Frequently Asked Questions
If you don’t see the answer to your question on this page, please don’t hesitate to call Ford Lincoln of Franklin and one of our friendly representatives will be happy to assist you.
Ford Maintenance 101
- When does my Ford need an oil change?
- At Ford Lincoln of Franklin, we strive to provide you with a top-notch experience. This includes letting us keep track of when it’s time for your vehicle have routine services such as maintenance. A member of our service team will contact you as your due date approaches and make arrangements for you to bring your vehicle in. You can also check the manual that came with your vehicle for the appropriate intervals. If you aren’t able to locate the owner’s manual, contact our friendly service center and they’ll be glad to give you that information.
- When does my battery need to be replaced?
- Every battery has a warranty date on it that is comprised of a letter and number combination. The letter indicates the month with A standing for January, B for February and so on. The number denotes the year that the battery is warrantees through. So if your vehicle’s battery has a code that shows A18, it means January 2020. Be sure to have the battery changed prior to this date to avoid being stranded. Alternatively, you can also let our service center check your battery to make sure that it still holds a charge.
- My vehicle isn’t starting. What could be the problem?
- There are several reasons why your vehicle might not start. You could have a broken or stretched timing belt. Your alternator, starter or battery might be dead. Both a dead battery and a bad starter can emit a clicking sound when you try to engage the engine. You can try to determine which one is the culprit if you have a voltmeter. Check the battery with it while the car is off. You should get a reading of at least 12 volts. While someone else turns the key, check the voltage again. If it stays above 10.50, the starter is probably the problem.
- Why is my “Service Engine Soon” light on?
- The answer to this question can only be determined by a code that is delivered when our service center plugs your Ford or Lincoln into our diagnostic tester. Bring your vehicle to our service center right away to diagnose and repair the issue
- When do I have to buy or replace my tires?
- There is no set answer because it depends on the surface that you drive on and the type of tires that you already have on your vehicle. If you spend a great deal of time driving on rough surfaces such as gravel, or is you have soft rubber tires, you’ll need to change them more often. Although every tire has a certain number of miles that it’s expected to last, you should get into the habit of checking them for wear, imperfections and low pressure. When the tread is nearly even with the wear bars, replace your tires.
- Must my new tires be aligned?
- Alignment is not always necessary, but it is recommended just for surety. However, it is necessary to have your new tires aligned if they do not have an even wear pattern.
- What kind of tires should I buy?
- Our service advisors here at Ford Lincoln of Franklin can help you find the right tire for your driving habits and the road conditions. After consulting with you to determine if you regularly drive on rough surfaces or off-road, for example, your service advisor can recommend some tires to fit your budget.
Tires
Parts
- How will I know when to replace my hoses and belts?
- Though the owner’s manual provides scheduled times to replace your belts and hoses, there are other indications as well. If your belts are shiny on the bottom, dry rotted or the tensioner can no longer retain the tension, they should be replaced. Hoses that are soft or cracked should also be replaced.
- What is the difference between OEM and generic parts?
- OEM parts are the original equipment manufacturer parts that are made by Ford Lincoln to their exacting standards. Designed specifically for your vehicle, these parts are warranted and are sold by the manufacturer and third parties. Generic parts are made by a different manufacturer and are designed to fit your vehicle. While most generic parts do fit, they might not have the same quality that OEM parts have.
Technology
- Discover Ford SYNC
- SYNC is Ford’s technology package to keep you connected to the world. The basic package allows you to ask for what you want, and control your favorite apps straight from your vehicle’s touchscreen. You can make a call, play your favorite song, and navigate to your next destination without looking down.
- SYNC Features
- SYNC MyFord Touch is an upgraded version of SYNC. It comes with more voice-activated commands plus organizational tools to keep all of your apps easy-to-find. If you tend to have a difficult time disconnecting from your smartphone, these extra features will definitely come in handy.
- Safety Component
- SYNC is also there for you in case of an emergency. Part of the technology is 911 Assist at no additional charge. You connect your phone to SYNC and when you need it, 911 Assist can call for help for you even if you cannot do it on your own, like in the case of an accident where the airbags deploy.
- SYNC 3 is the most advanced version of the SYNC packages, and it truly takes the term ‘user-friendly’ to the next level. It’s so intuitive that you can find anything and everything you could want both in the car and outside of it — without a long tutorial about its features. Search for your favorite places, music, or podcasts with its simple voice commands and new interface.
Does Your Car Have a Safety Recall?
Recalls have been in the news a lot lately. We know you have questions about the effect of these recalls on the safety of you and your passengers. We can’t service every vehicle with an open recall, but we can alert you if your vehicle has one.
Find out if your car is affected.
