Ford service

[Stuart981]

Hi there
Just a quick question here about Ford servicing. The missus has a FORD FIESTA TITANIUM ECOBOOST 100 that is coming up to 4 years old. It has 10,000 miles on the clock and is due a service. So a bit confused. On their website Ford talk about a choice of a 'scheduled service' or 'Essential service'. There is quite a price difference between the two so wondering which one to go for.
Thanx

 

[Burnerman]

At that sort of mileage, Ford will just do some fairly obvious checks with the scheduled service. With this engine you must insist on an oil change and filter whichever service you choose. Personally I'd have the oil change yearly (Ford wet belt engine).
John

 

[dishman]

Normally services are yearly or by mileage, whichever comes first, if you want to keep your car in good condition and keep any warrantee intact.

So really your car should have had 4 services by now (including this one). Most of those will have just been oil and filter changes. But by year 4 it would likely have been due a major service. In your case, a major service would be imperative. Oil/Oil filter, cabin filter, engine air filter, potentially fuel filter, brake fluid (important), potentially spark plugs, a check of the wet belt.

Brake fluid should be done every 2 years ideally.

As @Burnerman says, ecoboost engines have a design flaw (good engines if looked after though) and require regular oil changes (ideally yearly) with the correct ford specification oil.

 

[Rodders53]

I believe that Ford Scheduled Service includes 1yr Ford Assist breakdown cover and all the air/pollen filters the schedule states it needs.

Essential Service does not include the Breakdown cover. May / does not include any air or fuel filters unless asked for - both at extra cost. By which time you are at the scheduled service price point, probably.

My Ford Dealers checked / tested the the brake fluid (and coolant) condition and our last Galaxy never had it replaced in the nearly 5 annual services we did. It was a relatively small fixed price extra typically. Regardless of the Ford Schedule 2-year thing. Brake fluid is hygroscopic but...

Often wanted to suggest brake linings or tyres when not near needing replaced on the miles we did.

Best to check with Dealer for the full service schedule and costs cf the economy...

Once upon a time one could get the Schdule pdfs from the Ford ETIS system for free...

 

[Burnerman]

I have a similar situation with Honda (HRV 1.6 diesel, 60k, 19 plate)
In for service real soon.
Phone call........Honda recommend that the fuel filter is replaced at this mileage. Would you like it done? It'll cost £xxxxx.
What am I supposed to do? Run the car until the filter blocks and get it towed in?
Surely this should be part of the service schedule, so why ask me?
I just don't get things like this!
John

 

[Stuart981]

Thanks for the replies. This wet belt thing is new to me and difficult to understand, from what I have read, how often it needs to be replaced. Anyone any idea what a sensible life expectancy would be for a wet belt fitted this 4 year old Fiesta Ecoboost with 10K on the clock?

 

[dishman]

Thanks for the replies. This wet belt thing is new to me and difficult to understand, from what I have read, how often it needs to be replaced. Anyone any idea what a sensible life expectancy would be for a wet belt fitted this 4 year old Fiesta Ecoboost with 10K on the clock?

Basically ford moved to a new engine design for efficiency, in which the cam belt (the timing belt inside the actual the engine, not the belt you can often see under the bonnet) is submerged in engine oil, rather than being dry (like the standard way of doing it is).

Peugeot/Citroen have done a similar thing.

However, the longevity of the belt fell well short of their expectations. I think they originally predicted 100,000 miles, but the reality was a lot of belts started failing around 50,000 miles. Many failing before that even.

Essentially the belt begins to degrade. Rubber comes off it and blocks the oil intake for the engine and stops oil circulating. This eventually starves the engine of oil and it will seize up.

This can be exacerbated by poor servicing intervals, and less than attentive owners. Using the incorrect oil (not the spec ford recommends) can also exacerbate the issue.

So, it's something to keep an eye on. At 10,000 miles you should be fine. But keeping to yearly intervals for oil is advised. Age will also be a factor independent of mileage I imagine, so you may want to check what the new advised age replacement is.

Hope that explains it.