Transmission Fluid Change or Flush?

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Hey guys I have a 2019 Ranger with about 60k miles. I’m kind of torn, Should I do a pan drop with just a drain and refill or a flush and change the filter later? Also, does Ford have a recommendation on this? I’m not looking for the cheapest option just the best option.
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canyonslicker

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If no shifting or discoloration problems then just a fluid change. Check the filter, meticulously clean the pan and use only air to dry it off NO rags whatsoever or it will cause problems even in old school transmissions. A flush can cause immediate issues. I know the TC doesn’t have a drain plug the reason for a flush. I wouldn’t do it myself personally. My father retired as a Ford automatic transmission mechanic and he always recommended never do a flush unless you’re in a rebuild stage. Just my opinion.
 

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My plan is to do a couple suck and fills before 60k, and then a pan drop and filter at 60k.
 

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Ford states that it only has to be done at 150K. My thoughts are simple. If wanting to do a change do yourself a favor and get the PPE pan along with the B&M dipstick. That way you can change you fluid at any time with a drain plug and fill tube. Also the pan will give a little extra cooling capability due to the cooling fins.
 
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Thanks guys! Sounds like drain and refill is the way to go! That B&M dipstick sounds like something I’ll be getting in the near future for sure.
 


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Msfitoy

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Every manufacturer will have its own recommendations. My 2016 Nissan Frontier recommended the transmission fluid be changed every 30K. I did it every 15K but then again it was a simple 5 quart drain and fill.
For our Ranger, it's 150,000 miles....I only did a partial change at my current 93K due to shifting qwerks...6.5 quarts and that's just half of the bilge lol...it did help...so far, I'm guessing I'm the highest mile Ranger who post here regularly so this is new to me..
 

JohnnyO

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I'm usually real picky on fluid changes but I've come to the conclusion that with the transmission it doesn't really matter. It's unlikely to last to 150,000 whether you change the fluid or not.
 

XLT and me

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I wouldn't change it at 60,000 miles, no reason to. Great way to introduce problems where there aren't any.
 

dondonbabyraptor

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Just wanted to see some thoughts about this picture I found on a Facebook group. 41k miles.

Is that metal? What’s going on here in this photo so I can learn more about transmission fluid?
66DB01D7-A2DB-43BD-8975-BC301DBBC322.png
 

Superspirit

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I've been retired since 08. prior to that as an ase certified master auto tech the shop I was at used the BG trans flush machine. I've never seen a problem using that and will probably go to the shop I used to work for and have that done every 30k if I don't find a verified reason not too. And someone's word is not enough to sway me either. To many fear mongers on the internet to not search out verifiable info. So if you have a verified publication that can verify flushing properly is unacceptable then present it.
 

Frenchy

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That little amount is considered normal. Really just basic wear in/break in metal. The magnet is there help keep it from gojng back in the transmission
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