Well...Dealership Time

[SickWhip]

Whats up Guys.

Here is my situation. I myself, dont have the time, or the resources (heated garage) to do a tune up on my 94SC, so I called up my local Ford Dealership (Performance Ford in Windsor). They quoted me $267.67 including taxes for a Tune up. What a bloody rip off. But of course I agreed to pay it. So my car goes in Wed. morning. I was going to change my Tranny fluid soon. Should I just get them to do that as well? How much would that cost? Ballpark? And should I be using Mercon V? What would they normally use? Thanks for any help! See ya Guys!

[Ryan A Harris]

So your getting a tune up. What does that include? If that does include new plugs & wires, then, I would pay that, no problem. Now if they think that your car is 3.8L N/A, then your price will go up, way up, once they get your car. As for tranny fluid, why not do it now, if you can spend the little extra, then do it, it can't hurt. I think that around 50-60 bucks should do the tranny fluid, and new gasket. I can't help out on what kind of fluid they use.

[SickWhip]

Hey Thanks Ryan,

Ya, I told the guy a the dealership it was a Supercoupe... He follows up with the question.. "Um, are those Platinum plugs?" Then I asked him if he was a mechanic. He said no, and I thought Thank god. He didnt' seem like the sharpest tool in the shed. I wanted to ask him, just how far up his ***, his head was, but I restrained. I'll probably get them to the tranny fluid too. I'm not exactly sure what the tune up consists of. I usually just do the regular maintenance stuff with my Dad. Who knows what they do at the Stealership!

[Greg Coleman]

If your car is an automatic then the tranny tune up will be near 100.00 and if it is a 5 speed it should be less cause all they do is suction out the oil and put in about 3 liters of new oil. If it is an auto then they drop the pan and change the filter and pan gasket and change the oil. When I do my tranny fluid and rear end fluid,I take my'n to Mr. lube and they suck out the rear end fluid and replace it and I have to remind them to use a friction modifier. I use Synthetic fluid throughout the car.If your not a believer in synthetic motor oil then you should be when it comes to the tranny and rear end!:D

[92 Redbird]

You never mentioned if your ride was auto or std. Also I don't know if you have owned the car for long. Have you ever done a tranny service on this car? I would be carefull because if there is any resin buildup in the tranny (auto) the detergents in the new fluid will dissolve it and that could be all that was keeping your seals working. You may lose the tranny completely. I did this myself last year and it bit me in the back side to the tune of $3000.00 to fix. :eek: Reputable shops verify the condition of the oil before they agree to do the tranny service and will even refuse to work on the car without making you aware of the possible outcome. $80.00--$100.00 is reasonable considering what a messy job it is (there is no drain plug, it spews out everywhere as soon as you open the case). You will also need to get the tranny slip additive as well, as you'll need it.

[SickWhip]

Hey Guys,

My Car is an Auto. I've owned it for just over a year (Nov. 2001). I haven't done a tranny job, or had a tranny job done since I've had it. I have 206K on her. The dealership is also doing the Tranny fluid for me tomorrow with my Tune up. Will they know about the possible complications? And will they know to add a tranny slip additive? Please let me know, I dont want my car getting fu***d up. Thanks guys!

[92 Redbird]

My advice to you is to discuss your concerns with the service clerk or the mechanic when you get there. He should know his stuff but it wouldn't hurt to mention it (even if all it does is reassure you). Let him know that you are not sure that this transmission has ever been serviced and that you don't want any unexpected problems. Ask him to verify the fluid first and let you know what it looks, smells and feels like before he dumps it all onto the recycling pan. If it looks blacker than old motor oil, is thinner than alcohol and smells like a slice of liver that was left on the sidewalk in August for three weeks, he will probably want you to think about whether or not you really want to do this. Listen to him, you can save up for the big tranny job while you drive on the old fluid for a while. I knew I did a bad, bad thing within two or three miles of having done it.

[SickWhip]

Hey Thanks for the heads up man. I REALLY appreciate it. I like to keep a look out on my fluids. Usually about once a week. Just to make sure everything is good. My tranny fluid is still the redish color, and it doesn't smell horrible. It obvious doesn't smell like Kool-Aid either, and I'm guessing it shouldn't. I just hope this isn't gonna be a problem. I really can't afford a rebuild right now! Like I said... Thanks so much for the input, and I will definetely talk to the mechanic before he does it. Do you know if I can get them to use Mercon V fluid, or will they just use, whatever they normally use? Also, will they use the tranny slip additive, or should I ask? Let me know... THanks again Man!

[92 Redbird]

If you're going to a Ford dealer they'll know what to use.