Hi,
Just brought my 2012 Outlander back from the dealer for an oil change. On the invoice, they've written that it needs a power steering flush and a regular throttle body and fuel injection system service kit or something.

Are these legit requirements or are they just trying to get my money? I don't really trust them, and for nearly $200 for each of the two services, I think they're trying to recommend unnecessary services.

Are there any services you would recommend for a car with 31k?

Any suggestions greatly appreciated.
Thanks,
Dave

 

if you want to clean the fuel injection system, you can buy that yourself at an auto parts store for under $10...dump it in the fuel tank.

Power steering flush, I'd do. However, it doesn't have to be done at a dealership. Any shop can do it. you can do it yourself. You can use regular ATF or power steering fluid.

IMO, I'd also bleed brake fluid out. I do power steering and brake fluid every 2 years. Grand scheme of things, the fluid is cheap if you can do the work yourself.

Edit: without knowing your specific vehicle, I wouldn't know other stuff.

 

Is that really all they do?

Do you have instructions on how to do this? I'm relatively mechanically inclined. I'm not afraid of doing it, and think I could probably figure it out, but would like instructions.

Instructions here for this one as well?

What information can I provide to help with this?

 

that's really all they do.

for power steering:
- jack up the front end of the car
- remove power steering return line from resivoir and insert into empty wine bottle. Secure wine bottle in engine compartment.
- start vehicle and turn the wheel back & forth until it will not pump any more fluid out....stop the engine.
- remove bottle and re-connect return line. Add ATF/PS Fluid until system is back to proper level. You'll have to re-start the engine to get fresh fluid pumped through system again and to get bubbles out.

nothing special about the brakes. I use a vacuum hand pump with a home made collection container. there are a million procedures on the net already, which depends on which method you use.

your trim and location always helps. that's why a lot of people put it in their signature. some years have 2.4L some have 3.0L...some have AWD, some don't.

 

I don't do this often enough, so I probably have the smarts enough to take it to a mechanic that seems trusted in my town. Hopefully cheaper than $189.

I could probably figure this out, but maybe have the mechanic do it at the same time.

I was thinking there was some more specific description inside the car (under the hood? on the inside of the driver's door?) that would be more precise. I really don't remember what features it has...

thanks again,
Dave