PTU Confusion

[Frank P]

I've read just about every thread I've come across dealing with the PTU/RDU in the SHO platforms. I called the local dealer here (Pundman Ford) and asked that while having the required state inspection done would they change the fluids in both units.
The service person told me that Ford does not recommend changing the fluid on the 2015 Sho until 150K miles. Does this sound right?

 

[luigisho]

It sounds right as far as what dealers tell people and what Ford guidance may or may not be. It's wrong. Maybe they are aware and probably they are not, but, in the end, it's a service you feel stongly about and are going to pay for. So why is there an issue about it?

 

[krewat]

It sounds like Ford's official statement on the subject. However, it's BS

Looking back at my 2013 that had around 40-some-odd thousand miles on it, the PTU was ready to go because of the bearing whine I heard for the few months before I returned it at end-of-lease.

 

[SM105K]

No he is misformed. The fluid in the PTU is a "lifetime" fluid Ford claims. It isn't, and no where close actually. The heat generated by the unit itself coupled with the heat from the downpipes literally cooks the fluid. I would have at the least the PTU fluid changed now. I recommend the Redline Lightweight Shock Proof Fluid for both the PTU and RDU.

The RDU is a different topic and isn't exposed to major heat, and the failure rate is very low because it is an off and on unit.

 

[SHOdded]

The 150K is coming from transmission fluid, not PTU fluid, change intervals, most likely.

 

[Jeff2017]

I believe 30k is the recommended interval for the Transmission. I could be wrong on that.

 

[76FoMoCo]

had the ptu change at 40k and it was done! had the rdu changed at the same time and was still in great shape (still semi clean). IMO the rdu can go 50k and the ptu should be at least every 20K

 

[Frank P]

Thanks, I appreciate the help. We bought this used with 7k mikls and currently has 14k miles on it. I am going to have it changed at 20k along with the RDU just for the peace of mind.

 

[brucelinc]

Some service writers wouldn't know a PTU from an RDU. It sounds like he was talking about the transmission service. However, as others have said, Ford has no recommended interval for PTU service on civilian vehicles in the US. I wouldn't be very concerned about the RDU but the PTU **** should be changed every 25,000 miles or so. It is just good maintenance since the **** gets very hot and the capacity is so small. There are places that will do it.

 

[Lostneye]

A couple dealers near me either have no interest in changing the PTU fluid or want to charge me $400+ to do it.

 

[76FoMoCo]

My dealer charged me 260.00 for the rdu and ptu. I think the key was one of their techs is the main PTU guy and I asked him.

 

[stevelaw_2000]

My dealer charged me 260.00 for the rdu and ptu. I think the key was one of their techs is the main PTU guy and I asked him.

My dealer in Arkansas would not change the Ptu fluid when asked. Even at my expense. Said they had not had issues in the past.

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[76FoMoCo]

anybody try aamco or a trans shop?

 

[SM105K]

My dealer in Arkansas would not change the Ptu fluid when asked. Even at my expense. Said they had not had issues in the past.

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And your dealer is run by idiots.

 

[6500rpm]

If it's Pundman Ford in St Charles, they're pretty solid and Ford does call the PTU fluid as lifetime but that's just wishful thinking. In my experience, the PP cars probably fair better than non PP as when I changed mine at 50K+ it still looked decent. Changing it out is never going to hurt anything and if nothing else, maybe see if they can save part of your sample or ask in advance if they can give you a opinion on the fluid they drain in advance of them performing the work so the tech can note it. If they note that it looked like it was thick or forming sludge, had metal in it, etc it can give you an idea on what to expect in the future. Below is a pic on what came out of mine on the 50k+ change-dark but still thin, no metal to speak of on the drain magnet, and no burnt odor. I was able to reclaim 12oz with the car tilted on jack stands, spec from Ford PTS is 18oz and I have no leaks so I still had 6oz trapped, most likely in the cooler system of the PP)

From ford PTS factory on line manual- (This is what the dealers refer to when they say it's not required)
NOTICE: Install a new PTU any time the PTU has been submerged in water.

NOTE: Do not drain the PTU unless contamination is suspected. The fluid that is drained may appear black and have a pungent odor. Do not mistake this for contaminated fluid.

NOTE: Fill level checks are done in-vehicle only. Let the vehicle sit 10 minutes after the road test before checking the fluid level.

All vehicles

 

[stevelaw_2000]

And your dealer is run by idiots.

IKR!

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[Crazyeights]

I called my local AAMCO store and he quoted me between $100-$150 and would only use factory recommended fluid to replace it.

 

[SM105K]

I called my local AAMCO store and he quoted me between $100-$150 and would only use factory recommended fluid to replace it.

And the factory fluid isn't the best. Take it somewhere else if that is the line in the sand. Also, when they look at it, I bet they change their tune and double the price.

 

[Crazyeights]

My DD SHO PP is a 2015 with 50k with a 7/100k drive train warranty. What's the chance if there is a PTU failure that Ford could determine it wasn't Motorcraft fluid? My 2011 had the same warranty and when I took it into a Ford dealer to change the PTU fluid, they said it was leaking and replaced the PTU.

 

[Johnbigdog]

My DD SHO PP is a 2015 with 50k with a 7/100k drive train warranty. What's the chance if there is a PTU failure that Ford could determine it wasn't Motorcraft fluid? My 2011 had the same warranty and when I took it into a Ford dealer to change the PTU fluid, they said it was leaking and replaced the PTU.

It doesn't matter that it's not motor craft as long as it meets the specification of the factory fluid. Just like you wont void your warranty bu using mobile one oil instead of motor craft full synthetic or semisynthetic.