[jbartlett79]

I finally decided, 1800 miles in, to take a look at the maintenance schedule for my 2009 Escape. So I got out the manual, and was surprised that there is no maintenance schedule or discussion of the service intervals (not even oil changes) in the manual. Luckily, there is another book in the packet, that says something promising like "maintenance schedule."

Except... it doesn't say anything about the Escape. It has:
SECTION 1: TRUCKS, VANS AND SUVs MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE
SECTION 2: CARS AND CUVs MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE

Um... okay. So Ford doesn't tell me how to maintain an Escape, just a generic schedule for their entire lineup? Ignoring the fact that my dealer recommended 5000 mile intervals and the book says 7500 miles for each section (bunch of crooks, those dealers) and ignoring that the dealer tried to schedule me for my first oil change at 3000 miles (seriously, crooks), what schedule should I follow?

For example, is the Escape an SUV or a CUV? After all, the 3.5L duratec in the Edge (clearly a crossover) is a larger, more powerful engine than either of the engines available for the Escape (supposedly an SUV).

Does the Escape-specific service DVD have its own schedule that differs from this piece-of-crap generic schedule?

I'm pretty disappointed that the manufacturer doesn't even bother to give me a schedule for the car i just bought, instead of an ambiguous "ford vehicles" schedule.

 

[Squishy]

My service DVD intervals match up with the generic schedule.

Check if any of your operating conditions meet a severe service schedule. Otherwise, the dealership just wants to rip you off. :spank:

 

[jbartlett79]

My service DVD intervals match up with the generic schedule.

so the DVD doesn't have an Escape-specific schedule either?

I'm comfortable using the 7500 interval (i use fully synthetic oil and could probably get away with worse, and do the same with my Mazda3), I just wish there were some indication that they developed a schedule for the actual car I purchased!

 

[andjayik]

is int every 5000km according to my manual with the free oil changes? Every 5000 there are a bunch of things ford checks.

 

[jonas1022]

Our Mazda came with a maintenance agreement. For the first 24 months or every 5 K miles we get free oil changes and check up, with tire rotation. So every 5 K miles the Tribute goes to the dealer and they perform the routines, and the checks. So far, so good. Headed for 12 K and no problems. Do I think your dealer is a crook. I dunno.

Our Ford dealer used to advise 3 K miles or 3 months. Every 5th oil change was free. That policy is in effect as long as we wanted to change the oil every 3 K miles. Car was always fit, safe and in perfect operating condition. I had them doing that service for over 100 K miles on the two Escorts, and we had few problems with the cars. Maybe it's better to not be pennywise and pound foolish?

 

[Squishy]

is int every 5000km according to my manual with the free oil changes? Every 5000 there are a bunch of things ford checks.

I doubt those 5000 km/3000 mile intervals have anything to do with Ford. It's propaganda from the dealer to keep people believing that 3000-mile intervals are still the industry standard. There is nothing at all to suggest any benefit from a 3000-mile interval over a 5000-7500 mile interval under normal operating conditions (no excessive fuel dilution, etc.). In fact, there have been SAE studies showing that premature replacement of the oil filter increases wear metals, although it is to a degree that will not affect the life of the engine for the majority of owners.

GM's oil life monitors track oil degredation very well and give a good indication of what service intervals should be like.

 

[jbartlett79]

yeah, i doubt following the manufacturer's 7500 mile recommendation is pennywise & pound foolish. plus, as before, i use full synthetic, which in practice should degrade even less between oil changes than traditional dino juice.

mainly what i'm after is the schedule for everything BEYOND oil changes. since Ford doesn't offer much of anything in terms of an Escape-specific schedule (and shame on Ford; are the Mazda manuals any different? My Mazda3 manual is wonderful and has the maintenance schedule specific for that vehicle clearly spelled out), I will likely just pick the more conservative of the two 7500-mile schedules and go from there.

 

[jonas1022]

is int every 5000km according to my manual with the free oil changes? Every 5000 there are a bunch of things ford checks.

I doubt those 5000 km/3000 mile intervals have anything to do with Ford. It's propaganda from the dealer to keep people believing that 3000-mile intervals are still the industry standard. There is nothing at all to suggest any benefit from a 3000-mile interval over a 5000-7500 mile interval under normal operating conditions (no excessive fuel dilution, etc.). In fact, there have been SAE studies showing that premature replacement of the oil filter increases wear metals, although it is to a degree that will not affect the life of the engine for the majority of owners.

That and severe operating conditions are actually driving around on a dusty plain, construction site or where ever the engine would ingest massive amounts of dust. Thereby contaminating the oil, blocking the filters and the like. Of course you could say that car companies would benefit by having you do maintenance at longer intervals as your cars engine would wear out more quickly. Thereby making you come in again to buy another car... :shrug:

Normal operating conditions are what 95% of all cars in North America operate in. Those conditions indicate that oil changes every 7500 miles have proven to be more than adequate. It's the other things that are the items that will get you into trouble. Like low tire pressure. Remember the Ford Explorer/Firestone frecais? If the tires on those Explorers had been maintained at a proper operating pressure, the incidence of accidents with the Explorer using Firestone tires would have been less than average for similar vehicles. Most of those checks can be owner/operator performed. People just don't do them on the whole. But they will go change the oil. And while your car is in getting the oil changed, they check these other items. It's a safety thing. It can't hurt to look after your car. If people change their oil frequently and in the process their car is checked over, it's a good thing. Well worth the oil change.

I don't look at the manual. Since the Tribute is built by Ford in the same factory, I doubt that there is anything different. Then again, I have'nt checked... :shrug: eace:

 

[Squishy]

Here's what my schedule is, although you would have to convert and round the intervals to miles. I don't have the "yearly" and "as needed" service stuff like brake fluid, windshield washer fluid, etc.

2003 Ford Escape (severe condition D):

10,000 km
-engine oil & filter
-power steering fluid reservoir
-grease all joints
-weatherstrip lubrication
-lube parking brake cable
-tire rotation

25,000 km
-fuel filter
-air filter
-transmission fluid drain & fill (Dexron VI)
-lubricate locks, latches, hinges

50,000 km
-coolant

100,000 km
-spark plugs (ACDelco Rapidfire 8)
-PCV valve

200,000 km
-accessory drive belt

As well, I use a formula to approximate oil change intervals based on oil quality, sump capacity, and engine characteristics. You can find that formula as the last of the three I posted here:
viewtopic.php?f=3&t=175

 

[jonas1022]

yeah, i doubt following the manufacturer's 7500 mile recommendation is pennywise & pound foolish. plus, as before, i use full synthetic, which in practice should degrade even less between oil changes than traditional dino juice.

mainly what i'm after is the schedule for everything BEYOND oil changes. since Ford doesn't offer much of anything in terms of an Escape-specific schedule (and shame on Ford; are the Mazda manuals any different? My Mazda3 manual is wonderful and has the maintenance schedule specific for that vehicle clearly spelled out), I will likely just pick the more conservative of the two 7500-mile schedules and go from there.

Our Ford F-150, BMW 533i and Escort manuals were very specific as to the maintenance that was to be performed. Even to go beyond 200K on the F-150. The Escape doesn't get elaborate? Go figure. :shrug:

 

[Squishy]

That and severe operating conditions are actually driving around on a dusty plain, construction site or where ever the engine would ingest massive amounts of dust. Thereby contaminating the oil, blocking the filters and the like. Of course you could say that car companies would benefit by having you do maintenance at longer intervals as your cars engine would wear out more quickly. Thereby making you come in again to buy another car... :shrug:

Normal operating conditions are what 95% of all cars in North America operate in. Those conditions indicate that oil changes every 7500 miles have proven to be more than adequate. It's the other things that are the items that will get you into trouble. Like low tire pressure. Remember the Ford Explorer/Firestone frecais? If the tires on those Explorers had been maintained at a proper operating pressure, the incidence of accidents with the Explorer using Firestone tires would have been less than average for similar vehicles. Most of those checks can be owner/operator performed. People just don't do them on the whole. But they will go change the oil. And while your car is in getting the oil changed, they check these other items. It's a safety thing. It can't hurt to look after your car. If people change their oil frequently and in the process their car is checked over, it's a good thing. Well worth the oil change.

I don't look at the manual. Since the Tribute is built by Ford in the same factory, I doubt that there is anything different. Then again, I have'nt checked... :shrug: eace:

The majority of cars in Canada actually qualify for severe service schedules, as many manufacturers consider cold weather and excessive idling (people here still like to warm up their cars) to be severe service. The majority of owners know nothing about this, and follow the normal schedule anyways. As for tire pressure, even checking every 3000 miles is too late. Ideally you would check them once a week, but I tend to extend that to once a month unless the temperatures have been greatly fluctuating.

 

[jbartlett79]

The Escape doesn't get elaborate?

Yeah, that's what kills me and why I posted this thread. I don't have a service schedule for an escape; I have a generic book that says SECTION 1 and SECTION 2 and they don't even tell me which service schedule is appropriate for the Escape (one is for SUVs and one is for CUVs, which is ambiguous at best, since even though Ford calls the Escape an SUV and the Flex/TaurusX/Edge CUVs, some of those CUVs have beefier engines than my 4-cylinder Escape).

It's just... it's totally half-***. Add it to the list of a half-dozen things that bug me about this vehicle. Good thing I still love the car!

 

[jonas1022]

That and severe operating conditions are actually driving around on a dusty plain, construction site or where ever the engine would ingest massive amounts of dust. Thereby contaminating the oil, blocking the filters and the like. Of course you could say that car companies would benefit by having you do maintenance at longer intervals as your cars engine would wear out more quickly. Thereby making you come in again to buy another car... :shrug:

Normal operating conditions are what 95% of all cars in North America operate in. Those conditions indicate that oil changes every 7500 miles have proven to be more than adequate. It's the other things that are the items that will get you into trouble. Like low tire pressure. Remember the Ford Explorer/Firestone frecais? If the tires on those Explorers had been maintained at a proper operating pressure, the incidence of accidents with the Explorer using Firestone tires would have been less than average for similar vehicles. Most of those checks can be owner/operator performed. People just don't do them on the whole. But they will go change the oil. And while your car is in getting the oil changed, they check these other items. It's a safety thing. It can't hurt to look after your car. If people change their oil frequently and in the process their car is checked over, it's a good thing. Well worth the oil change.

I don't look at the manual. Since the Tribute is built by Ford in the same factory, I doubt that there is anything different. Then again, I have'nt checked... :shrug: eace:

The majority of cars in Canada actually qualify for severe service schedules, as many manufacturers consider cold weather and excessive idling (people here still like to warm up their cars) to be severe service. The majority of owners know nothing about this, and follow the normal schedule anyways. As for tire pressure, even checking every 3000 miles is too late. Ideally you would check them once a week, but I tend to extend that to once a month unless the temperatures have been greatly fluctuating.

The 95% is what I was quoted by an "auto expert" on TV. It was a Canadian show on the Discovery Channel talking about gas vs. diesel engined cars and the maintenance required by the manufacturers. He said the 95% was an industry standard and that the 3K mile check up is "baloney" (my word, not his). He seemed to think that block heaters precluded the need to warm up an engine. :roll: I wonder about the tranny... :worry: Oh well! I never warmed up my car when I lived in Cleveland years ago. Just got in it, and drove it away (very gently). I figured it would warm up a little more quickly if it was under load... :shock: :yes:

 

[jonas1022]

The Escape doesn't get elaborate?

Yeah, that's what kills me and why I posted this thread. I don't have a service schedule for an escape; I have a generic book that says SECTION 1 and SECTION 2 and they don't even tell me which service schedule is appropriate for the Escape (one is for SUVs and one is for CUVs, which is ambiguous at best, since even though Ford calls the Escape an SUV and the Flex/TaurusX/Edge CUVs, some of those CUVs have beefier engines than my 4-cylinder Escape).

It's just... it's totally half-a**. Add it to the list of a half-dozen things that bug me about this vehicle. Good thing I still love the car!

Trust me. It's a gender issue. :shock: :lol:

 

[Squishy]

Block heater or not, fuel injection precludes the need to warm up the engine by idling in the driveway. You're putting more wear on the bearings and diluting your engine oil (probably the main reason excessive idling calls for a severe service schedule). It's much better to drive easy until the temperature needle starts to move, which allows the transmission, wheel bearings, suspension parts, etc., to all warm up. Few non-car-people ever believe me, though.

I'm not sure if the 95% rule is accurate, but I bet the American car market dwarfs the Canadian market.

 

[prowler]

I'm pretty disappointed that the manufacturer doesn't even bother to give me a schedule for the car i just bought, instead of an ambiguous "ford vehicles" schedule.

It's hard to find, but register at flmowner.com and you'll get EXACTLY what you're looking for.

Sample:
==================================================
Present Service: 35,000 Miles
Change engine oil and replace oil filter (Up to 5 quarts of oil. Perform at specified mileage interval or every 6 months, whichever occurs first)
Perform multi-point inspection
Rotate and inspect tires; check wheel end play and turning noise

Next Service: 40,000 Miles
Change engine oil and replace oil filter (Up to 5 quarts of oil. Perform at specified mileage interval or every 6 months, whichever occurs first)
Perform multi-point inspection
Rotate and inspect tires; check wheel end play and turning noise
==================================================

 

[10kpharo]

Every car I have ever had, I've changed the oil and filter every 3k. Every car I've ever had took me at least 125,000 miles without any engine issues. I'm not talking about 'high end' vehicles - I'm talking about '68 Volvos, Pintos, Escort GT's, Escapes, etc.

I've heard of longer service intervals - 7,500 miles, even 10,000 miles. No doubt a synthetic oil would last that long - maybe. What I don't believe is that an oil filter is good for that much mileage.

 

[Squishy]

They've been cut open at that mileage and have held up just fine. The spin-on oil filter for my transmission fluid used to go 20,000 miles before I tweaked my service schedule.

 

[stone]

My service is done every 10,000 kms. The sequence is minor service and then next interval is a major service. So henceforth my servicing is done as Minor and Major.

When the major procedure is done, my service tech calls it " The Big Job " He checks everything. All fluids are replaced. Brake, gearbox oil and differential oil are replaced with new oil. New oil filter and air filter. New spark plugs as in ' IRIDIUM ' plugs. All four tires are rotated. Disc brakes are checked, and adjustments are made if necessary. My brake disc pads are replaced, but only if the pad life is low. Petrol pump filter is replaced with a new one.

As for my minor service, me and the service technician refer to it as the ' Normal service '.

 

[jonas1022]

Every car I have ever had, I've changed the oil and filter every 3k. Every car I've ever had took me at least 125,000 miles without any engine issues. I'm not talking about 'high end' vehicles - I'm talking about '68 Volvos, Pintos, Escort GT's, Escapes, etc.

Same here, except for the Bullitt. It is changed once per year, when it goes through the annual state inspection and tag renewal. All in one day. In fact, today is the day!