transmission flush question
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Junior User
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 67
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From: Gulf Breeze
transmission flush question
I'm looking to get a transmission flush and just want to hear from people with my truck what is the best transmission fluid for my truck and what to stay away from. I will be going to my local trusted shop and just want to bring my fluid with me so there's no mix up. But, if it's possible to do the flush myself a write-up on it would be great and any input from anyone who has done one. Thanks in advance!
Hotshot
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 13,834
Likes: 25
From: Middle Tn.
Or Mercon LP. Both are approved. Don't forget the external tranny filter. The internal filter doesn't need to be changed. If your shop doesn't have a hot flush machine, many including dealers don't, save your money and do it yourself. The tranny has a drain plug and will get app. 8 qts. out. I do the eight qt. drain and fill every 10,000 miles and change the ext. filter.
Hotshot
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 13,834
Likes: 25
From: Middle Tn.
Senior User
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 436
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Flushing transmissions is scary. I know mechanics here who say just leave the transmission alone if it is not giving trouble.
I know I flushed the transmission in my 2006 F250 (gas) truck (150,000 miles) just after purchasing the truck. The truck was running perfect but I just wanted to fully service the truck as I just purchased it. Within two weeks after the flush the transmission starting failing. I was warned not to mess with the transmission and just leave it alone if it was not causing trouble. I did not listen and it cost me.
You may flush yours and be OK (especially if the transmission has been maintained well). But if you purchased used and it has 150,000 or more miles on it and you have no idea of the maintenance history, it is a risk to mess with the transmission. Just my Opinion.
I know I flushed the transmission in my 2006 F250 (gas) truck (150,000 miles) just after purchasing the truck. The truck was running perfect but I just wanted to fully service the truck as I just purchased it. Within two weeks after the flush the transmission starting failing. I was warned not to mess with the transmission and just leave it alone if it was not causing trouble. I did not listen and it cost me.
You may flush yours and be OK (especially if the transmission has been maintained well). But if you purchased used and it has 150,000 or more miles on it and you have no idea of the maintenance history, it is a risk to mess with the transmission. Just my Opinion.
Senior User
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 110
Likes: 0
From: Md.
Flushing transmissions is scary. I know mechanics here who say just leave the transmission alone if it is not giving trouble.
I know I flushed the transmission in my 2006 F250 (gas) truck (150,000 miles) just after purchasing the truck. The truck was running perfect but I just wanted to fully service the truck as I just purchased it. Within two weeks after the flush the transmission starting failing. I was warned not to mess with the transmission and just leave it alone if it was not causing trouble. I did not listen and it cost me.
You may flush yours and be OK (especially if the transmission has been maintained well). But if you purchased used and it has 150,000 or more miles on it and you have no idea of the maintenance history, it is a risk to mess with the transmission. Just my Opinion.
I know I flushed the transmission in my 2006 F250 (gas) truck (150,000 miles) just after purchasing the truck. The truck was running perfect but I just wanted to fully service the truck as I just purchased it. Within two weeks after the flush the transmission starting failing. I was warned not to mess with the transmission and just leave it alone if it was not causing trouble. I did not listen and it cost me.
You may flush yours and be OK (especially if the transmission has been maintained well). But if you purchased used and it has 150,000 or more miles on it and you have no idea of the maintenance history, it is a risk to mess with the transmission. Just my Opinion.
I had Ford Tech. tell me same thing, back when truck had 60k miles. 110k now and I ain't touching it
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Cargo Master
Joined: Oct 2009
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From: missouri
Usually the issues with transmission flush is if they back flush it. Loses up all the crap. Could just disconnect the tranny cooler line and crank it up let it pump out and then when bubbles come out stop the engine, put 7 or 8 qrts in it and repeat until the fluid is clean new fluid. Usually around 20 quarts and you completely replaced the fluid without any worries.
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Hotshot
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 13,834
Likes: 25
From: Middle Tn.
Usually the issues with transmission flush is if they back flush it. Loses up all the crap. Could just disconnect the tranny cooler line and crank it up let it pump out and then when bubbles come out stop the engine, put 7 or 8 qrts in it and repeat until the fluid is clean new fluid. Usually around 20 quarts and you completely replaced the fluid without any worries.
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Junior User
Joined: Jul 2013
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From: Gulf Breeze
Thank you all for the quick responses. Since I did buy used and am not sure if the maintenance history I will probably leave it alone. Transmission shifts fine so I'll just let it ride. Anyone know if an oasis report would tell me if the trans has ever been flushed?
Cargo Master
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 2,283
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From: missouri
It might if it was done under warranty. But I think they would of had to work on the tranny for some reason to get the flush. Chances are it wouldnt show up.
Hotshot
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 13,834
Likes: 25
From: Middle Tn.
If it were mine I'd do the flush. IMHO most trannys that go out after a flush were on their way out anyway. People think it'll fix it and when it dumps they blame the flush. Would you do that to your engine if the oil hadn't been changed in 50,000 miles and then blame the new oil and filter or would you run the old oil for another 50,000 miles. I don't think so!
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 1,303
Likes: 84
I have heard both ways personally I flush when I buy a vehicle. This truck I bought hit in the front end and the radiator was blown apart an emptied the trans. So it got all new fluid and filters upon reassembly. I bought a 93 Chevy years ago with 189k on it the fluid looks like dark syrup no red at all. Ran and shifted well so I went to the local penzoil and had it flushed. Took along time but was still only $75. Never had a tranny issues the three years I owned it. IMO there has to be a problem already existing for a flush to make it worse. A trans with good non burnt fluid should not have the heavy varnish buildup that a flush could break free. It does seem like a gamble to a lot of mechanics. I just can't see how fluid that's been in there for 8-10 years and 150k and be any worse than changing filters and replacing with new.
Frmr Ford Trans Engr
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 24,704
Likes: 2,626
From: SE Florida
Now new fluid won't fix a damaged trans. If the trans has damage and you flush it, it won't magically repair it.