Drive train fluid replacement

[TJC]

Why?

There is a well documented history of transmissions cratering after a full flush. It is safer to leave some of the old fluid in. There is a high mileage line you cross where it is best to not change the fluid at all.

Many shops refused to offer a full flush due to customers quickly coming back for major transmission repairs. Customer states "it shifted fine before you touched it", and it did! Shop is on the hook for expensive overhaul.

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[Tim H.]

There is a well documented history of transmissions cratering after a full flush. It is safer to leave some of the old fluid in. There is a high mileage line you cross where it is best to not change the fluid at all.

Many shops refused to offer a full flush due to customers quickly coming back for major transmission repairs. Customer states "it shifted fine before you touched it", and it did! Shop is on the hook for expensive overhaul.

I’ve only got 40k on mine. Was thinking a flush would be best now rather than at 100k or more.

 

[Chris4x4Gill2]

What TJC said - particles generally settle at the bottom of the pan and are suspended in the fluid reservoir. Draining removes a good portion of those. Flush stirs all of that back up and reintroduces contaminates into the workings.

 

[Dr. Zaius]

At low miles, a flush isn't likely to cause issues.

It's when you power flush a transmission that has lots of miles on it that problems arise.

All the wear particles and contaminants that were pretty much stuck in the transmission for years are now flushed loose and in circulation, getting into all the nooks and crannies of the transmission.

 

[TJC]

I don't know what low miles are on our Rangers. I have 20K miles on mine, and transmission is bipolar. PPE pan, filter, and fluid change only for me No flush. I don't feel lucky.

I am actually hesitant to do this work... I am capable, but I worry that if the transmission fails Ford will blame me for adding the pan and doing the fluid change. I think I am still going forward and completing the task. Then hope for the best.

I really REALLY dislike taking my vehicle to dealerships for repairs. On the rare occasion when I have done so, my truck comes back worse than it went in. 4 or 5 visits later they get it right, but I end up with rattles in places that shouldn't rattle. (Airbag recall anyone! They have changed the same airbag 3 times and there is an outstanding recall for number 4!)

On one occasion my 2005 Ranger came back running lean and rough. Upon inspection, I found the throttle body was loose!

 

[RAYJAY]

I got a quote from my dealer to flush & fill the transmission (16 qts) for $350. No filter yet because of low miles (40k).

DO NOT LET THEM FLUSH THE TRANS ... ITS VERY BAD ON OUR TRANS ONLY DO A PAN DROP AND FILTER CHANGE ON THESE TRANSMISSION.......

 

[RAYJAY]

At low miles, a flush isn't likely to cause issues.

It's when you power flush a transmission that has lots of miles on it that problems arise.

All the wear particles and contaminants that were pretty much stuck in the transmission for years are now flushed loose and in circulation, getting into all the nooks and crannies of the transmission.

On these trans flushing screws up the solenoids and pushes all of the dirt from the filter into the rest of the trans, just did mine for second time, at 65k and the filter was packed with gunk and the magnet in filter was also loaded .... really do not want that back into thew trans......

 

[RAYJAY]

I’ve only got 40k on mine. Was thinking a flush would be best now rather than at 100k or more.

not on these trans.. never flush ...

 

[Tim H.]

not on these trans.. never flush ...

After much thought I’m going with the fluid & filter change only. No flush. Thanks all!

 

[RAYJAY]

After much thought I’m going with the fluid & filter change only. No flush. Thanks all!

its very easy to do yourself couple of write up on here, look at misfit toys page he has a good one

 

[phanomenal]

I have 60k miles on mine and ford dealer quoted 830 dollars plus tax for them to change the transmission oil / filter, front and rear diff and tranfer case oil. Im a little worried because when i mentioned the pan being dropped he said he may be able to do it with out dropping the pan. Can only hope fir the best when i get it back now.

 

[got3fords]

I have 60k miles on mine and ford dealer quoted 830 dollars plus tax for them to change the transmission oil / filter, front and rear diff and tranfer case oil. Im a little worried because when i mentioned the pan being dropped he said he may be able to do it with out dropping the pan. Can only hope fir the best when i get it back now.

Change the trans filter without dropping the pan?

 

[phanomenal]

Change the trans filter without dropping the pan?

Yup. Im hoping he just missed remembered or confused it with a different vehicle or something.

 

[Colo_Ranger]

Change the trans filter without dropping the pan?

the only way to access the filter is to drop the pan.

 

[Utope]

How much fluid has everyone typically refilled after a pan drop, 4 or 5 quarts?

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