Service difference between Auto / Manual Focus!

[Yellow_Festiva]

Ok...

Playing around with the capped price feature on the Ford website....

2010 Focus TDCI Auto - $860 for the 60K service.

$450 for the manual.

Why the $400+ difference?

I researched a "Log book service" comparison site and they gave identical prices / servicing procedures for both transmissions. (around the $470-$530 mark for my area).

http://www.fixedpricecarservice.com....rviceID=585787

http://www.fixedpricecarservice.com....rviceID=585801

Also note that the above price INCLUDES a brake fluid flush, (an additional $125 extra with the Ford servicing).

Anyone know the justification behind the difference? It seems that the transmission is quite irrelevant to the parts / labour according to the above schedules?

Will take a look at the service booklet when I get home to see what is actually done at 60,000km.

Cheers,

Jason

[Franco Cozzo]

What I want to know is why is a brake fluid flush $125? Its not really that much work, probably like 10 minutes if that.

Might be trans fluid? Check out the book, other than that I can't see a reason why its so expensive for the auto over the manual.

[Yellow_Festiva]

Originally Posted by Big Damo

What I want to know is why is a brake fluid flush $125? Its not really that much work, probably like 10 minutes if that.

Might be trans fluid? Check out the book, other than that I can't see a reason why its so expensive for the auto over the manual.

Not too fussed about the brake fluid cost. If I could get it done at the local mechanic for a little less I still wouldn't as I want to maintain the relationship with my service department. I also have extended dealer warranty (and very low 'fixed' price services for minor services) which I would like to keep.

$450 to $860.. different matter.

I will make a point of asking at my next minor service actually... I would want a pretty good explanation. Or a few hours of additional labour and parts etc.

Was thinking trans fluid as well.. not worth $400 is it? Perhaps $200-$250.

Very curious.....

[Franco Cozzo]

Originally Posted by Yellow_Festiva

Not too fussed about the brake fluid cost. If I could get it done at the local mechanic for a little less I still wouldn't as I want to maintain the relationship with my service department. I also have extended dealer warranty (and very low 'fixed' price services for minor services) which I would like to keep.

$450 to $860.. different matter.

I will make a point of asking at my next minor service actually... I would want a pretty good explanation. Or a few hours of additional labour and parts etc.

Was thinking trans fluid as well.. not worth $400 is it? Perhaps $200-$250.

Very curious.....

If its anything like Honda CVT transmissions, $120/L for the fluid.

[marg99]

The newer fully synthetic transmission fluid to dextron VI standard is dear as. Its used in the newer autos like 6 speed ones.

[ratter]

I don't think their service schedules on that website are accurate compared to the service book

[Yellow_Festiva]

Just an update on this after reading the exact same thing in the Mondeo forum.

The logbook says the 60k service only includes the tranny flush if you drive the car under extreme conditions. So, from my understanding the larger price would include this as well obviously.

If a car does not fall under the extreme usage banner, the tranny flush isn't needed. So, I assume that the service would cost about the same as a manual car???

Having said that, I would do the tranny service at 105k anyway along with the minor service just for piece of mind.

Got my car due for its 45k service in a month or so, will ask the service rep there what his thoughts are regarding the 60k service / tranny flush etc.

Cheers,

Jason

[Yellow_Festiva]

Another update:

The service booklet is a little confusing and contradictory. The 6 speed auto transmission capacity is 5.5l, and 5.6l 'inc filter'. I would assume the filter is something that needs to be changed eventually?

Nowhere does the servicing involve transmission fluid change (all are 'inspect for leaks'), having said that, it does specify the fluid you need for 'top up or replacement'.

Automatic transmission:
Fluid level should be checked when fluid leaks are evident, or if transmission performance is reduced. Fluid changes are not required unless your vehicle is operated continuously under severe conditions, eg. heavy towing, police, taxi of door to door delivery.

Note this is the only comment anywhere about transmission servicing, and does not differentiate between any of the optional transmissions available.

So, If I do a correct flush and filter service every 100k on a transmission that does not need one anyway and is used under normal conditions it will be fine in my books.

Cheers,

Jason

[Franco Cozzo]

Originally Posted by Yellow_Festiva

Sure? The 6 speed Auto is listed as an auto in the specs info, separate to the manual section.

The powershift IS an auto transmission... yes, the technology behind it makes it a 'self shifting manual' but I think you are splitting hairs with that argument... Anything written about it states it's an auto box.

The specification of the fluid it recommends "WSS-M2C936-A" is described by Ford for use in "FLUID, WET DOUBLE CLUTCH TRANSMISSION, FULL-SYNTHETIC".

Did the Focus LV range have 2 separate 6 speed boxes?? Can't remember..

I very much doubt that I have the wrong / old manual. My car was bought as a demo from a Ford dealer with all original books. Says LV on the cover with specs for TDCi engine etc...

I would be curious if the owners of a series 2 LV Focus have different info??? Doesn't matter what engine, books would be generic to all.

Still waiting for an update from the chap that asked the same question in the Mondeo Forum as well.

The service book acknowledges that it has a 6 speed auto. Why would the comment regarding not needing a service not apply to it then?

LV has 6sp manual and 6sp powershift auto.

[Yellow_Festiva]

Originally Posted by Big Damo

LV has 6sp manual and 6sp powershift auto.

THANK YOU...

So thats it. Doesn't need a service unless extreme conditions as per logbook....

Yeah yeah... I'm risking 13K... don't remind me again....

End of story....

[ConradP]

My LV only has a 5 sp manual :( Needs a 6th gear though.

[Franco Cozzo]

Does anyone know if the TDCI 6sp manual and the XR5 6sp are the same box?

[DJM83]

Nope pretty sure they are different.
XR5- M66
Diesel- MMT6

If it were me id be getting it service anyway, but thats just me.

[WILDB]

Just thought that I'd add this in. This is from an MC Mondeo handbook, however the Focus TDCi Powershift models (both LV and LW) use the exact same Getrag 6DCT450 wet clutch gearbox and have the same service requirements.

Hope this clears this up for anyone else wondering why there is such a price jump.

[wombat66]

Isn't the LW Powershift a dry clutch?

[WILDB]

The 6DCT250 in the petrol motors are, the diesels use the wet clutch version as it has a higher torque threshold.

[wombat66]

We were told the LW uses a dry clutch in the diesel. All the articles I can find confirm this. Here is a link to one.

http://www.carsguide.com.au/news-and...t_hatch_review

[WILDB]

That information is incorrect, the dry clutch version isn't rated to cope with the torque of the diesel.

The engine/trans in the TDCi Mondeo is identical to your Focus.

All diesel models use the 6DCT450 (also known as the MPS6).

[ConradP]

Originally Posted by DJM83

Nope pretty sure they are different.
XR5- M66
Diesel- MMT6

If it were me id be getting it service anyway, but thats just me.

Would there be any way to have one of them fitted to a non turbo focus? It would be amazing to have a 6th gear.

[wombat66]

Thanks for that info. Looks like it's wet then.

[DJM83]

Originally Posted by ConradP

Would there be any way to have one of them fitted to a non turbo focus? It would be amazing to have a 6th gear.

Would be an expensive conversion.

[Franco Cozzo]

Originally Posted by DJM83

Nope pretty sure they are different.
XR5- M66
Diesel- MMT6

If it were me id be getting it service anyway, but thats just me.

Thanks, I thought they might have been the same, because for some reason 1st gear on the diesel is very short.