supposed to be running 5w20. They could get pissy on that.

 

I agree the log should be adequate. Receipts only help make the case a little stronger, but only if they show the proper viscosity. Some store receipts don't show what viscostiy, only the brand of oil.

 

I think a log would be all that is needed. If a major warranty repair comes down to oil change being questioned, it is a simple matter to perform an oil analysis from samples in the engine.

 

you guys handle it however you like, but be advised that a log may NOT be adequate as it doesn't really prove anything, you could sit down on any given day and make up a log of oil changes with false dates and mileages.

you cannot easily sit down and print up reciepts proving oil changes or at least oil purchases to correspond to a "do-it youself service log book".

I'm not saying don't change your oil at home by any means. and the reality of the situation is that if you are changing your oil regularly (like I'm sure most of us as performance enthusiasts are doing AT LEAST as much as called for, if not more frequently) you aren't going to have a problem anyway with a failure do to lack of maintenance.

I have personally seen though, customers come in with 25+ thousand miles and the original oil filter, or that have only changed the oil once (and in some cases only after the engine started to make noise or fail) that expect to get warranty coverage. If they pull your oil pan and out pops a jello mold of hardened oil, you can bet your **** that they are going to want you to produce reciepts.

also, I even had a customer go to the store and buy a blank generic reciept book and sit down and try to write out a history of oil change reciepts. guess what, this won't cut it either.

just my advice, keep a log if you like, but keep your reciepts too.

 

This is just another excuse for Ford to void your warranty. I buy my oil in bulk and in advance along with my filters. I guess I don't have a warranty on my ranger now.

 

Don't worry easterisland. The burden of proof is on Ford to prove negligence on maintenance was the reason a warranty part failed and the failure would have to be related to the lack of maintenance. It would be impossible for Ford to disallow a warranty repair on a drivelene failure or shock absorber just because the oil wasn't changed properly. The two aren't related. Keeping a log and receipts is only to further the proof of a properly maintained vehicle. Ford wouldn't have an argument with you if you brought in a properly maintained vehicle and you had a failure. Just as superfords described, it sometimes is pretty evident what a poorly maintained vehicle looks like. The dealers I have gone to have always been cooperative, after all warranty work has to be done at an authorized dealer, where as out of warranty work can be done at an shop, including independent repair shops. Just keep doing what you are doing and you will be fine.

 

That's what oil analysis tests are for. As long as you guys change your oil regularly, with receipts, don't worry about it. Now for you guys with modified engines/computer chips, I'd be taking it to the dealer for oil changes while under warranty.