[gitpicker]

Brand new second owner of 07 XR with 103k miles. Purchased from a Ford dealer who got it as a trade-in for a new Ford. The dealer put 5W-20 in it prior to listing it which I questioned. He said the "shop manual" called for it.
What's the consensus on switching to synthetic with this many miles. I have no knowledge of the previous owners
maintenance compliance (don't know if he used synthetic).
I don't have the owners manual in front of me but if the trans fluid has never been changed,
I'm wondering if I'm doing more harm than good in changing it.
Also, the water temp gage needle is right at the middle, pointing to 210 degrees. Is this normal for the Outlook? Every car I've ever owned the needle is left of center. I checked the overflow tank and it needed about 12oz. to bring it up to the cold level but it's still pegged at 210 deg.
Thanks for your thoughts.

 

[jvasquez]

As far as the temp 210 is normal.

 

[outlookowner]

My 07 owner's manual specifies 5W-30. I do not even see a mention of 5W-20.

 

[jsimms]

You can switch to synthetic at any time
The manual says the trans fluid is rated to 100K miles; I would get it changed
As previously mentioned; the temp gauge needle normally runs down the middle; I would however check the fluid level at the radiator. I wouldn't completely rely on the overflow as an accurate reading on the fluid level

 

[rbarrios]

210 normal.
trans fluid change at 100K is fine.
5W-20... what book was he looking at?... its 5W-30.

I would consider it an 'oil flush'- and get that 5W-20 out of the engine. Do it yourself- peace of mind.

get some 5W-30 oil in there and an AC DELCO filter on the engine. Who knows what kind of filter they put on..
Thats what I WOULD DO.

 

[XRDreamliner]

Suggestions:

Change the oil - replacing dino with synthetic is fine, even at 103k. I'd use Pennzoil Platinum or Ultra - both have done well in terms of UOA results for the 3.6 liter. For the filter, you can use the AC PF48, or the bigger AC PF63. Others will chime in with their choice (Wixx, NAPA, Mobil 1, etc.)

Change the trans fluid - the oil drain plug is easy to get to, and you'll remove 5 qts. The Lambda transmission has a filter, but is non-serviceable (for life).

I'd also change the power steering and brake fluid. While the power steering fluid is less finicky with age, brake fluid should be changed out every 2 to 3 years.

If AWD, change the rear differential oil (75w-90).

 

[6Sixathome]

210 normal.
trans fluid change at 100K is fine.
5W-20... what book was he looking at?... its 5W-30.

I would consider it an 'oil flush'- and get that 5W-20 out of the engine. Do it yourself- peace of mind.

get some 5W-30 oil in there and an AC DELCO filter on the engine. Who knows what kind of filter they put on..
Thats what I WOULD DO.

That's what I was thinking.

 

[ls973800]

For those who don't own a Ford, 5W20 is their recommended oil weight for the majority of their engines. I've been running it in my 2003 F150 since it was new, and never had a problem in winter (when we lived in Ohio until 2005) or in Texas summer heat now for the last 6 years.

Having been serviced and sold at a Ford dealership, it doesn't surprise me they used 5W20. More than likely it was their own FMC brand synthetic blend they used. You should be able to look and see if you also have a Ford oil filter installed, which are good filters.

Myself, I would change out the oil to 5W30 (Pennzoil Platinum or Ultra as already suggested) and put on a Delco filter.