I'm frozen in fear to even touch the transmission - sage advice please

[Bullet]

So... replaced the DPFE sensor - (good results)

This truck has been very good to me... so far

It just turned over 90,000 miles.
I know I need to service the transmission sometime.
I've done a few other things and am fairly comfortable completing maintenance tasks with the truck.

Do I install the Fitzstick and suck out the fluid and replace it myself? Drop the pan, and hope for the best? Take it in and have it done at the dealer (least attractive option due to unfavorable dealer experiences)?

I'm scared .... and not afraid to admit it

Wise guidance needed please...

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[TJC]

So... replaced the DPFE sensor - (good results)

This truck has been very good to me... so far

It just turned over 90,000 miles.
I know I need to service the transmission sometime.
I've done a few other things and am fairly comfortable completing maintenance tasks with the truck.

Do I install the Fitzstick and suck out the fluid and replace it myself? Drop the pan, and hope for the best? Take it in and have it done at the dealer (least attractive option due to unfavorable dealer experiences)?

I'm scared .... and not afraid to admit it

Wise guidance needed please...

Been there done that! Not a fun experience. Now that I'm past the learning curve I find it simple...

I went with the Fitzstick and and transfer pump, but at 90K you need to drop the pan and change the filter too.

Here is the process that I used.

One last thought, go with the plan or process that you are most comfortable with. Dealer, Local transmission shop or DIY.

 

[got3fords]

Just throwing out another option if the dealer is less desirable, Aamco. I might look into it when I'm due. I also had a less than desirable experience with my dealer when they did the flush.

 

[LawnMM]

DIY.

Add the fitzstick, drain the trans, drop pan, replace filter, refill, done and you're set for an easy drain and fill next time with a better pan

 

[DukeCanBuildit]

DIY.

Add the fitzstick, drain the trans, drop pan, replace filter, refill, done and you're set for an easy drain and fill next time with a better pan

Did you miss a step Rich?

 

[Chris M]

Did you miss a step Rich?

Is that the step where we debate using the PPE regular or deep pan???

 

[DukeCanBuildit]

Is that the step where we debate using the PPE regular or deep pan???

The very one!

 

[GreyAreaRanger]

If you take it somewhere, be prepared to bend over and spell RUN cause it ain't a cheap service!

 

[LawnMM]

The very one!

Was hoping to avoid the master debate

 

[TJC]

Is that the step where we debate using the PPE regular or deep pan???

Noticed how I dodged that ball!

Mother would be proud.

 

[Spacenut]

I just did mine at 55,000. Dropped the pan, replaced the filter and gasket. Bought a hand pump that holds about 4 qts and refilled it. Did not buy a $200 dipstick, don't need it. Even bought the ULV oil on amazon.
It's a messy job but not difficult.
I used 7 quarts.

 

[got3fords]

If you take it somewhere, be prepared to bend over and spell RUN cause it ain't a cheap service!

Perhaps, but you have to weigh one's resources, facilities, access to proper tools, ability to dispose of old oil, fiscal standing, and the sheer desire to engage in such an involved maintenance routine. I am not that person.
And taking on all the above without a proper dipstick is just stupid.

 

[Racket]

Yours is about out of warranty so paying the dealer is a questionable option - except some shops may have very little experience with the 5G. Heat shields and the like.

But most definitely the filter and exchange the fluid.

(Obligatory Lubeguard Platinum pitch) and the transmission pan swap... maybe? From reading other's comments here the 'standard' PPE pan ($$) still adds about 3/4ths of a quart. Getting the proper level of ULV is paramount and having the Fitzstick (MBS transmission dip stick) has been real peace of mind.

I bought a tune and the tuner (Torrie at Unleashed) included some transmission tweaks that firmed up mine - so that's been a plus.

'Only' 60K miles on my Sept 2019 crew cab, but I bought the Ford extended warranty at four years/50,000 miles. After that runs out who knows.

 

[Burnt Money]

Around 85000ish miles give or take a couple thousand miles lol. I knew I needed to service the transmission. Not saying this is the best way but here’s what I did. Installed the FitzStick. Drove home the next day and checked the level to have a baseline and what the factory fill was. Sucked out a little over 5qt. I pumped the fluid into 2qt paint cups since I have several. Then did the math and replaced the fluid with the proper amount of LubeGuard platinum to replace what I took out. Drove for a couple of weeks then sucked out the fluid again. Let it sit for a few hours then sucked out some more. I measured everything I removed. Then dropped the pan and measured that fluid as well. I did spill some. Replaced the filter then refilled it with tranny fluid and LubeGuard. After driving for about 30min I checked the fluid. I was almost perfect, maybe a 1/4qt low. My biggest reason for all the measuring was the fluid had to be checked hot and didn’t want it to be over/under filled by several qts till I could check it hot. Hopefully this isn’t too convoluted and is helpful.

 

[yuck6]

Recently did it myself, and have since driven 1,000miles. A huge difference and I’ve been telling everyone with a 10R80 to service theirs.

Buy a transfer pump or something to get the fluid out before dropping the pan. A very messy job but rewarding. Having the dipstick makes filling and checking levels very easy and recommend. Having done it once I wish I had bought a PPE pan with the money I had saved. I added the lubegaurd, I don’t know if that’s what made a major difference but I do get .5mpg better and overall better shifting. I wish I had done it sooner.

While being under the truck it’s recommended to change the front and rear diff fluid, transfer case fluid, and I did an oil change with tire rotation. Total job took me 5hours(with a lift), and I’m electrician with some mechanical skills and a father with a lift.

A non dealer shop quoted me 1200$ for all the work, I spent 250$ on fluids and filters. Plus the fitzs stick 200$. There are lots of resources on YouTube to get your head around how it works.

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