Highest Mileage
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New User
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 20
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From: Lake Tahoe (prior 13yrs)
Highest Mileage
.....Hi everybody...Just reached 272,000 on my awd aerostar. Yep, u guessed it. I'm getting a little nervous. Should I just change my transmission even though I've done 4 fluid/filter changes since 200k miles? Should I go ahead and change the fuel pump? These two items are the original factory install. Can you believe it? lol...I'm not interested in getting stranded in snow country. I'd like to hear feedback of all of your aerostars. 
Senior User
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 258
Likes: 0
My transmission gave out at 186,000 miles, but that was because I was towing a trailer without an additional cooler.
I probably still have the original fuel pump...get triple A or an equivalent instead and they'll tow you to a garage for free.
I probably still have the original fuel pump...get triple A or an equivalent instead and they'll tow you to a garage for free.
Lead Driver
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 7,016
Likes: 208
From: SoCal
Is the transmission still shifting properly? Look for sluggish shifts, or slippage in gear. An auxiliary cooler can only help, whether your transmission is old or new.
As for the fuel pump, yes they can die on you, especially if you've ever let the tank run low or dry. The pump uses the fuel as a coolant, so running the tank too low can cause the pump to overheat. This is not fool proof, but usually it should be barely audible at idle from the driver's seat. You can get up close to it to listen carefully; it should sound smooth. If you hear it sounding uneven, or getting louder, you should consider replacing it.
As for the fuel pump, yes they can die on you, especially if you've ever let the tank run low or dry. The pump uses the fuel as a coolant, so running the tank too low can cause the pump to overheat. This is not fool proof, but usually it should be barely audible at idle from the driver's seat. You can get up close to it to listen carefully; it should sound smooth. If you hear it sounding uneven, or getting louder, you should consider replacing it.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 1,529
Likes: 35
From: Kansas
Although I used to have an '88 Cougar that I purchased new that was always loud. I remember co-workers commenting on how loud it was.
If replacing, consider the Motorcraft or even the genuine Ford number for replacement. (Although the genuine Ford is probably discontinued) You can get a general idea of the sticker shock from RockAuto. I've replaced too many cheapie fuel pumps to ever feel comfortable using one any more.
Postmaster
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 3,432
Likes: 7
I am a maintenance type person, but with things like fuel pumps and transmissions, if it isn't broke don't fix it. I would say that unless your transmission is acting funning, no need to replace it or rebuild it. You will usually get either codes, or start getting delayed engagement in the mornings, sluggish or delayed shifts, early warning signs that it is on its way out. If you don't have the warning signs, no need to replace anything.
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