Trans Fluid, Too late to change?

Escape_dude427 · #1 (**permalink**) 04-27-2009, 12:47 PM

Hey everybody,

I have a question regarding my 2005 Ford Escape Limited V6 AWD
I purchased the car with 52000 Miles on it and currently it has 65000.
As far as I know the trans fluid was never flushed.

Now I'm not sure if I should change it or leave it alone.
I understand it's a common theory that if you wait to long to change your fluid you should never change it, cause your trans is used to the dirty fluid? Is that right?

I'm worried i'll change it and end up with a non functional transmission.

Anyway if I do change it I understand that for the CD4E Transmission I'm suppose to use REGULAR CHEAP MERCON that's correct right?

Thanks guys, I appreciate the time and help!

-Isaac

tcesni · #2 (**permalink**) 04-27-2009, 10:32 PM

Its never too late to change the fluid. If you don't tow it doesn't require service all that often anyway but I would certainly get it changed at 65,000 miles.

jas88 · #3 (**permalink**) 04-28-2009, 09:41 AM

There is much lore that says if it hasn't ever been changed in 100K miles or more then you should leave it alone. The thinking is that there is varnish and such that has built up that will break loose and gum up your valve body if you change it that late. I have friends who swear this has caused them to lose a transmission but I cannot say I have had it happen to me, I don't ever let one go that far. You are safe changing it at 65K IMO. Probably a good idea to get one of those flush jobs where they change all the fluid.

Dan Robertson · #4 (**permalink**) 04-29-2009, 06:54 AM

I completely agree that it would be best to change it. Check your owners manual (or it should be printed on the dip stick handle) Your 2005 does not use Mercon V, it comes from the factory with regular Mercon. Unless you change it all (by having the system flushed which I would recommend) make sure NOT to use Mercon V. Mercon V is a synthetic blend and regular Mercon is not, they don't mix.

Escape_dude427 · #5 (**permalink**) 04-29-2009, 09:49 AM

Thanks for the replies.
I'm definitely gonna have it changed.
What is meant by a full flush? I'm aware of the drain add method but how do I preform a full flush?
If I take it somewhere what do you expect i'd pay for a full flush?
I like to work on vehicles myself but if I don't have the tools of if they're too expensive to buy then i'd take it to a shop.

Thanks.
-Isaac

Stevorama · #6 (**permalink**) 04-29-2009, 07:24 PM

I bought an 04 w/ 50,000 miles, had dealer do drain and fill at 60,000 and a flush at 85,000. No tranny issues. In CA, about $150 for tranny flush.

scott91370 · #7 (**permalink**) 04-29-2009, 11:26 PM

If done correctly a flush (exchange) will pump out ALL of the old fluid and replace it with new clean. It will also help clean out impurities.

NewEnglandHerdsman · #8 (**permalink**) 04-30-2009, 08:18 AM

Got >100K on the '03 Escape and I've never changed the tranny fluid... so I'm wondering about that myself... I've never been one to change tranny fluid though, the only problems I've had (with Ford trannys) have always happened before 50K... So I'll probably leave it alone?

07ScapeXLT · #9 (**permalink**) 09-01-2009, 03:33 PM

I have a 2007 escape with 135k on it and i have a shutter when going into overdrive. I'm going to change the fluid this weekend but my manual says Mercon V. So what is it? Mercon V or regular Mercon????

Dan Robertson · #10 (**permalink**) 09-02-2009, 05:35 AM

As I understand it, Mercon V can be used in place of regular Mercon but DO NOT mix them together. One is synthetic and the other is not.

projectSHO89 · #11 (**permalink**) 09-02-2009, 08:08 AM

All applications that previously required regular Mercon are now to use Mercon V since Ford has discontinued the licensing of the the Mercon formula.

Use Mercon V.

rebelyell618 · #12 (**permalink**) 09-02-2009, 12:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dan Robertson

As I understand it, Mercon V can be used in place of regular Mercon but DO NOT mix them together. One is synthetic and the other is not.

Not all Mercon V is synthetic just like anything else you have conventional, blend, and synthetic.

If youre manual says to use Mercon V then use Mercon V.

07ScapeXLT · #13 (**permalink**) 09-02-2009, 03:31 PM

Thanks guys. I have read that i should be using Mercon and forget about what the manual/dipstick says. But i think that was directed towards 2001/02 escape guys. I hope this shutter isn't something bad.

DoctorCAD · #14 (**permalink**) 09-03-2009, 08:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 07ScapeXLT

Thanks guys. I have read that i should be using Mercon and forget about what the manual/dipstick says. But i think that was directed towards 2001/02 escape guys. I hope this shutter isn't something bad.

Its not just bad, its expensive and bad.

jas88 · #15 (**permalink**) 09-03-2009, 09:56 AM

On my '05 it says on the top of the stick (the yellow part you grab) to use Mercon only. I bought it with 90K on it, the fluid doesn't look bad, but it doesn't look brand new, either, so no telling if it's been changed or not. After reading some threads about the CD4E being kinda picky about how the flush is done and what machine is used, I decided against it. I bought 4 gallons of Mercon fluid at Wal-Mart and my plan is to do a drain/refill (removes a little more than a gallon) at each of the next 4 oil changes (5000 miles) and call it good. I already did the first one last weekend and the trans feels the same - so far so good.