Our 2008 Expy is close to 100k miles. I have noticed the transmission doesn't seem as smooth. I am ready for some new fluid, but can't find the dipstick or anything related to the trans. Is this a sealed unit? Can I have it flushed using the cooler lines? What is the proper maintenance for this trans? I have the 5.4L.

Thanks,

 

There is no typical dipstick. There is a plug on the transmission itself on the passenger side. Attached to the plug is a sort of small dipstick. I would avoid all Jiffy lube type services like the plague and take it to the dealer you trust. I would have them change the filter and exchange all the fluid out.

 

I dropped the trans pan on my wife's 2007 Navigator, with 36,000 miles on it. The navigator has a type III hitch and towed a car trailer for about 60 miles. We purchased the navigator new with 35 miles on it.

The 2 magnets were about 1/3 to half full and pan was clean. My wife commented on how the removed fluid was dirty (4.5 quarts) when compared to the new fluid. Had daughter do search of places with the new Mercon SP fluid as Oreillys did not stock it. Winchester auto (10 miles away) had Motorcraft Mercon SP at 6.50 a quart. The fill plug is on the passenger side (similar to manual transmissions) There was no dipstick on the plug. Cleaned differiential oil pump and container and pumped in 4.5 quarts of trans fluid. The trans pan gasket is re-usable.

Based on this, I would recommend the pan drop at 100K to clean the magnets and replace the filter. However, I would recommend a trans fluid flush (pump-out) at 50,000 for vehicles with tow usage.

Also dropped the trans pan on my '99 ranger pickup with 48,000 miles which was my father's vehicle. Pan was coated with the black muck and I cleaned the small magnet. Replaced filter and it only took 4 quarts Mercon V.
Based on previous experience and these experiences, the 6 speed trans used in the 2007 and up expeditions and navigators are not generating the amount of magnetic particles as the previous transmissions did.
Jim

 

A Ford dealer I spoke to didn't seem sure if a service interval was recommended for my 2008 Expy. Odd right? He did say if it was something I wanted to do that it would be really expensive. Boy, that is really helpful information. Thanks Ford.