A transmission question
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Junior User
Joined: Jan 2015
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Transmission flush already?
The dealer recommends me to bring my truck back for a transmission flush. My truck has 54000 miles and I do mild towing.(15 foot Jon boat)(occasional loads of hay,pellets). I was just wondering if anybody knows how to check the tranny fluid because they said it was dark and I want to see for myself before going out and spending 250.00 dollars on a flush. Also do they also pull the pan and replace the filter? I know that some filters in these transmissions can't be replaced.
Thanks!
Thanks!
Post Fiend
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 14,541
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From: Dallas-Ft. Worth
The filter can be replaced, and I personally think that 50k is plenty on the trans fluid (I'll be changing mine then). I'm not sure if they do that or not, but that seems kinda pricey for a fluid change. What year is your truck? I put about 15k per year on mine, so 50k will be about 3 1/2 years on it. I'll probably also do the diffs and the coolant as well. Others will be along to tell you not to bother until 100k, but that's too long for my comfort.
Cargo Master
Joined: Jul 2003
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Post Fiend
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 14,541
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From: Dallas-Ft. Worth
Agreed. Anything more than 5 years on fluids is pushing it. 10+ years is ludicrous.
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Postmaster
Joined: Jun 2014
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From: Lewisberry, Penn
If you are doing lots of towing sure, but most of these trucks are lightly used and and junked at 200k. What's the value of making the transmission last 400k if you aren't using it? waiting 10 years and 150k and then flushing to last another 5 years (typically under lighter duty for the end of life quarter) really isn't going to hurt anything. Further, MOST people aren't even going to be owning the same vehicle for 10 years. So if you plan to trade it in, why waste your money so someone else can limp it along the last few miles? It's just not a practical or economical decision for a majority of users. That may not describe YOU at all, but generally speaking, the intervals are okay to work with.
Senior User
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 305
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From: Louisville, KY
I know I keep posting this video all over this forum; sorry for that; but i think its relevant in many instances. My buddy has a 2013 F150 XLT Ecoboost. He had transmission shifting issues at about 12,000 miles. Turned out to be a bad solenoid like explained in this video. Nonetheless; I think there is good reason to change the fluid per these recommendations.
Fleet Owner
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 26,007
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From: Brentwood,CA
Just to clarify, the 6R80 can't be flushed at all. There is no way to flush them. The only fluid that can be changed is the fluid that is in the pan. The thermostat can not be bypassed to do a flush on these. Also Mercon LV turns dark quickly and is not an issue. The dealership knows there is a TSB for the dark fluid in vehicles with LV and they also know you can't do a flush.
I installed the AFE pan on mine which holds 7 quarts over stock. I also upgraded the cooler while I was at it and added a Donaldson filter head and a auxiliary transmission filter.
I installed the AFE pan on mine which holds 7 quarts over stock. I also upgraded the cooler while I was at it and added a Donaldson filter head and a auxiliary transmission filter.
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Junior User
Joined: Jan 2015
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Wow. I will definitely ask my dealer what they do because if they change the filter, only the fluid in the pan and clean the magnet and not all the fluid is drained then I will go to a very reputable shop in my town to do it for half the price.
Super Moderator
Joined: Jan 2008
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From: Maine, Virginia
A transmission question
My question actually spawns from this thread: https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...h-already.html.
Since the 2009-2014 trucks (except the 4.6L 2V) all used the same transmission on six different engines, why would a truck equipped with a 3.7L V-6 carrying slightly over half of the tow rating as a truck with a 6.2L V-8 need transmission service as regularly?
Since the 2009-2014 trucks (except the 4.6L 2V) all used the same transmission on six different engines, why would a truck equipped with a 3.7L V-6 carrying slightly over half of the tow rating as a truck with a 6.2L V-8 need transmission service as regularly?
Super Moderator
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 40,009
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From: Maine, Virginia
Even though ford h as given us a suggested maintenance guide, we all seem to have our own opinions as to what is actually the correct dump cycle for engine oil, transmissions, axles, etc.
Being an old school guy who grew up with 30K mile dump cycles, I'll never exceed 100K miles on the LV fluid.
Being an old school guy who grew up with 30K mile dump cycles, I'll never exceed 100K miles on the LV fluid.
Moderator
Joined: Jul 2011
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From: Sioux Falls Area
Just to clarify, the 6R80 can't be flushed at all. There is no way to flush them. The only fluid that can be changed is the fluid that is in the pan. The thermostat can not be bypassed to do a flush on these. Also Mercon LV turns dark quickly and is not an issue. The dealership knows there is a TSB for the dark fluid in vehicles with LV and they also know you can't do a flush.
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Your ford dealer should have the right equipment and knowledge to do the job, if you wish to have it done.