Transmission Fluid At 40k Miles

[quangdog]

As my truck is approaching 40,000 miles, yesterday I took care of a bunch of maintenance items. The manual says that the trans fluid is good for MUCH longer, but just as with the oil change interval I don't trust letting the fluid go that long.

Anyhow, here are 2 photos - one is of the fluid that came out of my transmission. The other is of fresh fluid.

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[Cmar]

That fluid probably did have a bit of life left in it yet. But hey a change can't hurt.

 

[9zero1790]

geez this ulv stuff is like Big Red soft drink instead of a transmission fluid.

 

[Frenchy]

I won't argue that many of us feel different about the fluid change interval Ford has set, but then again many manufacturers have done this. That I am aware of the only manufacturer that still recommends the fluid be serviced every 30,000 miles is Nissan(Infinity). Does any other manufacturer recommend that? Can't say, but I would not be surprised to not find another.

 

[Big Blue]

As my truck is approaching 40,000 miles, yesterday I took care of a bunch of maintenance items. The manual says that the trans fluid is good for MUCH longer, but just as with the oil change interval I don't trust letting the fluid go that long.

Anyhow, here are 2 photos - one is of the fluid that came out of my transmission. The other is of fresh fluid.

I agree with you on the Ford recommended service interval being too long. How ever the color change you are showing is not an indicator of fluid condition. The new ULV fluid we use is known to darken fairly quickly, do to the higher temperatures it is rated to operate at.

That said I will be changing mine next spring when I put the new PPE pan and filter on, probably somewhere around 35-36K.

 

[Stic-o]

I changed my at 60k, and it was a lot darker than that. I sent mine to Blackstone for analysis. Came back with signs of ware, but we'll see what happens when I do it again next year at 100k.

 

[MarioCart]

Cup of water I drank this morning

VS cup of Pee I vacated tonight

Its all relative until we see an actual chemical analysis of what's going on with it.
For all we know, the darkness is friction disk material. My wheels take on a dusty rusty appearance days after washing because the brake lining wears. Doesn't mean our brakes are toast.

I look forward to Stic-o posting his results. It will tip the scales one way or another for me.

 

[Stic-o]

I guess it was 71k...?

Here is my transmission report. First change, heavy towing a couple times a year, mostly daily driver. A little off road when I can find the time.

 

[Frenchy]

I guess it was 71k...?

Here is my transmission report. First change, heavy towing a couple times a year, mostly daily driver. A little off road when I can find the time.

So basically recommending changing every 30,000 miles. Got it

 

[Msfitoy]

Cup of water I drank this morning

VS cup of Pee I vacated tonight

Its all relative until we see an actual chemical analysis of what's going on with it.
For all we know, the darkness is friction disk material. My wheels take on a dusty rusty appearance days after washing because the brake lining wears. Doesn't mean our brakes are toast.

I look forward to Stic-o posting his results. It will tip the scales one way or another for me.

How did that delicious meal turn into a pile shit?

 

[Stic-o]

So basically recommending changing every 30,000 miles. Got it

But Ford says it's "lifetime"? ? ?. Lifetime of coarse is highly subjective. So yes eat your vegetables, and change the Trans fluid offen. I would also recommend swapping in the PPE trans pan, for additional capacity and a drain plug for easier changes.

 

[Frenchy]

But Ford says it's "lifetime"? ? ?. Lifetime of coarse is highly subjective. So yes eat your vegetables, and change the Trans fluid offen. I would also recommend swapping in the PPE trans pan, for additional capacity and a drain plug for easier changes.

Instead of the extra capacity I would keep the standard size pan and more focus on getting the cooling fins. Of course the drain plug is a added bonus

 

[MarioCart]

to add some context to the values you have

https://www.blackstone-labs.com/engine-types/transmission/transmission-report-explanation/

 

[Stic-o]

Instead of the extra capacity I would keep the standard size pan and more focus on getting the cooling fins. Of course the drain plug is a added bonus

I plan to use the Ford Power Programer, to monitor trans temps when towing going forward. It would have been nice for Ford to include a trans temp option in the menu. ?

For a cheap option for others, I would suggest temp stickers. Then they at least know it was hot enough they should change the fluid more frequently. We all know temp is the big killer. ?

Temp Stickers

 

[Frenchy]

I plan to use the Ford Power Programer, to monitor trans temps when towing going forward. It would have been nice for Ford to include a trans temp option in the menu. ?

For a cheap option for others, I would suggest temp stickers. Then they at least know it was hot enough they should change the fluid more frequently. We all know temp is the big killer. ?

Temp Stickers

From what I recall when I still had my Ranger and monitored the trans temp windowing it usually stayed pretty stable unless you really got under a heavy load which was usually including going up big hills or being in stop and go traffic or better yet a combination of both. A little over 2 years ago when I picked up the Pathfinder I towed at home with the Ranger. It got to a point that I decided to pull off to the side of the road while letting the ranger idle for a few minutes just to let it cool down before continuing on. That's it I do know that the transmission fluid will be okay up to 250° F.

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