Hi Todd: I am dealing with an interesting one. The transfer on my 1996 Ford Explorer XLT went out at 68,000 miles. I have an extended warranty (Easy Care) that will not cover the repair because I did not maintain the vehicle. I took the vehicle to the dealer (I have bought 2 Fords and 2 extended warranties from this outfit and they do most of my service and repairs) at 55,000 miles and specifically said, "Do whatever is recommended at this mileage and repack all the wheel bearings, too" (I drive through water daily). All they did, I think, was change the oil and said the bearings were nonserviceable.

Here's my issue: I did not know what the manufacturer recommended for maintenence but I knew that I had to do it to keep the warranty valid. So, I have taken it to the dealer for every oil change and told them to service it. I figured they would look at the miles and the maintenance schedule and service accordingly. Not so.

I had a little sit down chat with the head of service and the salesman who sold us both vehicles and said, "How come I haven't had any help keeping this vehicle maintained?" "Aren't you aware that the manufacturer recommends this service?" Head of service said he was completely unaware that the oil in the transfer should have been changed at 60,000 miles. My husband was told that they do not perform any maintenance unless specifically asked. To them, service is an engine oil change.

Questions for you: Do these transfers typically fall apart at 68,000 miles? Is this a money game? The dealership has my $1,800 (for coverage to 100,000 miles, with some, of course, going to the warranty company) the service department gets paid for covered services from the warranty company or by me for services not covered. Clearly, there is a money deal going on. Does the dealership cut some sort of "incentive" for denial of claims?

Any advice?

Thanks,

Sue