BG transmission service.. any input? - Ford F150 Forum

Maxout05 · 11-14-2009, 06:46 PM

Local dealer wants 130.00 for basic flush. The local big service shop said they would highly recommend their BG service for 230.00. Anyone have any advice??

**Lenn** · 11-14-2009, 06:58 PM

Well, when I worked for Volvo, BG products is all the manufacturer would allow us to put in the cars. It is definitely a good product but as far as what it has over just normal ATF, I really don't know. I never attended any of those conventions unfortunately. I know that when you use the BG system service, they add a can of line and seal conditioner and a can of cleaner gets run thru the system before new fluid gets put in.

That being said, I also know that the service center recieves a "spiff" for selling them. Sort of a commission that comes from BG. That could also contribute to them wanting to sell it.

Ask them if you can have the plastic peices that come in the cans of cleaner and the conditioner... You can cash them in for $1 each (IIRC) from the BG guys. Usually, the tech keeps them and cashes them in.

Maxout05 · 11-14-2009, 07:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lenn

Well, when I worked for Volvo, BG products is all the manufacturer would allow us to put in the cars. It is definitely a good product but as far as what it has over just normal ATF, I really don't know. I never attended any of those conventions unfortunately. I know that when you use the BG system service, they add a can of line and seal conditioner and a can of cleaner gets run thru the system before new fluid gets put in.

That being said, I also know that the service center recieves a "spiff" for selling them. Sort of a commission that comes from BG. That could also contribute to them wanting to sell it.

Ask them if you can have the plastic peices that come in the cans of cleaner and the conditioner... You can cash them in for $1 each (IIRC) from the BG guys. Usually, the tech keeps them and cashes them in.

Thanks for the input. You basically hit the nail on the head with "I also know that the service center recieves a "spiff" for selling them," cause boy did I get one, lol!
It seems to be excellent service just as you said with the cleaners and additives, but I am nervous to spend 100.00 extra. But then also nervous to get a shotty service done for 130.00.. tough decision for such an important part of the truck.
Its interesting about the token in the can, sound like willy wonka, lol! Thats kinda nuts that the techs get the money back.. not surprising though I guess, lol!
They offer the 1,000 guarantee towards future failure if you go with their system.. I'll have to give it more thought.. alot of money though..

Anyone know is mercron V the same as mercron SP now??

Kattumaram · 11-14-2009, 07:19 PM

Number one: I wouldn't have the tranny flushed....just asking for trouble.
Number two: What's all the fuss with BG products? They're pretty good, but why does your ride need any of them?

If your tranny is working well and the fluid is pink and sweet, then run down to your local, honest, competent tranny service center and have the system drained, TC and all, and refill with Chrysler ATF+4. Then run the rig for about 75K miles and do it all over again.

FYI: Both trannies in my vehicles are filled with ATF+4....work perfectly and better than with either Mercon or Mercon V. The service costs me 85 bucks...drain including TC, new filter, new gasket, new fluid, OBD2 scan, road test.

Maxout05 · 11-14-2009, 07:35 PM

The tranny in my truck is strictly listed to only take mercron SP fluid. Any contamination of any other type of fluid can be detrimental to the tranny. Especially the solenoids. Mine is an 05. I had read quite a few peoples issues when any other fluid was used, and also it will void the warranty if any other fluid is found in the tranny at a time of need for repairs.
As for the bg service, no fuss its more the shop I trust to do a good job by me only uses this service. The ford dealer down the road seems to be a half-azz service center and they are the only other choice in town. SO basically I want the better service so I have no worries. Trannies aren't cheap at all, I'm willing to spend extra for the best service, but not sure what the best is, hence the thread.

Kattumaram · 11-14-2009, 08:17 PM

The warranty consideration is an important factor, but in reality all the components in any auto trans are of the same materials as any other, so "contamination" from another fluid is in the minds of the Ford service people in order to avoid honoring a warranty. So, if your tranny is within warranty, then use the Ford product.

Ford recommends all its transmissions use Mercon V since it is compatible with all the various grades employed for the last 15 years. Mercon V is also backward compatible with Chrysler 3 and 4, and Chrysler 4 is superior to Mercon V as to quality of base stock and friction modifiers to prevent clutch and band shudder.

The change to ATF+4 in my 97 F150 4R70W has made a significant improvement in shift quality, smooth but firm and not a hint of TC clutch shudder. My 94 Lincoln TC AODE is so equipped and works flawlessly.

Trapper · 11-14-2009, 10:22 PM

Transmission fluids are not the same even though the bottle will say it is Mercon V or meets Ford specs, it doesn't mean it is an exact fluid like the factory fill. ATFs have frictional coefficients and the car maker specifys this to it's supplier as to the exact coefficient they are looking for. Any after market makers will make a fluid that gets in the ballpark of having the same numbers but it may not be the best you can put in the unit. Ford or any other maker does not have to share the exact specs with anybody as this is proprietary information. If you use a different fluid than the one speced for your transmission, it may work just fine but it probably is allowing too much slippage or it isn't allowing enough. If you want the best out of your transmission, use only Motorcraft ATF. It's made exactly for your transmission. Read and understand the owner manual as when to change the fluids. You trusted them enough to buy their truck, trust them enough to know what's best for it. Afterall, it is their name and reputation on the truck.

**Lenn** · 11-15-2009, 08:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Trapper

You trusted them enough to buy their truck, trust them enough to know what's best for it. Afterall, it is their name and reputation on the truck.

God, I wish everyone took that approach and mindset. This is the reason my vehicles only go to the dealership, no matter the age... Momma (dealership) knows best... usually.

bambo2888 · 11-15-2009, 10:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lenn

God, I wish everyone took that approach and mindset. This is the reason my vehicles only go to the dealership, no matter the age... Momma (dealership) knows best... usually.

**Lenn** · 11-15-2009, 10:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bambo2888

I assume you don't know what I mean...

1) Factory trained tech's
2) Brand reputation to uphold
3) Repair warranty upheld all over the country on all labor/parts
4) Ability to consult "higher powers" for tech's when problems arrise that are unable to be diagnosed at the dealer's level via FTS (field technical specialists)
5) Ability to consult "higher powers" for customers when problems with service arrise via going directly to Ford.

How many "Bob's Garage"'s have a multi-million dollar backing? I'll answer that for you... NONE.