Transmission Maintenance

[JoeDirt03]

I hate to beat a dead horse......

Recently picked up a 2021 XLT as a certified pre-owned from a ford dealership. Single owner 70k miles, super clean truck at a very affordable price. My first truck and I absolutely love it, can't wait to hop in and drive it every chance I get.

I have read a lot of forums about common transmission issues and how people install a transmission dibstick and use Lubegard to help extend the life of it. Nothing wrong with it at the moment. Very smooth shifting, no noises or anything weird. Currently I have 30k miles of powertrain warranty. My worry is that I will install the dibstick and lubegard but it would void my warranty (one of the main reasons I chose this truck over other trucks with lower miles)

I would love to hear everyone's thoughts and what my best route would be. My goal is to make this truck last as long as possible and I love learning how to maintain stuff on my own.

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[98RangerDave]

I’m also interested in hearing some options. I have 57k miles on my 2020 (bought it used a few weeks ago). I purchased a 4 year / 48k mile warranty that covers everything. But I called my local Ford dealer today and they quoted me $280 for a transmission flush, they said no need to drop the pan or replace the filter at my mileage.

Is this good advice?

 

[GTHAYS]

I’m also interested in hearing some options. I have 57k miles on my 2020 (bought it used a few weeks ago). I purchased a 4 year / 48k mile warranty that covers everything. But I called my local Ford dealer today and they quoted me $280 for a transmission flush, they said no need to drop the pan or replace the filter at my mileage.

Is this good advice?

If you are going to go that far, why not pay I would think an hour and for the 50$ filter? Peace of mind and knowing it's good to go for a while.

 

[Stevedbvik1]

I hate to beat a dead horse......

Recently picked up a 2021 XLT as a certified pre-owned from a ford dealership. Single owner 70k miles, super clean truck at a very affordable price. My first truck and I absolutely love it, can't wait to hop in and drive it every chance I get.

I have read a lot of forums about common transmission issues and how people install a transmission dibstick and use Lubegard to help extend the life of it. Nothing wrong with it at the moment. Very smooth shifting, no noises or anything weird. Currently I have 30k miles of powertrain warranty. My worry is that I will install the dibstick and lubegard but it would void my warranty (one of the main reasons I chose this truck over other trucks with lower miles)

I would love to hear everyone's thoughts and what my best route would be. My goal is to make this truck last as long as possible and I love learning how to maintain stuff on my own.

My dealer had zero issues with the Fitzstick. In fact they reinstalled it in the new transmission when replaced under warranty. As for the Lubeguard there’s really no way for them to know if it’s in there unless you tell them.

 

[5thranger]

I’m also interested in hearing some options. I have 57k miles on my 2020 (bought it used a few weeks ago). I purchased a 4 year / 48k mile warranty that covers everything. But I called my local Ford dealer today and they quoted me $280 for a transmission flush, they said no need to drop the pan or replace the filter at my mileage.

Is this good advice?

No, drop pan and replace filter.

 

[Dereku]

I’m also interested in hearing some options. I have 57k miles on my 2020 (bought it used a few weeks ago). I purchased a 4 year / 48k mile warranty that covers everything. But I called my local Ford dealer today and they quoted me $280 for a transmission flush, they said no need to drop the pan or replace the filter at my mileage.

Is this good advice?

No it is shit advice. Drain and fill every 30k. I am sure someone else can explain why. My thumbs dont do paragraphs.

 

[Todd Chapin]

I hate to beat a dead horse......

Recently picked up a 2021 XLT as a certified pre-owned from a ford dealership. Single owner 70k miles, super clean truck at a very affordable price. My first truck and I absolutely love it, can't wait to hop in and drive it every chance I get.

I have read a lot of forums about common transmission issues and how people install a transmission dibstick and use Lubegard to help extend the life of it. Nothing wrong with it at the moment. Very smooth shifting, no noises or anything weird. Currently I have 30k miles of powertrain warranty. My worry is that I will install the dibstick and lubegard but it would void my warranty (one of the main reasons I chose this truck over other trucks with lower miles)

I would love to hear everyone's thoughts and what my best route would be. My goal is to make this truck last as long as possible and I love learning how to maintain stuff on my own.

Do not believe the manuals 100k fluid change. Had mine done at 60k. The dealer said the fluid they changed did not look bad but said if you want 100k out of tge tranny change it at or before 60k. Paid 499 for fluid and filter change.

 

[Beach]

I’m also interested in hearing some options. I have 57k miles on my 2020 (bought it used a few weeks ago). I purchased a 4 year / 48k mile warranty that covers everything. But I called my local Ford dealer today and they quoted me $280 for a transmission flush, they said no need to drop the pan or replace the filter at my mileage.

Is this good advice?

That’s not a flush, but you dont’ really need a real flush. That’s fluid change, and you DO have to drop the pan to do it (believe its the same as the ‘19 I have). I’d wonder wth they’re talking about.

 

[98RangerDave]

No, drop pan and replace filter.

Thanks, I’ll call the dealer Monday to adjust the maintenance request.

 

[LawnMM]

I'd be careful with the Lube guard in the absence of issues, if you're having a problem and want to use that to try and solve it I wouldn't begrudge you the attempt.

If all is well, let it be, just keep up with the maintenance.

 

[JoeDirt03]

I'd be careful with the Lube guard in the absence of issues, if you're having a problem and want to use that to try and solve it I wouldn't begrudge you the attempt.

If all is well, let it be, just keep up with the maintenance.

Makes sense. As far as I can tell from the Carfax, no oil change in the transmission has been done. I plan on taking it in and redeeming my rewards points to replace oil and filter before 100k miles.

 

[5thranger]

Thanks, I’ll call the dealer Monday to adjust the maintenance request.

The flush can dislodge debris in trans and then get deposited in the valve body /screen's of solenoids on valve body. The valve body and the solenoids are one of the issues with these trans so best not to complicate matters.

 

[ctechbob]

Others have covered a lot of this, but.

The LG won't hurt anything and will help keep the valves free and moving properly. I have used it on a well-functioning transmission since just around 10K and the trans continues to be spot-on. Others have used it with wonky transmissions and brought them back around to acting right.

Throw the Ford recommended service interval out the window if you plan on keeping the truck long-term. 30K Fluid changes is the minimum maintenance I'd recommend. It isn't a matter of the fluid not holding up, it is a matter of getting the small particulates out of the system that are too small for the filter to catch and can cause wear between the steel pistons and the aluminum valve bodies. Filter should be ok to do every 60k.

You don't need/want a 'flush' in the sense that its best to not use one of the machines that hook up to the trans and do a force change of the fluid. Simply draining/refilling the fluid is sufficient. This can pretty easily be done by vacuuming out the old fluid and filling with new. No real need to drop the pan, although it is an easy job.

ULV Fluid only. (Motorcraft/Valvoline/Etc. Several people make a 'ULV' fluid)

Think that about sums it up.

 

[Kemo Sabe]

I hate to beat a dead horse......

Recently picked up a 2021 XLT as a certified pre-owned from a ford dealership. Single owner 70k miles, super clean truck at a very affordable price. My first truck and I absolutely love it, can't wait to hop in and drive it every chance I get.

I have read a lot of forums about common transmission issues and how people install a transmission dibstick and use Lubegard to help extend the life of it. Nothing wrong with it at the moment. Very smooth shifting, no noises or anything weird. Currently I have 30k miles of powertrain warranty. My worry is that I will install the dibstick and lubegard but it would void my warranty (one of the main reasons I chose this truck over other trucks with lower miles)

I would love to hear everyone's thoughts and what my best route would be. My goal is to make this truck last as long as possible and I love learning how to maintain stuff on my own.

Nice blue Ranger!!
Off it ant broke, maybe drive it and try not worrying. Sounds like nothing wrong. But, it’d be nice, convenient with tranny dipstick.
Good luck!

 

[98RangerDave]

If you are going to go that far, why not pay I would think an hour and for the 50$ filter? Peace of mind and knowing it's good to go for a while.

The ford dealer is quoting me $675 for a filter and fluid change. Or $260 for a fluid change only. Something seems off. They say the filter change isn’t required until 100k. They do the fluid exchange all the time without issue. I’m confused.

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