Ford dealer installed wrong oil

[Gill Jr.]

I recently took my FGT to a local Ford dealer to have the axle bolt upgrade performed. I had the dealer do an engine oil and filter change service at the same time. Last night I happened to read the repair order and to my dismay I see that the dealer used Mobil 1 15W50! Should I be concerned? BTW, I specifically requested that the service adviser be sure that the tech use the recommended Motorcraft # XO-5W50-QGT oil!

[MAD IN NC]

If it was my car - I would get it out ASAP.

John at Accufab tested different oils to find the Ford (Conoco supplied) is the best performing.

What I would be worried about is the differences between the two manufactures. Synthetic is a "big" group, many having totally different properties and residual affect if you move from one to another...

Good luck.

PS - Find a real service dealer

[Indy GT]

I agree with Mike!
I would take it back to the dealer and (forcefully if necessary) request the oil be drained and changed to the OEM Motorcraft oil.

They screwed up and after you specifically told them to use the Motorcraft oil, I would hope they would not challenge the request......

[STORMCAT]

I would get it out and they need to acknowledge it in writing . I think it's a warranty issue if you do not use the Ford Oil? So they may have violated it ??
Check the manual and be educated before you talk to them .. Probably no damaged has been done but I would to have their screw up documented. Who knows. If there are motor issues down the road it would be wise to have this documented... just my 2 cent...:wink

[BlackICE]

I would get it out and they need to acknowledge it in writing . I think it's a warranty issue if you do not use the Ford Oil? So they may have violated it ??
Check the manual and be educated before you talk to them .. Probably no damaged has been done but I would to have their screw up documented. Who knows. If there are motor issues down the road it would be wise to have this documented... just my 2 cent...:wink

+1

At least your belly pans and frame rails are OK, right?

[Gill Jr.]

Thanks for the input Mr. Mad & Mr. Indy! Before I called the dealer to complain I wanted to get some insight here on the forum. I thought that certainly a Ford dealer (which was recommended by other GT owners) would use the correct Ford oil without me instructing them to do so. However, being a little paranoid, I figured it wouldn't hurt to mention it. Apparently my concern at the time was reasonable. Not that it did me any good. BTW, I researched for some time to determine which Ford dealer to use for service and when I took my car in there were 4 other FGT's in getting serviced at the same time.

[MAD IN NC]

Thanks for the input Mr. Mad & Mr. Indy! Before I called the dealer to complain I wanted to get some insight here on the forum. I thought that certainly a Ford dealer (which was recommended by other GT owners) would use the correct Ford oil without me instructing them to do so. However, being a little paranoid, I figured it wouldn't hurt to mention it. Apparently my concern at the time was reasonable. Not that it did me any good. BTW, I researched for some time to determine which Ford dealer to use for service and when I took my car in there were 4 other FGT's in getting serviced at the same time.

At least tell the dealer that going forward you want a real GT service tech not a Focus tech. :rofl or, have them banish the tech to truck land. If they don't respond properly use the weight of the Forum (not the moderator) to help you!

[Gill Jr.]

I would get it out and they need to acknowledge it in writing . I think it's a warranty issue if you do not use the Ford Oil? So they may have violated it ??
Check the manual and be educated before you talk to them .. Probably no damaged has been done but I would to have their screw up documented. Who knows. If there are motor issues down the road it would be wise to have this documented... just my 2 cent...:wink

Thanks for the advice Stormcat. I was worried about the warranty aspect also!!! I was not going to mention it on the forum because I did not want to come off as a whiner. I agree that it is doubtful that any damage has occurred. Mobil 1 is a fine oil, it's just not the right oil, nor the right wt. (15W50). I will take your advice and check the manual. If recall the manual does say to use the Motorcraft 5W50.

[Gill Jr.]

+1

At least your belly pans and frame rails are OK, right?


Believe me ICE Man, I will be checking the belly pans when I get home from work tonight! I'm keeping my fingers crossed (maakes it dfficult to type).

[cobrar1339]

Thanks for the advice Stormcat. I was worried about the warranty aspect also!!! I was not going to mention it on the forum because I did not want to come off as a whiner. I agree that it is doubtful that any damage has occurred. Mobil 1 is a fine oil, it's just not the right oil, nor the right wt. (15W50). I will take your advice and check the manual. If recall the manual does say to use the Motorcraft 5W50.


This oil will not harm the motor in So. Cal. IMO

I would be concerned with the 15W starting weight in the cold climates though. And maybe for torlerences until warm. But given the 50W top end, I doubt tolerances are an issue. The 50W is spec for the cars and it will be the same when the car is warm.

Until you drain it for the proper starting weight, (which BTW is a national avg. If they only sold GT's in Palm springs and did not care about EPA ratings they may have used a 10w to begin with. ). Let it idle longer to warm up. Once you are at operting temp it will not do any damage.

I think we are are a little paranoid about the oils. I have been selling motor oils for nearly 30 years, been to many labs and on many plant tours, dyno tests, wear tests, etc. The specs can be different in each blend, but the Mobil 1 is one of the best in the industry for an alum motor. And for the record Motorcraft does not blend any oils or chemicals. They are all private labeled something else.

Keep in mind this Motorcraft weight is odd and Ford does not use it in anything else high production. It will be gone ( not available in motorcraft) in a few years and we will all be using something else anyway. Until then, I will use the Motorcraft, with Mobil 1 being my second choice.

Don't panic...just have them order the spec stuff and change it again.

[Daltondavid]

Thanks for your industry insight! this also holds true with Gas stations (The label issue) I am told from friends who run Fuel trucks delivering the stuff!

[Kingman]

.............Ford does not use it in anything else high production. It will be gone ( not available in motorcraft) in a few years and we will all be using something else anyway............

Cobrar - I thought they were using the same oil in the GT500.

[STORMCAT]

Thanks for the advice Stormcat. I was worried about the warranty aspect also!!! I was not going to mention it on the forum because I did not want to come off as a whiner. I agree that it is doubtful that any damage has occurred. Mobil 1 is a fine oil, it's just not the right oil, nor the right wt. (15W50). I will take your advice and check the manual. If recall the manual does say to use the Motorcraft 5W50.

You know if the shoe was on the other foot what would happen. If you maintained your car with Mobil 1 and developed a motor issue you know they would say " Well Mr. Gill you did not use the Specified Ford Gt oil , which is the only oil on the market that meets that specification ,so we cannot honor the warranty "

Not saying this would be the case but it maybe their argument. Optional oils have been discussed here but it's really a guess on if there are any that are better ?? So why take a chance ?? Just my 2 cents so now i'm up to 4cents...:biggrin

[Gill Jr.]

You know if the shoe was on the other foot what would happen. If you maintained your car with Mobil 1 and developed a motor issue you know they would say " Well Mr. Gill you did not use the Specified Ford Gt oil , which is the only oil on the market that meets that specification ,so we cannot honor the warranty "

Not saying this would be the case but it maybe their argument. Optional oils have been discussed here but it's really a guess on if there are any that are better ?? So why take a chance ?? Just my 2 cents so now i'm up to 4cents...:biggrin

Stormcat,

I will gladly send you a check for 4 cents! :thumbsup

[Gill Jr.]

This oil will not harm the motor in So. Cal. IMO

I would be concerned with the 15W starting weight in the cold climates though. And maybe for torlerences until warm. But given the 50W top end, I doubt tolerances are an issue. The 50W is spec for the cars and it will be the same when the car is warm.

Until you drain it for the proper starting weight, (which BTW is a national avg. If they only sold GT's in Palm springs and did not care about EPA ratings they may have used a 10w to begin with. ). Let it idle longer to warm up. Once you are at operting temp it will not do any damage.

I think we are are a little paranoid about the oils. I have been selling motor oils for nearly 30 years, been to many labs and on many plant tours, dyno tests, wear tests, etc. The specs can be different in each blend, but the Mobil 1 is one of the best in the industry for an alum motor. And for the record Motorcraft does not blend any oils or chemicals. They are all private labeled something else.

Keep in mind this Motorcraft weight is odd and Ford does not use it in anything else high production. It will be gone ( not available in motorcraft) in a few years and we will all be using something else anyway. Until then, I will use the Motorcraft, with Mobil 1 being my second choice.

Don't panic...just have them order the spec stuff and change it again.

Thanks for your advice and input. I agree that with our warm weather there should not be any reason to panic. Especially if the engine is up to operating temperature - which it is every time before I drive it. I will contact the dealer tomorrow to discuss this issue.

[THamonGT]

SPECIAL NOTE: In my Dealership I require Oil to Be changed on Ford GT's and Shelby500 Mustangs by my Top Tech only and not by the Lube rack person. Everyone needs to be sure the servicing dealer has the right person changing oils as they both require SPECIAL OILS. Tomy Hamon

[Gill Jr.]

SPECIAL NOTE: In my Dealership I require Oil to Be changed on Ford GT's and Shelby500 Mustangs by my Top Tech only and not by the Lube rack person. Everyone needs to be sure the servicing dealer has the right person changing oils as they both require SPECIAL OILS. Tomy Hamon

Tomy,

The dealer that I went to has 1 mechanic that works on all of the GT's that they service. They even have a separate building for GT service. No-one other than this one mechanic supposedly touches the car. I did a lot of research before deciding to use this dealer. They have serviced many FGT's. I think that the owner of the dealership has 2 or 3 himself. They profess to be highly proficient with GT service. That's why I was so surprised to see them use the wrong oil.

Gill

[THamonGT]

Gill, You know you did more than most of would have thought to say and call attention too. This Dealer is obvious set up to properly service your GT but a slight mistake was made. We're not always perfect and noone is. My GT tech told me a quick change with the correct oil will fix the mistake and no damage caused. Often Dealerships with bulk overhead (oil) filler systems need to be careful but specialty synthetic oil is only sold in individual containers and no in bulk which helps to not make a mistake. Enough said, good luck as we say no problemo. Tomy

[PILOTJPW1]

Most tech's are way more detailed with there work than the proper documentation. Talk to the tech if he did it wrong he will know and there will be a paper trail from the parts dept.

Mistakes happen, better in a service department than the operating room. Thats for sure.

[SFLGT]

Most tech's are way more detailed with there work than the proper documentation. Talk to the tech if he did it wrong he will know and there will be a paper trail from the parts dept.

Mistakes happen, better in a service department than the operating room. Thats for sure.

I agree. Talk DIRECTLY with the tech first not just the service adviser and see what oil he put it. It may just be billed on the ticket wrong, but mistakes do happen. If he does a lot of GT work, and it sounds like that dealer does, I would be surprised that he would put in that oil, but you want to be sure.

[SteveA]

Tomy,

The dealer that I went to has 1 mechanic that works on all of the GT's that they service. They even have a separate building for GT service. No-one other than this one mechanic supposedly touches the car. I did a lot of research before deciding to use this dealer. They have serviced many FGT's. I think that the owner of the dealership has 2 or 3 himself. They profess to be highly proficient with GT service. That's why I was so surprised to see them use the wrong oil.

Gill

Uh oh! I just had one serviced there last month. They treated the car well but I didn't look close at the order for the oil weight............................................ .................................................. .................................................. ...... holy crap, I just checked and I got 15/50 as well!:bored

[MAD IN NC]

Uh oh! I just had one serviced there last month. They treated the car well but I didn't look close at the order for the oil weight............................................ .................................................. .................................................. ...... holy crap, I just checked and I got 15/50 as well!:bored

Tech Gone Wild! :rofl:rofl:rofl

no wonder it was a $24.99 Oil Change! :bored

[427Aggie]

I'm just wondering here but is there a chance that they don't have the 5/50 in the computer and they just select a comparable oil so the price comes out correctly? Just a thought

[B O N Y]

Matt...
my thoughts exactly... :)

[paul b]

Did you check th oil level, maybe they got that wrong too.

[Kirby Vieira]

Don't be surprised if you are told the correct oil was installed and it was mis-identified on the invoice...and you will always wonder because sh!t happens. I ordered several cases of the oil and filters and even though our preferred Atlanta Dealer (Team Ford of Marietta) also stocks the correct oil, I bring a case of the oil and a filter for each oil change. I agree with the comments that minimize the negative effects of Mobil 1 being installed, but I would get it out, and I would do it at a different dealer or use one of the talented local private sources for your service needs. If this dealer made that mistake, IMO they don't deserve your business. :cheers

[Gill Jr.]

Well, I called the dealer today and was informed that yes they used Mobil 1 15W50. Was told that they have used it on all FGT's that they have serviced. After I mentioned that this was the wrong oil and that it would technically void the warranty I was told, "Mobil 1 15W50 is the recommended oil. It is the same oil as the Ford (Motorcraft) oil. I can get it in writing that Mobil 1 15W50 is approved for use in the GT and it will not void your warranty." I said, "If you get it in writing I'll be happy". Needless to say, I got a call back about an hour later from the dealership offering to change out the oil and install the Motorcraft 5W50 at no cost. Apparently they weren't able to get written documentation approving Mobil 1 after all. I applaud the dealer for this offer. However, call me cynical, but I've worked for many car dealerships (Ferrari, M.B., BMW., etc.) and have seen first hand deceptive repairs. Unless they let me watch the oil being changed I will probably just ask them to let me have the 10 qts. and I'll change it myself. At least the dealership is stepping up and admitting their mistake.

[THamonGT]

FordGT and Ford Shelby500 vehicles use FORD MOTORCRAFT 5W50 FULL SYNTHETIC MOTOR OIL and it is labeled by Ford. Tomy Hamon PS thats all we use.

[BlackICE]

Well, I called the dealer today and was informed that yes they used Mobil 1 15W50. Was told that they have used it on all FGT's that they have serviced. After I mentioned that this was the wrong oil and that it would technically void the warranty I was told, "Mobil 1 15W50 is the recommended oil... Apparently they weren't able to get written documentation approving Mobil 1 after all.

So what happens to engine warrantees of all of the FGTs that they have been servicing? The good thing this dealer is in So. Cal where the weather never too cold. If this happened in N. Dakota there may be some issues, less so in warm So. Cal.

[SteveA]

I called Chris the service writer at the dealer in question (Gill chose not to mention their name so I will follow suit).
Chris spoke to his GT tech and was told "15W 50 is the oil they use on all GT's they service including the 3 GTs the owner of the dealer has". He also stated that the factory rep didn't think the 15W 50 was an issue either. However Chris did say that if I were uncomfortable with the oil they would swap it out with the Ford 5W 50 while I waited and watched. He also asked if I would post this so if anyone else was concerned they could do the same.
I then called Rich Brooks (The GT Guys) and asked for his opinion and he believes changing out the oil would be a good idea, if for no other reason than if I hurt the motor and Ford performed an oil test, oil would be remove from the equation.
I will have the oil changed out.
IMO, after the oil in question was installed, this dealer has handled my concerns perfectly.

[nota4re]

IMO, after the oil in question was installed, this dealer has handled my concerns perfectly.

Admittedly, the dealership in question is handling this well - standing up to their mistake and doing their best to make it good.

However, it is still VERY careless to be servicing a $180,000 car and not bother to check that they were using the correct engine oil. This would be outrageous for any service facility - but this is even a Ford dealership. Not cool.

[SteveA]

Admittedly, the dealership in question is handling this well - standing up to their mistake and doing their best to make it good.

However, it is still VERY careless to be servicing a $180,000 car and not bother to check that they were using the correct engine oil. This would be outrageous for any service facility - but this is even a Ford dealership. Not cool.

I got the impression that their tech does believe that the 15W 50 is a proper oil that can be use and didn't just screw up and put the wrong oil in. Even Rich didn't think it was a huge issue but as already posted thought it should be swapped out.

[SFLGT]

Glad the dealer handled it without a problem. In a warm weather climate the 15w-50 would not be a problem and Mobil 1 is of course a quality oil, but I agree that it needs to be changed. I only use the 5w-50 in every Gt even though I have never had a owner ask what I was going to use. As far as a dealership they should be only using what Ford recommends and I think owners are assuming that is what they are going to get from there dealer. While we are on the oil change subject with warranty issues. For those of you who are not having there oil changes done at a dealer who can keep records of it you need to be sure you are keeping receipts from the outside shop who is doing your oil change or if you are doing it yourself keep receipts from when you bought your oil and filter and keep a log of when you do the oil changes with the receipts. If, and lets hope never, you ever have a base engine problem where a complete engine is going to need to be warranted Ford can and most likely will ask to see oil change records for the life of the car.

[THamonGT]

From experience Ford will ask for proof of general maintenance and oil changes in a warranty problem situation. YOU MUST PROOVE IT BEYOND A REASONABLE DOUBT. Always keep receipts and good records. I agree with (SFLGT) customers who use a Ford Dealer expect the Dealer to be using FORD PARTS AND OIL unless told or posted different.Tomy Hamon

[S592R]

Conocophillips makes the oil for FoMoCo and is not going to discontinue its manufacture. If we want we can get a group buy on the oil branded CP but with the Ford spec. Its nothing more than a trip to Bartlesville to the regional.

Oh BTW. Frank I still have your case and filters here in my garage. Sorry ... bald moment.

S

[Kingman]

Well...this brings up a question. Besides a Ford dealer, has anybody found a different source for the required oil?

[BlackICE]

Well...this brings up a question. Besides a Ford dealer, has anybody found a different source for the required oil?

The only other quart bottles of 5w-50 I have found in the US is Castrol Syntec. I have only used the Motorcraft oil so far. Conoco Phillips will sell the same 5w-50, but only in large quantities, like 500 gallons! Group buy?

[SteveA]

My father just purchased a X 5 BMW with the large V-8. He says BMW recommends 5W 50 as well and understands that Pep Boys sells it in the Castrol brand. IMO more and more Mfg's are going to spec this weight so getting it should become easier with more brand options as time goes on.

[tmcphail]

Well...this brings up a question. Besides a Ford dealer, has anybody found a different source for the required oil?

I always stock it.

[AlohaGT]

Admittedly, the dealership in question is handling this well - standing up to their mistake and doing their best to make it good.

However, it is still VERY careless to be servicing a $180,000 car and not bother to check that they were using the correct engine oil. This would be outrageous for any service facility - but this is even a Ford dealership. Not cool.

:agree:

[Indy GT]

SteveA-
A little late coming to this party but agree with what has been posted earlier. No harm, no foul if the moble 1 was drained and Motorcraft reinstalled.

I am a bit concerned at the thought process that if more oil companies start offering a 5W-50 then it is OK to go to their brand of oil just because they make the OEM specified multi-viscosity WEIGHT. There are many other factors to consider in choosing an oil besides weight. Just because 5 other oil companies now brand and sell that viscosity range oil at my local Wal-Mart does not alter my desire to continue to use an oil which is a) recommended by my engine manufacturer who certainly knows my engine needs best b) removes any engine warranty claim challenges and c) is continuously spot checked by Ford by engine testing as part of its vendor oversight program to assure we continue to get an oil and additive package identical to that used for the engine durability certification testing.

As I have said before (IMO) if you can afford your FGT, you can certainly afford to use the Ford recommended fluids. They are to a large extent unique to our specific automobile application.

[tmcphail]

SteveA-
A little late coming to this party but agree with what has been posted earlier. No harm, no foul if the moble 1 was drained and Motorcraft reinstalled.

I am a bit concerned at the thought process that if more oil companies start offering a 5W-50 then it is OK to go to their brand of oil just because they make the OEM specified multi-viscosity WEIGHT. There are many other factors to consider in choosing an oil besides weight. Just because 5 other oil companies now brand and sell that viscosity range oil at my local Wal-Mart does not alter my desire to continue to use an oil which is a) recommended by my engine manufacturer who certainly knows my engine needs best b) removes any engine warranty claim challenges and c) is continuously spot checked by Ford by engine testing as part of its vendor oversight program to assure we continue to get an oil and additive package identical to that used for the engine durability certification testing.

As I have said before (IMO) if you can afford your FGT, you can certainly afford to use the Ford recommended fluids. They are to a large extent unique to our specific automobile application.


+1

[fjpikul]

Following that logic, if you can afford a GT, you can afford a good radio for it.

[BlackICE]

Following that logic, if you can afford a GT, you can afford a good radio for it.

If you can afford a GT, you can afford to do as you please.

[fjpikul]

I'm pulling Indy's chain.

[Indy GT]

Yea, Frank's always pulling my chain.

Luckily I was able to order mine without the Mac.
But the standard radio with 24 hour clock and no seek/scan really sucks.

Listen to the Borla most of the time anyway.

[SteveA]

All good stuff. However for me cost wouldn't be a large factor in passing on Ford 5W 50 as much as availability. IMO if Mobil or Castrol come out with 5W 50 I think I would be covered quality wise. I plan on doing a lot of my own service and even in So Cal many dealers don't stock it.

[Kingman]

All good stuff. However for me cost wouldn't be a large factor in passing on Ford 5W 50 as much as availability. IMO if Mobil or Castrol come out with 5W 50 I think I would be covered quality wise. I plan on doing a lot of my own service and even in So Cal many dealers don't stock it.

+1

Thus my question if anybody has found an outlet besides a Ford dealer to purchase the Motorcraft oil. I am hoping I don't also have to pay for the shipping charges directly as well (no slight meant Mr. McPhail :wink).

[BlackICE]

All good stuff. However for me cost wouldn't be a large factor in passing on Ford 5W 50 as much as availability. IMO if Mobil or Castrol come out with 5W 50 I think I would be covered quality wise. I plan on doing a lot of my own service and even in So Cal many dealers don't stock it.

Castrol has had a 5w-50 for some time.

[Neilda]

If you can afford a GT, you can afford to do as you please.

:lol

Quite right... :cheers

[B O N Y]

Here is where I go to get answers on oil....
http://www.bobistheoilguy.com/

Great calculators, tests of filters, information where to have your oil analyzed etc.