Does doing your own maintenance void warranty?

[mwilk012]

I had to have my radiator replaced at the three year mark so I’m doing fine on my coolant maintenance interval so far

Same. Most early models probably have by now, or should. Undetected radiator leaks are very common, always the top left corner.

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[Terrymo]

Same. Most early models probably have by now, or should. Undetected radiator leaks are very common, always the top left corner.

Have there been improvements to the radiators at any point or is this an ongoing problem?Mine is a 23 3.6 if that matters

 

[mwilk012]

Have there been improvements to the radiators at any point or is this an ongoing problem?Mine is a 23 3.6 if that matters

I doubt it. Even the JK’s have the same leak and it’s a completely different setup.

 

[roaniecowpony]

Have there been improvements to the radiators at any point or is this an ongoing problem?Mine is a 23 3.6 if that matters

I put in a Mishimoto radiator. I don't know if it's an improvement, in terms of reliability. But, it adds some cooling capacity, in theory.

 

[Terrymo]

I put in a Mishimoto radiator. I don't know if it's an improvement, in terms of reliability. But, it adds some cooling capacity, in theory.

Yep if it wasn’t covered under warranty I would have gone aftermarket…maybe in another 3 years at this rate

 

[castilloedwmark]

Point taken but, what my actual response to them is: "I didn't buy EcoDiesel-specific fuel filters every six months for the hell of it. What do you think I'm doing with them?"

That's what the Amazon online order history is for - hard to fake that. The Excel spread sheet is for my own use in keeping track of when (date/mileage) I changed oil, drained the fuel filter, replaced batteries, etc... I also pass it along to the next owner.

Just wrapped up replacing the serpentine belt, tensioner, and idler pulley on mine — the classic "do them all together since you're already in there" job. Took longer than expected because the old tensioner was seized and fighting me the whole way.

Here's what's bugging me: I know in six months, the next time something like this comes up, I'm going to blank on which tensioner part number actually fit (the first one I ordered didn't), what size the belt was, and the little trick I figured out for routing it around the AC compressor without three hands. All of that is just going to be gone.

Anyone else have a job like this where you had to redo it — or relearn it — because you couldn't remember what you did the first time around? Feels like routine maintenance is the stuff that's hardest to actually remember, since you only do it once every couple years. How is everyone tracking that work and knowledge?

 

[azjl#3]

Yeah I remember a maintenance interval chart saying 5 year/100K for coolant flush but this service advisor was saying the 2.0L engines can have coolant issues and he recommends 30K...

My response would be so this is a recall if they are having problems with coolant?

I called them out on the BS intake cleaning as well. Show me where it says to do that? No where except the dealer service manager telling them to push it.

They pushed me on doing coolant as well, showed me a picture of a dirty rag supposedly coolant on my 50,000 mile 3.6. I popped the hood, unscrewed the coolant res, dipped a paper towel in, perfectly clean. Look I think 5 to 7 years, sure change coolant, 4, absolutely not.

I do change transfer and diffs at 30,000, and brake fluid at 3 years.

 

[azjl#3]

Just wrapped up replacing the serpentine belt, tensioner, and idler pulley on mine — the classic "do them all together since you're already in there" job. Took longer than expected because the old tensioner was seized and fighting me the whole way.

Here's what's bugging me: I know in six months, the next time something like this comes up, I'm going to blank on which tensioner part number actually fit (the first one I ordered didn't), what size the belt was, and the little trick I figured out for routing it around the AC compressor without three hands. All of that is just going to be gone.

Anyone else have a job like this where you had to redo it — or relearn it — because you couldn't remember what you did the first time around? Feels like routine maintenance is the stuff that's hardest to actually remember, since you only do it once every couple years. How is everyone tracking that work and knowledge?

youtube all the way, someone has already done that for you.

 

[roaniecowpony]

Just wrapped up replacing the serpentine belt, tensioner, and idler pulley on mine — the classic "do them all together since you're already in there" job. Took longer than expected because the old tensioner was seized and fighting me the whole way.

Here's what's bugging me: I know in six months, the next time something like this comes up, I'm going to blank on which tensioner part number actually fit (the first one I ordered didn't), what size the belt was, and the little trick I figured out for routing it around the AC compressor without three hands. All of that is just going to be gone.

Anyone else have a job like this where you had to redo it — or relearn it — because you couldn't remember what you did the first time around? Feels like routine maintenance is the stuff that's hardest to actually remember, since you only do it once every couple years. How is everyone tracking that work and knowledge?

If you buy your OEM parts from the same sellers online, registering will hold your orders and part numbers in your account record. Not that knowing part numbers has been the kind of thing that has a lot of value.

For the actual "how to" part of it, I mainly go by memory and in some cases, I take pictures of configurations. Your serpentine belt routing comes to mind. However, most of that stuff is in the service manual. Also, many of these tasks are in Youtube videos. So, if you are prepping to do some work, take the time a day or more ahead and search for videos.

If you're trying to record when you changed a part or fluid, start some kind of record. I put fluid change data on the fill cap with a label maker, and do the same for the engine air filter and cabin filter, as well as the battery purchase dates. For diff, transfer case, transmission, or any other under the vehicle fluids, I put the data in the door jamb with a label maker. Many part changes will have to be recorded in a logbook. I suck at tire rotations, but the door jamb is the best place to record that IMO

 

[castilloedwmark]

If you buy your OEM parts from the same sellers online, registering will hold your orders and part numbers in your account record. Not that knowing part numbers has been the kind of thing that has a lot of value.

For the actual "how to" part of it, I mainly go by memory and in some cases, I take pictures of configurations. Your serpentine belt routing comes to mind. However, most of that stuff is in the service manual. Also, many of these tasks are in Youtube videos. So, if you are prepping to do some work, take the time a day or more ahead and search for videos.

If you're trying to record when you changed a part or fluid, start some kind of record. I put fluid change data on the fill cap with a label maker, and do the same for the engine air filter and cabin filter, as well as the battery purchase dates. For diff, transfer case, transmission, or any other under the vehicle fluids, I put the data in the door jamb with a label maker. Many part changes will have to be recorded in a logbook. I suck at tire rotations, but the door jamb is the best place to record that IMO

Thanks for the detailed reply. The label maker trick for the door jamb is actually pretty clever, I may steal that. You're right that the OEM seller order history helps for parts, but since I often source parts from different vendors I don't always remember or find my previous history. I've had enough "which of these three orders was the right one" moments that it doesn't feel reliable enough for me.

On the YouTube point - I totally agree, it's invaluable for the how-to side of it. But for me the problem is after watching two or three videos, I'm still piecing together torque specs from a third source, and none of it ends up in one place I can actually find later. That's the relearning loop I was describing.

I've actually been building something for myself to solve exactly that - called Sent and Spent. Basically a service log that captures parts, specs, notes and costs per job so future-me has it all in one place next time. I'm still building it out but it's already saving me the "wait what did I do last time" moment.

 

[rickinAZ]

Just wrapped up replacing the serpentine belt, tensioner, and idler pulley on mine — the classic "do them all together since you're already in there" job. Took longer than expected because the old tensioner was seized and fighting me the whole way.

Here's what's bugging me: I know in six months, the next time something like this comes up, I'm going to blank on which tensioner part number actually fit (the first one I ordered didn't), what size the belt was, and the little trick I figured out for routing it around the AC compressor without three hands. All of that is just going to be gone.

Anyone else have a job like this where you had to redo it — or relearn it — because you couldn't remember what you did the first time around? Feels like routine maintenance is the stuff that's hardest to actually remember, since you only do it once every couple years. How is everyone tracking that work and knowledge?

I create entries in my maintenance log like the one attached

 

[roaniecowpony]

Thanks for the detailed reply. The label maker trick for the door jamb is actually pretty clever, I may steal that. You're right that the OEM seller order history helps for parts, but since I often source parts from different vendors I don't always remember or find my previous history. I've had enough "which of these three orders was the right one" moments that it doesn't feel reliable enough for me.

On the YouTube point - I totally agree, it's invaluable for the how-to side of it. But for me the problem is after watching two or three videos, I'm still piecing together torque specs from a third source, and none of it ends up in one place I can actually find later. That's the relearning loop I was describing.

I've actually been building something for myself to solve exactly that - called Sent and Spent. Basically a service log that captures parts, specs, notes and costs per job so future-me has it all in one place next time. I'm still building it out but it's already saving me the "wait what did I do last time" moment.

If you're intent on 100% records like an airplane, get a 3 ring binder and put all the receipts in celephane holders (you can print the online receipts) and a page of handwritten or printed description of the work. IMO, any "how to" material should be a separate doc. I have a factory service manual, so I have access to torque specs and disassembly/reassembly instructions.

Here's how I do filters and motor oil.

 

[mwilk012]

Just wrapped up replacing the serpentine belt, tensioner, and idler pulley on mine — the classic "do them all together since you're already in there" job. Took longer than expected because the old tensioner was seized and fighting me the whole way.

Here's what's bugging me: I know in six months, the next time something like this comes up, I'm going to blank on which tensioner part number actually fit (the first one I ordered didn't), what size the belt was, and the little trick I figured out for routing it around the AC compressor without three hands. All of that is just going to be gone.

Anyone else have a job like this where you had to redo it — or relearn it — because you couldn't remember what you did the first time around? Feels like routine maintenance is the stuff that's hardest to actually remember, since you only do it once every couple years. How is everyone tracking that work and knowledge?

Next time just cut the belt.

 

[castilloedwmark]

If you're intent on 100% records like an airplane, get a 3 ring binder and put all the receipts in celephane holders (you can print the online receipts) and a page of handwritten or printed description of the work. IMO, any "how to" material should be a separate doc. I have a factory service manual, so I have access to torque specs and disassembly/reassembly instructions.

Here's how I do filters and motor oil.

If you're intent on 100% records like an airplane, get a 3 ring binder and put all the receipts in celephane holders (you can print the online receipts) and a page of handwritten or printed description of the work. IMO, any "how to" material should be a separate doc. I have a factory service manual, so I have access to torque specs and disassembly/reassembly instructions.

Here's how I do filters and motor oil.

I like it. It's a clever way to keep track oil changes. I will invest in a label maker!

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