Transmission maintenance

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Oct 1, 2015 | 12:10 PM

Chewy94

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Joined: Oct 2015

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Transmission maintenance

I just bought a 2002 Explorer V6 with 138000 miles on it. I had it checked out pretty good before I bought and I feel good about. I've read a lot of bad things about the transmissions in the Explorers and it scares the crap out of me. Mine seems to be shifting perfectly. Yesterday I realized that there is no dipstick for checking transmission fluid. Does anyone else besides myself think that all these transmission problems could be related to not easily being able to check the fluid therefore it was being neglected. Also, even though it seems to be shifting fine now, should I change the fluid and filter now since I have no idea when it was last changed, if ever. Also, is every 30,000 miles recommended. It will be used for daily driving only, no towing.
Thanks

Oct 8, 2015 | 11:18 PM

chadcam84

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Joined: Feb 2014

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Apparently ford decided that since it is a sealed system that you should not have to ever add tranny fluid. There is a way to add fluid it's just a pain. On the drain plug you'll see a smaller hex bolt. If you remover it you can add fluid through there. It has a long shaft that once fluid starts pouring back out at you you know it's full. Smart system huh?

Nov 22, 2015 | 11:08 PM

redfury

Senior User

Joined: Apr 2009

Posts: 118

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From: Isanti, MN

We just bought a 2002 Explorer Sport trac ( 4.0 ) and it has a dipstick tube to check the transmission...our date of manufacturer was 12/01 though, so I don't know if that was prior to them changing that. Of course, the dealer claimed it was flex fuel as well, and I have my doubts about that as well...

Nov 24, 2015 | 04:28 PM

redfury

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Joined: Apr 2009

Posts: 118

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From: Isanti, MN

I was just reading up on the transmission and apparently along with the differentials and transfer case, Mercon V is a fluid for life unless the vehicle sees severe duty, then it's a 50k oil change.