As I stated in my post - the supplemental manual states that it must be verified by a dealer. And I'm sure that Ford would love to use that to deny putting in a new transmission in any vehicle that burns up who hasn't done that. Otherwise, they wouldn't bother to put that in the manual.
2009 flat tow issues
Does anyone know if the flat tow issues have been fixed ? The last I heard was to lower the fluid level on the 09's. That didn't sound like an acceptable fix to me. I also hear rumors the transmission case was being redesigned .
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As I stated in my post - the supplemental manual states that it must be verified by a dealer. And I'm sure that Ford would love to use that to deny putting in a new transmission in any vehicle that burns up who hasn't done that. Otherwise, they wouldn't bother to put that in the manual.
Reread it again. Nowhere does it say must. Why does the supplemental manual describe to you how to read the ATF dipstick then if you must have that done by a dealer?As I stated in my post - the supplemental manual states that it must be verified by a dealer. And I'm sure that Ford would love to use that to deny putting in a new transmission in any vehicle that burns up who hasn't done that. Otherwise, they wouldn't bother to put that in the manual.
You are WRONG!!!!! On page six of the manual I was sent it says "Before you recreational flat tow, your fluid level must be verified by an authorized dealer". That seeems pretty clear to me. I'm not sure why you want to give people the wrong information when I am only quoting directly from the "Recreational (Flat) Towing and Transmission Fluid Level Supplement" that I received in the mail two days ago and that is dated March 2010 on the back of it. I'm not sure why you insist on arguing about this, unless you don't want Ford to pay for these transmissions???!!!:confused5:Reread it again. Nowhere does it say must. Why does the supplemental manual describe to you how to read the ATF dipstick then if you must have that done by a dealer?
Who arguing? We just don't agree!You are WRONG!!!!! On page six of the manual I was sent it says "Before you recreational flat tow, your fluid level must be verified by an authorized dealer". That seeems pretty clear to me. I'm not sure why you want to give people the wrong information when I am only quoting directly from the "Recreational (Flat) Towing and Transmission Fluid Level Supplement" that I received in the mail two days ago and that is dated March 2010 on the back of it. I'm not sure why you insist on arguing about this, unless you don't want Ford to pay for these transmissions???!!!:confused5:
I admit I didn't even read Page six till now going by the bold print on Page one. Page six pertains to adjusting or lowering the level the first time. If you read the paragraph after that, it states that no further readjusting is required after flat towing. Am I wrong there?
I would take that as the dealer checks the level and lowers it as needed for the first flat tow but after that, it's up to you to check it and maintain the proper level like any other fluid.
Do you plan on returning to your dealer every time you plan to flat tow? Since that must be done while hot and running, so it's time critical.
I plan on returning to the dealer every time we get ready to leave on a "new" trip, not every day while on the same trip. However, it's not too hard to get it up to temperature in Arizona in the summer. I am not taking any chances with the warranty. It does not say the dealer must verify it the FIRST time that you flat tow, it says before you tow it must be verified by the dealer. As you stated, it does state that no adjusting is necessary after flat towing (in other words, it is safe to drive at the same level). I will ask the dealer if we have to bring it in before we leave for each trip and have him put it in writing if he says that we don't. As the wording is not clear, I am not going to ASSUME that once the dealer checks it the first time, we are covered. We all know how easily that could be used to void the warranty.Who arguing? We just don't agree!
I admit I didn't even read Page six till now going by the bold print on Page one. Page six pertains to adjusting or lowering the level the first time. If you read the paragraph after that, it states that no further readjusting is required after flat towing. Am I wrong there?
I would take that as the dealer checks the level and lowers it as needed for the first flat tow but after that, it's up to you to check it and maintain the proper level like any other fluid.
Do you plan on returning to your dealer every time you plan to flat tow? Since that must be done while hot and running, so it's time critical.
Sure, ask the dealer and get the response in writing. I only live 3-4 miles from my dealer.I plan on returning to the dealer every time we get ready to leave on a "new" trip, not every day while on the same trip. However, it's not too hard to get it up to temperature in Arizona in the summer. I am not taking any chances with the warranty. It does not say the dealer must verify it the FIRST time that you flat tow, it says before you tow it must be verified by the dealer. As you stated, it does state that no adjusting is necessary after flat towing (in other words, it is safe to drive at the same level). I will ask the dealer if we have to bring it in before we leave for each trip and have him put it in writing if he says that we don't. As the wording is not clear, I am not going to ASSUME that once the dealer checks it the first time, we are covered. We all know how easily that could be used to void the warranty.
A bit OFF TOPIC but many people slap a Class III hitch on a vehicle that the OEM option is only a Class II. If there is anything that leaves one open for voiding a warranty, that does. Of course, ones that have don't agree with me either!:frown5:
Then your supplement must be a different version than mine and LittlEFailed .Reread it again. Nowhere does it say must. Why does the supplemental manual describe to you how to read the ATF dipstick then if you must have that done by a dealer?
The following quote is out of my supplement .
Page 6 of the addendum supplement I received says , " Before you recreational flat tow , your fluid level must be verified by an authorized dealer . "
The key word here is Verified .
Please read my reply in Post #24.Then your supplement must be a different version than mine and LittlEFailed .
The following quote is out of my supplement .
Page 6 of the addendum supplement I received says , " Before you recreational flat tow , your fluid level must be verified by an authorized dealer . "
The key word here is Verified .
As far as subsequent verifications after the initial one it's ambiguous to me since it doesn't clarify , but I agree I would ask the dealer and request an approval in writing .Please read my reply in Post #24.
I never have to worry about the hitch, as we never use the Escape to tow anything. We only use the RV to tow the Escape - at least we try to!Sure, ask the dealer and get the response in writing. I only live 3-4 miles from my dealer.
A bit OFF TOPIC but many people slap a Class III hitch on a vehicle that the OEM option is only a Class II. If there is anything that leaves one open for voiding a warranty, that does. Of course, ones that have don't agree with me either!:frown5:
:rolleyes5:
I was at my dealer getting the 10B15 reflash done. I asked the service writer about the ATF for flat towing. Talk about clueless! He didn't even know that there was a different ATF level associated with flat towing.
I'm afraid that's common about many issues . I would think Ford and the dealers would insist that their service employees at least be informed about the more serious issues . I was in the service business for 40 years and we always received bulletins and advisories on issues and changes . Of course one does have to read them , or at least scan them for the most serious issues .I was at my dealer getting the 10B15 reflash done. I asked the service writer about the ATF for flat towing. Talk about clueless! He didn't even know that there was a different ATF level associated with flat towing.
That is why even AFTER we have the dealer verify in writing that it is at the proper level, we check it ourself when we get home. We were one of those who had them fill it up after we had a sensor replaced, despite having it put in the computer that they are NEVER to fill our transmission fluid unless we ask them to verify the level for towing. We practically had to shove the first service bulletin down our dealer's throat to get him to listen.I was at my dealer getting the 10B15 reflash done. I asked the service writer about the ATF for flat towing. Talk about clueless! He didn't even know that there was a different ATF level associated with flat towing.
Speaking of verifying yourself....I must have read the dipstick 20 times tonite after the dealership adjusted the fluid level and I CANNOT be sure of where the level is. One side of the stick shows no fluid, the other side shows fluid on one edge, and higher than the recommended level.
Sheesh. Guess I'll find out next month when I flat tow for the first time (short trip ~ 300 miles round trip)
Sheesh. Guess I'll find out next month when I flat tow for the first time (short trip ~ 300 miles round trip)
Being off level or checking the fluid too hot or too cold will affect the reading. Also I've found it doesn't take much fluid difference to make a big difference on the dipstick.
I can not understand why the transmission wasn't designed with more room for error , since all they would have to do is have a larger sump area I would think.
From Knagy3889us post , it sounds to me his fluid may be lower than minimum.
I can not understand why the transmission wasn't designed with more room for error , since all they would have to do is have a larger sump area I would think.
From Knagy3889us post , it sounds to me his fluid may be lower than minimum.
I'm curious if you have the very long dipstick that is riveted together in the middle. that thing is a bit awkward with its length and twists and having to pass through the tube with all those curves . I notice mine has retained some of the bending it has to make going down the tube so if I reverse it 90 degrees when I insert it I get a slightly different reading . I also hope the two very small rivets holding it together aren't an accident waiting to happen . Just my observations .Speaking of verifying yourself....I must have read the dipstick 20 times tonite after the dealership adjusted the fluid level and I CANNOT be sure of where the level is. One side of the stick shows no fluid, the other side shows fluid on one edge, and higher than the recommended level.
Sheesh. Guess I'll find out next month when I flat tow for the first time (short trip ~ 300 miles round trip)
Make a tag saying please don't top off and include the TSB # for flat tow levels and attach it to your dipstick . You could laminate it and punch a hole in it and attach with a plastic wire tie .That is why even AFTER we have the dealer verify in writing that it is at the proper level, we check it ourself when we get home. We were one of those who had them fill it up after we had a sensor replaced, despite having it put in the computer that they are NEVER to fill our transmission fluid unless we ask them to verify the level for towing. We practically had to shove the first service bulletin down our dealer's throat to get him to listen.
The information is available to dealers and service writers, if they care to read it. I know people in this end of Ford's business.I'm afraid that's common about many issues . I would think Ford and the dealers would insist that their service employees at least be informed about the more serious issues .
Excellent suggestion !Make a tag saying please don't top off and include the TSB # for flat tow levels and attach it to your dipstick . You could laminate it and punch a hole in it and attach with a plastic wire tie .
Why don't you make up a dozen and sell them on eBay ! I'll bet you could get $5 a pop !
I have the riveted variety. I tried reversing, twisting, not twisting, slowly, quickly...not much variation.I'm curious if you have the very long dipstick that is riveted together in the middle. that thing is a bit awkward with its length and twists and having to pass through the tube with all those curves . I notice mine has retained some of the bending it has to make going down the tube so if I reverse it 90 degrees when I insert it I get a slightly different reading . I also hope the two very small rivets holding it together aren't an accident waiting to happen . Just my observations .
I tried checking the fluid after driving from the dealership, 15 minute ride probably.
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