Question: 2006 Ford Expedition
Hello,
Any advice would be appreciated. My wife took our 2006 Ford Expedition into The Lube Center for only an oil change. The truck has 12,000 miles and this would be its second oil change (manual recommends every 5,000). The Lube Center told my wife that the oil was really dirty and that it needed the deluxe engine flush ($150.00) and a rear differential service performed ($50.00). How badly were we taken and do we have any recourse to get out money back?
Thanks...
Answer: How bad were you taken? I'd say you were taken to the tune of $200.00. I can't believe they had the nerve to sell your wife an engine flush on a brand new vehicle. Let me say this to everyone reading this once again, and I'll emphasize it so there is no mistake:
NO VEHICLE MANUFACTURER IN THE WORLD RECOMMENDS AN ENGINE OR TRANSMISSION FLUSH AS REGULAR MAINTENANCE, OR OTHERWISE. THE ONLY ONE WHO RECOMMENDS AN ENGINE OR TRANSMISSION FLUSH IS THE COMPANY THAT MAKES THE FLUSH MACHINES AND THE PEOPLE WHO BUY THEM.
In fact, in a recent Technical Service Bulletin from General Motors, they specifically state, in no uncertain terms, NOT to do an engine flush under any condition. I quote from the TSB, number 04-06-01-029A dated 11/28/2006 and titled "Engine - Unnecessary Flushing Services:"
"General Motors Corporation does not endorse or recommend engine crankcase flushing for any of its gasoline engines. Analysis of some of the aftermarket materials used for crankcase flushing indicate incompatibility with GM engine components and the potential for damage to some engine seals and bearings. Damage to engine components resulting from crankcase flushing IS NOT COVERED under the terms of the new vehicle warranty."
Chrysler issued a similar bulletin to its dealers in April 2007.
As for what recourse you have to get a refund, not too much, I'm afraid. They made the recommendation and your wife agreed to it. They took advantage of her because she just didn't know. I don't fault her for this; it happens every day. But you know what my grandfather used to say? "You can only screw me once!" You could go back to them and voice your displeasure and let them know what they did may be legal, but it is still wrong, and that it is the last money they will ever get from you and you will take every opportunity to tell your family and friends of the lesson learned.
As Montgomery Scott once said... "Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice, shame on me."
