[TK Doom]

First off, I'm a consumer, I do not work on cars.

Should I trust my normal 10 min oil change place to do it right (did my GT's for many years, no problems), or should I go to a Ford dealer?

What is the deal with the shift light? Is there a way to turn it off?

Traction control. What is lost/gained by it being on or off?



TIA!

[mustangtk]

Well I'm biased, I work for a Ford dealer and I'm the store's SVT tech. I have seen many oil changes messed up by quick lube places. For one thing most never Ford engines use 5W20 oil; not 10W30 that many places put in. Personally I'd buy 6 quarts of Mobil 1 5W30 full synthetic oil and have the oil change at a Ford dealer, using a Motorcraft filter. The shift light is something Ford had to add because of the EPA. While at the dealer ask them if they could remove the bulb for the shift light. Ask nicely (donuts also help) and they may not charge you. But most place may not do it without charging some labor, hour at the max. There some aftermarket programmers that may shut off the shift light.Same goes for the traction control the programmers can change the traction control so its always off and requires you to push the button to turn it on.

[snakepit]

The shift light can be ignored unless you find it annoying. Traction control may save you in the rain but does not do wonders for dry pavement. However, the traction control on the 03/04 modes is more refined and less of a hasstle as it was with the 99/01 models. I am so used to turning it off after starting it that it has become a habit. just be cautious when making left turns into traffic when you need to punch it hard, you will slide sideways for a bit. Try not to spin a donut when pulling out into traffic.

As for oil changes, at least the ford dealer will use a known brand of oil filter. I have had one oil change as a free service since my wife (now ex) had a deal with a tire store but she could not use the oil change offer since her warrenty required Acura or Honda parts to be used. What kind of filter brand is bulldog anyway? That was the cheeziest filter I ever saw. When it comes to changing oil, I only trust myself to do it.