greg

I have a 03 Escape. The Ford dealership just told me I need to follow the
recommended oil (motorcraft 5w-20) or it would void the warranty. I don't
prefer to use this as it is a synthetic blend and not 100% synthetic. I have
read some of information regarding this. Most notably the Magnuson - Moss
Act. It states that a manufacturer may not require a specific brand or type
of aftermarket product unless it is provided free of charge. If your
dealership continues to tell you that you must use 5W-20 motor oil and or/ a
specific brand of 5W-20 motor oil, then ask them to put it in writing.
Their position is inaccurate, and, in fact violates existing law.*

Has anyone else had troubles with Ford doing this type of business? And is
anyone using amsoil 5w-20? I used mobil one in my 01 mustang. And had no
problems with it.

Thanks,
Greg

michael o

First of all, a Ford DEALER told you this, not Ford, they are two separate
things. I am pretty sure that Ford Motor Company knows a lot more about the
laws regarding warranties than us and the dealer. Ford can and will not
force you to use Motorcraft oil, however, they are aware of what the engine
is capable of flowing and may have grounds to deny warranty coverage if they
could prove you use another grade, (of course they wouldn't be able to prove
it). I would recommend regular oil changes, per the schedule in your owners
manual, with the grade recommended by the manufacturer and the brand of your
choice.

the ghost of general lee

No, because I don't pay much attention to them when they're simply
towing the corporate line. I've been using Amsoil 5W-30 in my '97 CV,
and it's still running great at 107k miles. And Amsoil will warranty
engine repair if the damage is caused by failure of their oils when
used per their directions. I also use Amsoil filters, too.

cjbrown

You are required to use 5w20 to maintain the warranty, but it doesn't have
to be Motorcraft brand. That's why the Magnuson-Moss Act doesn't apply. A
manufacturer cannot specify brand of oil, but they most certainly can
specify characteristics meet their specs. Otherwise you could put canola
oil in it and claim that it wasn't your fault when the engine siezed.

There are several brands of 5w20 available. If a full synthetic is what
you're after, Mobil 1 makes a 0w20 that meets the Ford spec for 5w20.

CJ

greg

Mobil 5w30 also appears to meet the specs created by Ford.

rex

Can you explain how certain transmission fluids MUST be purchased from the
manufacturer or it will lead to bad shifting or failure. For example Mopar
+4 fluid, and some Lexuses require T-IV or they'll be slamming into gears.

c. e. white

Greg,

Ford is not telling you that you must use "their oil" they are only telling you
that you must use oil that meets their specifications (Ford spec WSS-M2C 153-H).
You are free to buy oil meeting this specification from other manufacturers.
There are many choices available. For instance -

Havoline 5W20 - see http://www.havoline.com/products/na/...l_mo_tech.html
Mobil 1 0W20 - see
http://www.mobil.com/USA-English/Lub...bil1_0W-20.asp
Formula Shell 5W20 -
http://www.shell-lubricants.com/prod...ils_102403.pdf

Phillips Trop Artic 5W20 -
http://seweb1.phillips66.com/Lube/PR...0?OpenDocument

Exxon SuperFlo 5W20 -
http://www.exxon.com/USA-English/Lub...EXSuperflo.asp

There are many more. As long as the oil meets Ford Spec WSS-M2C 153-H and is API
certified you are OK. The dealer cannot force you to use Ford /Motorcraft Oil,
but Ford can certainly require you to use oil that meet certain specifications.
Otherwise you could you any old crap and claim it was OK.

The Amsoil product that meets the Ford specifications and other warranty
requirements is not a true syntehtic in my opinion. It is like Castrol Syntec -
a highly refined crude oil. However, even so, as long as the oil meets the Ford
specs, even Amsoil is acceptable (see http://www.amsoil.com/products/xl7500.html
). Stay away from Amsoil products that are not API Certified (most are not, the
XL7500 series are). They do not meet your warranty requirments.

Ed

c. e. white

Have you actually read Amsoils warranty (see
http://www.amsoil.com/warranty.htm)? It is so full of requirments and
exceptions the chances of getting it to pay for anything is almost, but not
exactly, zero.

Ed

c. e. white

Mobil does not claim this. Only the 0W20 grade claims to meet the appropriate
Ford Specification. However, the chances of 5W30 causing a problem, or having a
warranty claim denied becasue you used Mobil1 5W30 are negligible.

Ed

c. e. white

Probably becasue no one makes a fluid that exactly matches the vehicle
manufacturer's specifications. In cases where buying the wrong fluid might cause
problems, I always make sure the fluid I am buying explicitly states that they
meet the vehicle manufacturer's specifications. I never trust weasel wording
like " intended for vehicles that require xxxx fluid."

Ed