Dealer installed wrong oil filter.

[vangonebuy]

3rd oil change.

#1 I did it at 8500 miles. Motorcraft semi synthetic oil and Motorcraft FL910s filter.

#2 My Ford Dealer did the oil with an normal maintenence17000 miles, All works fine.

#3 I did oil today. 24000 miles. When I removed the underbody cover. I notice the filter looked longer.

Motorcraft SL400s was used.

 

I'll call tomorrow and question the swap of parts.

All seems fine.

 

 

 

[GrySql]

The SL400S (or FL400s ) fits a lot of different engines including Ford, but it's not listed as compatible with a FFH Atkinson engine.

http://www.autozone.com/external-engine/oil-filter/motorcraft-oil-filter/140248/

Click on the Vehicle Fitment button on this Autozone website.

[vangonebuy]

Ford dealer installed the FL400s. Not the SL400s. You are correct. Misspelled on my part.

 

Bought the FL910s at Wmart. They sold both filters, same price.

Their book also noted the FL400s as not compatible.

 

Funny. I checked the Advance Auto website, also. (noted it said not compatible)

 

At a Pep Boys store heading home. Their filter book had a different Motorcraft filter. (FL-820s) Ignored their info.

 

Fordparts.com was what I used to confirm the FL910s.

 

If the parts FL400s and the FL910s are interchangeable. Which is not confirmed.

The FL400s is a much bigger and substantial filter.

And would be my preferred filter.

 

 

Need to know more.

Calling the service manager today.

[Sleddog]

The difference between the 2 filters is the FL400 is longer then the 910. Ford specs the 910 for my 09 Focus. My 2001 used the 400. Same basic engine, but different filter locations. It's in the front and under the motor in the 09. And that's the reason for the 910. I could have used a 400 but it would hang just a little lower and maybe get hit in the wrong situation.

 

The dealer should have put the correct filter on your FFH. But if they couldn't for whatever reason, they should have explain the difference to you. The 400 has a little high capacity, but not much.

 

And your issue is why I change my own oil. The under body cover hides a lot of the mechanicals. If the customer can see it then all the better if they have to substitute parts.

[hybridbear]

That's crazy. What does your receipt say? Does it reflect the filter part number that they installed or the one they were supposed to install? Please let us know what they say!

[vangonebuy]

The difference between the 2 filters is the FL400 is longer then the 910. Ford specs the 910 for my 09 Focus. My 2001 used the 400. Same basic engine, but different filterlocations. It's in the front and under the motor in the 09. And that's the reason for the 910. I could have used a 400 but it would hang just a little lower and maybe get hit in the wrong situation.

 

Sleddog,

You are right on Ford's choice because of length.

The FL400s extends just below the crossmember about 1/4".

In an accident. That difference could cause a leak.

By that point, the nose would be so damaged, It wouldn't matter.

 

 

 

 

That's crazy. What does your receipt say? Does it reflect the filter part number that they installed or the one they were supposed to install? Please let us know what they say!

Dealer didn't say too much, In fact I'm still waiting for them to call me back. Which seems the norm lately.

 

Service Invoice notes the installed part is the FL910s. It certainly wasn't installed on my car.

This may have warranty implications.

[vangonebuy]

No news on my last question to the dealer.

Didn't return 2 additional calls.

 

Sent a PM to Ford Service through this forum. Asking for a followup on my question.

 

Will the wrong filter my Dealer installed, damage the car?

No answer in 4 days .

 

It must be in the Ford culture. Ignore the customer when you screw up.

[FordService]

No news on my last question to the dealer.

Didn't return 2 additional calls.

 

Sent a PM to Ford Service through this forum. Asking for a followup on my question.

 

Will the wrong filter my Dealer installed, damage the car?

No answer in 4 days .

 

It must be in the Ford culture. Ignore the customer when you screw up.

I'm replying to your PM now. Sorry about the delay, we were transitioning the forum over from Rachel to me, and both of us were out at the beginning of the week. Also, our offices are closed on weekends. :)

 

Meagan

[acdii]

Filters are filters, and all work the same provided they seal. The difference between the two is amount of filter media inside, and possibly the bypass spring strength. If lower than the recommended filter, then it "might" bypass, and cause unfiltered oil past it, but I doubt this to be the case here since the filter is designed for the same engine, but different application. The length is the issue as it extends lower and could get damaged by road debris.