Transmission flush
Senior User
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 172
Likes: 0
I believe a lot of people take it to the dealer or a shop that has a machine that can drain it and pump it in. They normally hook up to the transmission cooler lines. Some people drop the pan but that doesn't drain all the fluid out. Some stays in the lines and torque converter.
Super Moderator
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 40,035
Likes: 1,523
From: Maine, Virginia
May I ask, why do you think you need a flush? How many miles are on the truck? Your service interval whether towing or not is actually good for 150K......according to the owners guide.
The six speed is using MERCON LV which is a lifetime fluid.
It's best to have it flushed by the dealer or a transmission shop that you trust. That way the torque converter will be flushed as well and the exact amount of fluid that came out will go back in.
Moderator
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 6,513
Likes: 669
From: Sioux Falls Area
the 6r80 has an internal thermostat that only circulates fluid to the coolers after a certain temperature has been reached.
a conventional flush machine found at most shops will not work.
you will need to have it done by a shop that can circulate heated fluid in order for the flush to be successful. The dealership may be your best bet in this case.
A DIY option is to drain and refill the pan, run it up to temp for a while, then drain and refill the pan again. the pan on this trans actually holds more than the torque converter, so draining and refilling twice will get most of it exchanged.
Also curious why you think you need the fluid exchange.
you can't go by fluid color with Mercon LV. it turns dark very quickly in its lifecycle. color is NOT a good indication of fluid condition as was the case with older fluids.
Might be worth your time to sample it and have it analyzed to check fluid condition.
a conventional flush machine found at most shops will not work.
you will need to have it done by a shop that can circulate heated fluid in order for the flush to be successful. The dealership may be your best bet in this case.
A DIY option is to drain and refill the pan, run it up to temp for a while, then drain and refill the pan again. the pan on this trans actually holds more than the torque converter, so draining and refilling twice will get most of it exchanged.
Also curious why you think you need the fluid exchange.
you can't go by fluid color with Mercon LV. it turns dark very quickly in its lifecycle. color is NOT a good indication of fluid condition as was the case with older fluids.
Might be worth your time to sample it and have it analyzed to check fluid condition.
Thread Starter
|
Freshman User
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 25
Likes: 0
Well I am about to have 100,000 miles on it and I was changing my engine oil and noticed some of my transmission pan bolts were loose and it had leaked some fluid out and there is no easy way to check fluid level on this model (no dip stick) crappy design so I thought I would flush and change filter? It seems all the advise is to take to a shop that I trust so I guess I will do that.
Senior User
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 172
Likes: 0
I believe in this transmission there is a tiny dip stick on the side of the transmission. If you check YouTube I am sure it will show you where it's at.
Also if some bolts were loose and you had some fluid come out u may be low and maybe other contaminants got in like water and dirt.
Also if some bolts were loose and you had some fluid come out u may be low and maybe other contaminants got in like water and dirt.
Posting Guru
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 2,295
Likes: 2
Let the dealer do it - in this case, it's worth it. I'm with you, I changed my trans fluid at 100K. What Ford considers "lifetime" and what I consider lifetime may be two different things.
Trending Topics
Moderator
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 6,513
Likes: 669
From: Sioux Falls Area
if you wish to check the fluid level, here's a "how-to" video:
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...0-6-speed.html
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...0-6-speed.html
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
Top 10 Fords at 2026 Carlisle Ford Nationals
Joe Kucinski
3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership
Brett Foote
10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches
Pouria Savadkouei
Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained
Brett Foote
10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer
Joe Kucinski
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)
Brett Foote
Junior User
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 63
Likes: 0
I have the same truck as you, and I'm glad I had my fluid changed at 117K miles. The truck drives and shifts smoother now. I did it for peace of mind since I have no record of any maintenance from the previous owner. Have a dealer do it as suggested.
New User
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 11
Likes: 0
I had mine done at 38,000 miles. flush and filter replacement. I needed to have the bulkhead connecter replaced, due to leak. Shifts better. I don't hear the clunk/click from park to reverse anymore.
2010 f150 xlt 4x4 reg cab, 6 speed 4.6l 3v.
2010 f150 xlt 4x4 reg cab, 6 speed 4.6l 3v.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
kidoo
6.0L Power Stroke Diesel
19
Apr 16, 2014 01:30 PM
150ford
Clutch, Transmission, Differential, Axle & Transfer Case
4
Mar 15, 2011 10:25 AM
harley3348
Clutch, Transmission, Differential, Axle & Transfer Case
5
Mar 5, 2011 01:14 PM
eric777
1999 - 2003 7.3L Power Stroke Diesel
17
Aug 26, 2006 06:54 AM