ATF change....use dealer or independent ?

[Oregoonian]

I'm planning on doing a ATF change in the early spring. I'm going to have a professional do it. I had it done with 60K on the OD....my vehicle now has 94K.

My question is....should I go to my local Ford dealership to do the work (which I did previously)...or let an independent repair shop do it? Do you think there is a cost differental?

My vehicle is spec'ed for Mercon V....but I've decided to use Amsoil ATF (which I'll supply)... and have a Magnafine filter installed.

Would appreciate your suggestions and experience.
__________________________________________
2003 Ford Focus (2.3L Duratec) / 94K
Mobil 1 Extended Performance 5w20/ Mobil 1 Extended Performance Filter/ OCI: 1 Yr. or 10K +/-

 

[LargeCarManX2]

Bring it too an independent transmission repair/rebuild shop.

Quite a few of the good ones know about Amsoil and sell it. Have them do the R&R and install the Magnafine. They might just have everything you need.

 

[sciphi]

I'd bring it to an independent shop, as they're more likely to humor you.

OTOH, if you have a good relationship with your dealer, they just might be willing to accommodate you.

 

[Jim_Beverlin]

Since you are supplying your own ATF then an inpendent would be ok. My Sport Trac calls for Mercon V and I had it changed at a local garage and they put in a Dexron III/Mercon IV blend plus an additive. I was not pleased in the least but they convinced me the additive pack was sufficient. I have had no issues but am going to have the transmission (5R55E) flushed and filled with Mercon V. This may result in my having to go to a Ford dealer. In a recent survey like over 50% of independent garages used a Dexron/Mercon blend with an additive pack. Many believe that Dexron/Mercon blend can be used in anything. That is not the case. Make sure any independent uses the specific ATF called out by the manufacturer.

 

[oilstudent24]

Not to hijack a thread, but when going to the dealer, make sure they are using the factory stuff. I went to the dealer for a flush and they used a BG product. I don't know if they used additives to reach the spec, but you might ask.

For the OP I bet it will be cheaper to try the independent because they may not have to pay for a pricey flush machine.

 

[Oregoonian]

Originally Posted By: oilstudent24
Not to hijack a thread, but when going to the dealer, make sure they are using the factory stuff. I went to the dealer for a flush and they used a BG product. I don't know if they used additives to reach the spec, but you might ask.

For the OP I bet it will be cheaper to try the independent because they may not have to pay for a pricey flush machine.

I'm supplying my own ATF....Amsoil

 

[oilstudent24]

Yeah I think it will be cheaper to have an independent do the change since you are bringing your own ATF.

The gentleman with the SporTrac might want to make sure that the dealer puts in the factory fluid if thats what he wants. I went to the dealer and assumed that the Ford brand would used, but they used a BG product and flush machine instead of the factory fluid (which I wanted) just to make sure it was compatible.

 

[bdcardinal]

At my dealer we only use Motorcraft or Mazda Genuine ATFs that are correct for the application according to our application charts. Its a pain keeping it all in stock, but we prefer to do everything by the book at least on the parts dept side.

 

[Oregoonian]

Originally Posted By: bdcardinal
At my dealer we only use Motorcraft or Mazda Genuine ATFs that are correct for the application according to our application charts. Its a pain keeping it all in stock, but we prefer to do everything by the book at least on the parts dept side.

When I had it done a few years ago...I was pleased. They used Mercon V (per spec).

My question is....will the do the work if I bring in my own ATF (Amsoil)?
__________________________________________
03' Ford Focus (2.3L Duratec) / 94K
Mobil 1 Extended Performance 0w20/Mobil 1 Extended Performance Filter/OCI:1 Yr. or 10K +/-

 

[unDummy]

You have to call your shop/dealer to see if they'll use your fluid. Some will and others won't. And, if you do bring your own fluid, it is up to YOU to watch the service to make sure that it is used. If you don't watch, some tech will have a trunk full of boutique oil and your car will get the generic bulk.

 

[Oregoonian]

Originally Posted By: unDummy
You have to call your shop/dealer to see if they'll use your fluid. Some will and others won't. And, if you do bring your own fluid, it is up to YOU to watch the service to make sure that it is used. If you don't watch, some tech will have a trunk full of boutique oil and your car will get the generic bulk.


I've thought of that...and will make sure (whoever does the work) be able to watch the procedure. Thanks for the reminder.

 

[doitmyself]

Maybe someone with experience will chime in....but I remember that some here said that some machines might hold several quarts of the original fluid in a reservoir and when you add yours, it might mix with the other fluid. So, make sure the machine is purged of all other fluid.

And, as indicated in the above posts, you need to communicate well with the garage doing the work to ensure that you get it done your way. A lot places talk big, but don't deliver.

 

[Oregoonian]

Originally Posted By: doitmyself
Maybe someone with experience will chime in....but I remember that some here said that some machines might hold several quarts of the original fluid in a reservoir and when you add yours, it might mix with the other fluid. So, make sure the machine is purged of all other fluid.

And, as indicated in the above posts, you need to communicate well with the garage doing the work to ensure that you get it done your way. A lot places talk big, but don't deliver.

Yes....I read that as well. I will insist on 'purging' the machine. Thanks for all these reminders. It's very helpful.