What to expect from Dealership Service?
 

Last fall I bought an 2015 F-150 4x4 with the 5l engine. It has been running fine, but it is time to do an oil change. I know that one or more technical bulletins/recalls are on it. If I take it to a Ford Dealership for the recall what else can I expect from them (other than the higher price) that my normal mechanic can't do? Can I get the Software in various modules updated? Or is this like my old Honda where it is sell it and forget it even with Bluetooth security issues?

I'm sitting at 85,000 miles, of which I only put 3-4k on. So I'm between the 80k and 90k Maintenance Schedule. On the other hand, I don't really know what was done before I got it. What are your recommendations? Re-do the 80k, just wait for the 90k or ?? I'm not towing with it so most of my driving is highway & gravel logging roads to hike trailheads.

I almost always take it to the dealership and roll through the Quicklane $40 oil change; the local dealer always has "coupons" for the Works and they rotate the tires. As for 80/85/90k maintenance, just check the manual. If its something you would typically do yourself, go ahead and do it. Things like trans fluid and coolant - yes more expensive, but if it makes more sense to have it done at the dealership if its not something you have time/space/etc... to deal with. Well, they get done two ways, do it yourself or pay someone. Your cost benefit analysis will judge that. Since you are most likely out of any type of warranty, you might NOT get software updates unless there is a TSB or Recall.

This might not be the most sensible thing, but anytime I purchased a used vehicle I factored in the cost to start from scratch. In 2018 I bought a 2015 F250 with 80k miles on it. I had all the normal services done, from engine oil to transmission to differential oil change, filters, etc. Just so I knew I had a legit starting point to keep track of all the maintenance. I used to keep handwritten journals. Now I just log it in the Fuelly app. This might be excessive but it gives me peace of mind.

Your question fits in with the when should I change my oil; many differing opinions.

my preference when getting a vehicle over 3 years and 50k has always been to change all major fluids. Now a days most vehicles get first major service right around 100k. Most maintenance schedules have a schedule that is twice as fast for heavier use. Being that your truck is approaching major service miles I would do it early for piece of mind. So for a 4x4 both axles, transfer case, motor, and tranny (flush), filters, belts, and plugs.

The above may be a bit early but it beats being a little late. The good news it won’t be required for a long time and everything should perform close to new.

Had my first two oil changes at the dealership (free). What I now expect from them during service is for my interior to come back dirtier than they got it, oil mess to not be cleaned under the truck, oil to not be filled to the full mark on the dipstick, and best of all, I expect my tow mirrors to come back with blue edges perfectly matching the paint on their lift (even though I folded them before entering the shop).

Hory Chit! That’s insane! I always do my best to make friends with the service writers Incase some stuff like that happens!

Since you are out of warranty, you can expect them to find several thousand dollars worth of "you'll die if you don't have this done right efin now" repairs.

some dealers yes some dealers no

we aren't all bad

iirc, only oil changes are required/recommended until 100k. I find The Works to actually be a good deal for the 5.0L beings it takes 8qts.

correct, you might need to change the filters/wipers a few times. but no biggie