Many refer to the transmission filter as being more of a screen than an actual filter so I was wondering how often some of you think the 'filter should be changed. My vehicle is an F-150, 302 w/AOD. Truck has 254K on it and I've changed the filter once. My normal mode since I've had the vehicle new is to siphon fluid out of the pan and replace it with an exact amount at intervals of about every 4th. oil change. I can get about 4 quarts out using this method.

 

AOD has a cloth type filter and should be replaced.

C4, C6, cruisO's had screen types.

 

Don't know AOD, but most of the newer models I have played with had a paper type filter. I usually change ATF and filters at between 30 and 50K miles depending on mfg and driving. Most of the ones I have pulled at those miles were about 1/3 or less clogged. By clogged I mean there was "dirt" spread across that much of the surface. Perhaps a little strange but I think it does this because it pulls hardest near the pipe inlet so most of the dirt goes there. AS it clogs, the dirt gets sucked in further away from the pipe so there is a nice gradual "stratification" of the dirt on the filters I have seen.

Based on this experience I would guestimate reasonable filter life as no more than 100K miles. Best bet is to follow the manual unless it says some fool thing like lifetime fluid and filter. I never believe this kind of marketing hype.

Good Luck,

Jim Henderson