Just pick up my screw from an oil change by the dealership. In a moment of weakness I let them do it because my garage is so full of junk I can't do it myself right now.

So I pick it up and pay and head out to the truck. I notice they have charged me for an oil change which included 5 quarts of oil and 2 extra quarts of oil.

Now I know the manual says 6 quarts so I check the oil. Sure enough it is over the max line. I go back in and complain and tell them it isn't supposed to take but 6 and it should come to the middle of the hashed area.

They are nice enough and take it inside to check it where it is level (it was pretty damn level where it was) and say it is right at the top of the max line but they'll bring it down if I like. Now I am kinda pissed just because they don't follow their own manuals and try to charge me for an extra quart of oil at $3. I tell them to bring it down. They do, they refund my money. They said, "the manual is kinda generic" and they "always bring it to the full line".

I know they thought I was crazy and stupid but I just didn't want an "extra" quart nor did I think I should have to pay for it. Of course the exercise cost me 20 minutes. They probably would get more complaints about it not being "full" than for being charged for the extra quart.

What do you people think? Should I have just laughed it off and asked for 6 quarts the next time?

 

Should've just asked for 6 quarts the next time... they are just like anyone else, if you are a PITA, you get treated like a PITA. These guys are human too.... by doing that, you have just become a marked man..... They will remember you, even if they say they don't....

 

What you said makes good sense jryager. I feel pretty stupid now for not letting it slide.

 

But then, if the dealership knows that you're as thorough as to check for an extra quart of oil, then they probably won't try to pull any "stupid dealer tricks" on you in the future. Not that they would, since I know nothing about the dealership (although from what you told me, they handled an irate customer in a professional manner) but if they're tempted in the future, they'd probably stick it to another customer.

 

You don't really need to worry... just use the honey approach on them... now or next time... something like... you know, fellas, I realize that maybe I was being a little harsh with you... you were only trying to insure that the vehicle was absolutely full... call me paranoid or somewhat ****... but would you mind in the future if I specified 6 quarts... just because it says so in the manual.

They can't help but be nice in return. Number one, it is the rare customer who bitches them out and then makes amends, and number two, you show you weren't simply irrational, only concerned.

PS: Mine takes 6.5 quarts to the full line, with filter.

 

I guess my reaction goes with what problems are encountered with their mistake. If they put too much oil in , and the oil pressure started blowing seals, I'd blow a gasket. Several years ago, I lit into a service manager after the yo-yo they have doing oil changes failed to tighten the drain plug. Took the vehicle on a long trip and checked the oil during the second fill-up on the trip. 2 quarts low. I saved my anger until we returned and opened up on him with both barrells monday morning. He didn't give a damn, so i kept on him and explained to him how he would have denied the whole thing if my wife's engine had blown, how the nice ad on TV about their service department was quite different then what their practice was, how anyplace that couldn't be trusted to do a simple oil change properly couldn't be trusted with a major repair, and so forth. I managed to embarrass and anger him in front of several customers and some of the crew. He wouldn't tell me which of the guys worked on my wife's car. Sometimes you have to confront stupidity, laziness, indifference, sloppy work, or whatever caused the problem.

 

Mine takes 6.5 quarts with the 5.4 l

Next time do it your self because they probably have some young buck doin it there and you have to adjust for their learning curve.

F'n idiots

http://www.f150world.com/hakiem

 

Hmmm...I realize the dealer should be the best place to get an oil change. The strange thing is that they make the vehicle, why do they charge extra for more than five quarts? Really, how long has it been since Ford made a vehicle that took five quarts, other than a midsize family mobile? That's the same as the Jiffy's and other oil change shops out there. Now, with that question out, do vehicles that take less than five quarts automatically get a refund for using less oil? I think not.

Was that Mobil-1 for $3.00 a quart? Sheez!

The one thing that bothers me about this whole subject is some quick oil change places have tried to charge me for the reg. oil change, and then add the cost of 6+ quarts of Mobil-1 on top of that. At Wal-Mart of all places, you can get a Mobil one change for just over $40. Next time I'm in one of the over charging places I might ask first, and then drive away. Maybe that will be food for thought on their part. Oh well, end of ramble,,,,98

 

dont get too upset , i work as a tech at a ford dealership and like you said , we get sooo many complaints if the oil isnt to or over the full mark. I know its not technically correct, but my service manager has told the oil change guys to put 7 in, but i only put 6 in when i do a oil change, and a couple of times over the last few years i've had to go out in the parking lot and add 3/4 to a quart in front of the customer. We got in a pissing match over this subject about a month ago over in the L forum, and i was outnumbered and called a "gomer" for saying that its OK to put 7 in , but like a few guys pointed out for me, they have always had 7q oil changes and have over 100k miles with no problems. a extra quart of oil doesnt cause any difference in oil pressure and does nothing to make seals leak or anything, so i dont think it matters. The only thing ive seen too much oil do in a 4.6, 5.4 is make a vibration at idle if its got like 10 or more quarts in it, we had one that came from another oil change place where they forgot to drain, or either filled it 2 times, haha that was kinda hard to figure out for a few minutes. anyway, I wouldnt worry about having 7 quarts in there.

 

98Screamer,

Because Ford Dealerships work on Fords that were bought yesterday and Fords that were bought ten years ago. In addition, they will change the oil on anything you bring in.....

Think someone would mind paying for six or seven when they only get 5?

Interesting tidbit, a dealer here has opened a standalone quick oil change store.... it is miles from the dealership............

 

arbee,

Not to worry, these guys are human.... and you can mend the fence.

I would have been just to question why 7... get the answer, if I didn't agree, tell them so...... but tell them that next time, I won't pay for six. That way, you let them know that you are on the ball. But that you not such a pain as to cause them extra work and they should treat you with more respect (notice I am not saying honesty). Hopefully they are honest, if not find another dealer.

To mend the fence... next oil change, just tell them that you were sorry about last oil change, you were just having a bad day and over-reacted about your NEW truck.

Like I said before, remember, even though the service guys are hardened (to demanding, overbearing customers with valid and invalid complaints), they are human and should be treated as so..... you'll find it is much more productive on both sides.... and if it is not, once again, find another dealer..............

Everyone makes mistakes... those who are respected are those that can recognize and admit their mistakes.........

 

In the last few years I have been ALL over the country, and have noticed those Quality Care places popping up all over the place. I guess dealers can't keep up with the demand, or don't want to? It is weird seeing one of those shops, huh? It says everything but Ford on the sign
On a side note, I believe an oil change svc. should not be a "set price". Your already paying too much for the oil and filter, then they way overcharge for the "extra" oil over five quarts. I think the price should go by how many quarts your car(truck) uses, with a decent price per quart. I'm sure people with cars that take five quarts, never think about those of us who get gouged for a larger oil pan. Oh well, my opinions are not the same as others', so I'll shut up now, LOL ,,,,,98

 

Dumb question. I am a computer geek that bought my own truck... how do I change my own oil? ANy nebie guide on the net? Also how to I get rid of the old oil and what kind of oil/filtershould I use?

 

Oh darn !!!! did they just void their warranty ......

 

Question----Isn't the crosshatch pattern the normal operating range????

If anytime after an oil change I would think this is an acceptable range area....

As far as up to the line or over---Doesn't this create more drag on the crankshaft???doesn't this create undo drag and parasitic hp loss???Fuel mileage affected...Oil foaming(which causes loss of lubrication)...

And doesn't this create oil burning, which will clog EGR's????

Just some food for thought....