I have been reading through numerous threads, and find conflicting answers to the question of whether or not is necessary to change the transmission fluid in a 2010 Expedition with 5.4 litre engine and 6R80 transmission. One tech listed the service recomendations which say yes, but the maintenance manual that came with my vehicle states under special operating conditions section [Towing a trailer or using a camper ]:

Every 30,000 miles – Changeautomatic transmission fluid (not required
on 6R60/6R80/TorqShift_transmissions). (I was not able to paste the actual image)

I already have 40k miles on my Expy EL and will be making a 6k mile trip with my 7,000 pound travel trailer (yes I have an auxilliary trans fluid cooler) this summer. Do I need to change the fluid or not?? Thanks for your response.

 

I have no doubt the oem service intervals are adequate, but here's what I have done on every vehicle (auto trans) that I have owned for 30 years....

At 20k miles, I change the filter (due to possible residual/initial wear particulates that may be floating inside) and either drain the torque converter (if so equipped with a plug) or disconnect the trans cooler line at the radiator, fill the pan with fresh fluid, my wife starts the engine and when 2-3 quarts drain into a bucket, she shuts it off, I refill the pan and repeat until the fluid is clear and in case of the f150, 14 quarts of fresh fluid is in.

I change only the fluid after that (unless I determine substances/contamination in the oil). The intervals vary depending on the type of trans, type of fluid and conditions, but in general, every 30k miles. Heat is a killer on automatic trans fluid and when we lived in the desert area, I changed the trans fluid at the end of summer every year.

In regards to filters, oem is fine, but I typically use Wix.

In regards to trans oil, both in sticks and autos I have always used Valvoline.

I have also never had a trans failure in any vehicle I own and typically keep my vehicles for 10+ years, with over 100k on the odometer.

 

The manual for my 2007 says to change the tranny fluid at 150,000. Curious if yours says the same?

NORMAL SCHEDULE TRUCKS, FULLSIZE VANS & SUVS

150,000 miles

❑

❑

lines & hoses, and parking brake system.

(see exceptions page 46 and record page 48).

if equipped, half shafts, driveshaft and U-joints.

and filter (filter not required on CD4E).

drive (RWD) vehicles (see pages 42 and

46).

within last 100,000 miles).

(Navigator and Expedition).

equipped with zerk fittings.

lubricate and adjust bearings.

(F250/350/450/550).

Conditions”

maintenance. For specific recommendations, see your dealership service advisor or qualified service professional.

Towing a trailer or using a camper or car-top carrier

Every 3,000 miles or 3 months

required on 6R60 transmission)

 

Yes, basically the same.

Change automatic transmission fluid and filter

(filter not required on 6F35). (Except vehicles

equipped with the TorqShift transmission).

Hoping for a response from a Ford tech.

 

Thanks for your response. I gave up DIY fluid changes some years ago, so am looking at some expense to accomplish this task. The Ford dealer says they do not drop the pan, and replace the filter, but do a flush. I don't mind paying for this if it is necessary and I need to for extended warranty compliance. I really want to resolve the conflict between the service indicated by the Ford tech and the Ford maintenance manual which came with my truck.
Thanks to all for responding.

 

You have the 6r80 trans on that truck. They don't want to drop the pan or change the filter because they are lazy.

 

Shop by me wants $110 for a fluid/filter/flush/change - I trust this shop and think it's a good deal as the one writeup I found on someone doing this service themselves spent $104 on just the parts......

 

Hmm. Sounds too cheap. Why do a job for a loss? Make sure they are using the correct fluid. Some shops chinse out and use a low grade bulk tranny fluid. Look in your manual for fluid type. I think it's Mercon SP, 11 quarts.

 

my owner's manual specs Mercon V - I'd like to go synthetic but it's possible MV is synthetic (I know that's the case with Chrysler's newer ATFs) And the shop is reputable, I've used them with good results in the past. But you're right - making sure it's the correct fluid is important.