Auto Woes

[Charles scozzari]

Well, the alternatives are.

1. Buy something used that's old enough not to have this type of issue. Not sure how old that is, maybe 1970's or 80's
2. Pay for the repair and keep driving this vehicle as long as you can.
3. Lease a new vehicle and trade it in every year or two.

My father-in-law does #3 but he's a retired Ford employee. It's actually not a bad strategy if you have the means since the manufacturer deals with any needed repairs and you always have a newer (probably more reliable) car. For me, the most important factor in a car is safety so as that continues to improve you get to take advantage of being in safer cars as time goes on. This might be a factor as we age and our reaction times increase.

My second biggest factor for cars is having them paid for. Also something that may change as I age since the need for cash will probably reduce as time goes on.

John

I have an older 1990 chevy. crew cab that I love but I must admit I am a little concerned that it lacks air bags. I understand its a truck but the way Theas people drive today yapping on the phone and hurting innocent people scares me. I do very much agree with your suggestion. At my age I notice you don't heal as quick or at all.

 

[Charles scozzari]

Good! I hope all dealers find the same.
I spent $90k on my first house, I will NEVER spend that on a vehicle, and yes I understand that both dollars and prices are moving targets.


....at least it gives you the info and let's you do it yourself!
I fear we're quickly moving to a world of no dipstick and no accessible oil fill, but instead turn on the Check Engile light and drop into "limp mode".
Forcing a dealership visit to check and top up the fluids for $300.

Brian

I think your on the money with the way were headed and that's their goal.

 

[RJSakowski]

Well, the alternatives are.

1. Buy something used that's old enough not to have this type of issue. Not sure how old that is, maybe 1970's or 80's
2. Pay for the repair and keep driving this vehicle as long as you can.
3. Lease a new vehicle and trade it in every year or two.

Re: #3, It's a thought. I drive few enough miles that a lease is now feasible. I keep getting offers from Mopar dealers to buy back my car. I cashed out the previous two vehicles and the money received from selling my old car would probably cover the first year or so of a lease. I would have to have a tow package installed though.

I will most likely opt for #2 if I have to as there isn't really any other problem with the vehicle.

 

[Ischgl99]

at least it gives you the info and let's you do it yourself!
I fear we're quickly moving to a world of no dipstick and no accessible oil fill, but instead turn on the Check Engile light and drop into "limp mode".
Forcing a dealership visit to check and top up the fluids for $300.

I wouldn’t be surprised to see that happen some day seeing how some auto brands are trying subscriptions for features such as remote start and heated seats. I’m hopeful the pushback against John Deere preventing owners from repairing their tractors will deter the auto makers from trying to go that route.

 

[projectnut]

I have a 2020 Ford Expedition It has no transmission dipstick or way to check the fluid level

Supposedly the transmission light on the dash will come on if the fluid goes below the recommended level The fluid is supposed to be changed at 100,000 miles but I have no idea how they get the new fluid in

 

[Charles scozzari]

I have a 2020 Ford Expedition It has no transmission dipstick or way to check the fluid level

Supposedly the transmission light on the dash will come on if the fluid goes below the recommended level The fluid is supposed to be changed at 100,000 miles but I have no idea how they get the new fluid in

I had a 2019 crew F150 FX4 with the 10 speed trans.that went south on me with 31000 easy miles of use. That trans is not serviceable. I bought the truck at the end of the lease thinking it would be my last truck. Without any warranty the trans gave up. Now what do I do? I traded it against 2020 s560 Benz and found a clean 1 owner 2013 (above mentioned) coyote with 174000 on the clock with the 6 speed.Be careful with that trucks 10 speed buy an after market insurance policy. I understand there is Class Action suit Ford in regard to the trans problem that they deny. Just saying.

 

[Ischgl99]

I have a 2020 Ford Expedition It has no transmission dipstick or way to check the fluid level

Supposedly the transmission light on the dash will come on if the fluid goes below the recommended level The fluid is supposed to be changed at 100,000 miles but I have no idea how they get the new fluid in

on my 2008 Volvo, it was the same and my mechanic had to hook up a flushing system that would exchange the old fluid for new.

 

[brino]

but I have no idea how they get the new fluid in

maybe bluetooth?

 

[RandyWilson]

I laughed earlier at all of the FCA complaining when it's GM and Ford facing class-actions on both engine and transmission failures.

To answer to some of the posts.

Volvo--- depends on which transmission. Yes, they all have a fill and a check port.

Ford 10R80 (and GM 10L90 same unit) has a dipstick. No, it is not easily accessible under the hood. There is no need. Transmissions no longer need fluid top-ups. Further, when there is an easy way to add fluid, people do that when the trans is acting up. Even when it's full. The extra fluid then blows out of the vent, hits that catalytic and poof, toasty F150 in the junkyard. Ask Ford.

And no, there is no fluid level sensor in any transmission. No fluid color sensor either though people insist on judging fluid condition that way.


Edit: And the 10R80 / 10L90 is very serviceable. It's a fairly easy unit to rebuild.

 

[RJSakowski]

Mt 2016 Dodge minivan has no transmission dipstick. The explanation was that the fluid level varies significantly with transmission temperature. The dealer has a special dipstick that incorporates a temperature sensor and it compares the fluid level to the temperature to determine whether the fluid is low or not.

I found a plot online that graphs the fluid level above the bottom of the fill tube vs. temperature and used the data to plot the curves in Microsoft Excel. There are actually two curves, one for minimum fluid level and on for maximum. I insert a thin rod into the fill tube, making sure that it bottoms out and measure the length of the wet portion. Then I insert my thermocouple temperature sensor into the fluid to measure the temperature. If the intersection of the two points falls within the two curves, I'm good.