Automatic tranni fluid & filter changes

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Aug 5, 2003 | 11:13 PM

slater8

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Automatic tranni fluid & filter changes

For those of you that want to maintain your automatic trannies so that you don't have problems, listen up: The Ranger manual states that you should never have to change the oil in your tranni (Ha!). However, after purchasing my 97 4.0 xlt, I decided to change the fluid & filter at 70,000 miles. Guess what, it needed it and how. There was a lot of graphite shavings at the bottom and I had the impression that the tranni filter was no longer collecting the stuff, because it was coated in graphite and the pan was too. Not so much that there is a problem with the tranni but enough that over time the stuff would have started to do damage.

My advice is to replace the fluid and filter every 60,000 miles. Also, it is difficult to fill it up to the correct level because of false dip stick readings. Best to measure side by side the old fluid amount and the new amount. Then after filling up, run your truck in nuetral for a bit and then in park shift into the various gears. Keep checking the fluid level - best to do once running warm.

Aug 6, 2003 | 04:54 AM

droptop

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Automatic tranni fluid & filter changes

Quote:

Originally posted by slater8
For those of you that want to maintain your automatic trannies so that you don't have problems, listen up: The Ranger manual states that you should never have to change the oil in your tranni (Ha!). .............
My advice is to replace the fluid and filter every 60,000 miles.

Good thing that you got your tranny fluid changed.

I had a Mercury Sable (notorious for blowing transmissions) and kept the fluid changed every 20,000 miles. Never had a problem in the 150,000+ miles I drove it. I attribute the frequent fluid changes for preventing the common transmission problems that everyone else was having. As for your recommendation about every 60,000 miles, I respectfully disagree. IMHO I think that the maximum mileage before a change should be around 30,000. Lower if you play hard in your truck. Automatics heat up and after awhile, the fluid looses its capacity to disperse heat. Excessive heat kills an automatic transmission. Personally, I'm sticking with 30,000 miles. I think that the price of a transmission service is a good hedge against future transmission problems.

Aug 6, 2003 | 07:56 AM

greenpus

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Automatic tranni fluid & filter changes

Quote:

I am not sure what manual you are referring to but mine, the one that came with the truck, says to replace the auto fluid at 36,000 and if you have a manual then it should be replaced at 60,000

Aug 6, 2003 | 01:05 PM

slater8

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Automatic tranni fluid & filter changes

Thanks for your reply - I thought I was being conservative at 70,000 miles since they claim you never have to do it, but I will take your advice and change it every 30,000. Thanks.

Aug 6, 2003 | 01:28 PM

WXboy

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Automatic tranni fluid & filter changes

I changed mine at about 75K. It really needed it...OD was starting to slip trying to engage. I noticed a big difference immediately. So I definitely think it's a good idea to have the tranny serviced. But on the other hand...changing it every 25K like some people do is nuts also.

Aug 12, 2003 | 01:26 AM

slater8

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Automatic tranni fluid & filter changes

Isn't it make you wonder why the manufacturer would recommend never changing the Auto tranni fluid? They either over-rate their tranni's or they only expect us to turn them in after 3-4 years of service.