Transmission Service
New User
Joined: Dec 2016
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Ask if they are doing just the flush or if that $250 includes the internal filter as well. The flush is supposed to back-flush all the dirt out of the filter, but there is no way a back-flushed filter is as good as a new one in my opinion.
I also had them update the transmission programming with the recommended software reflash that I learned about reading this forum. I mistakenly assumed they would do this while the machine was flushing the transmission and I wouldn't be charged extra, but this reflash added $189 to my bill.
A friend works there and I thought that I was being taken care of, but this just goes to show that you should always get a detailed explanation of the cost breakdown BEFORE any work is performed! Oh well, live and learn.
Frmr Ford Trans Engr
Joined: Aug 1999
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From: SE Florida
It is impossible to back flush a transmission. It can't be done. The only way to get rid of the junk in the filter is to replace the filter. And if there is enough junk in the filter that it needs to be replaced, the trans has failed and needs to be rebuilt. If the trans is working fine there is no reason to replace the filter.
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That sounds good especially after what I just experienced, but it can't hurt to confirm. Is this being done at a Ford Dealership, a discount oil service chain or an independent mechanic? If not at a Ford dealer, I wonder if they will be using Ford brand Mercon fluid or an aftermarket Mercon replacement fluid.
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It is impossible to back flush a transmission. It can't be done. The only way to get rid of the junk in the filter is to replace the filter. And if there is enough junk in the filter that it needs to be replaced, the trans has failed and needs to be rebuilt. If the trans is working fine there is no reason to replace the filter.
I have always been told that when using trans flush machines you don't have to drop the pan and change the filter any more because it flushes the filter the opposite direction that it normally flows, which supposedly cleans it. I am not a technician, just an amateur DIY guy that goes to the pros for this type of thing so I may very well have been misinformed.
I'm not sure I'd agree with your filter change principal, but to each his own. Sure, if a trans filter is really clogged up I agree that you'd have other problems but these filters are made removable/changeable for a reason. I see nothing wrong with changing a filter at a chosen service interval as a good preventative maintenance measure. I personally like a 60k mile trans service interval, but this Navigator's owners manual calls for the transmission filter to be changed at 150k which is too long if you ask me. Even 100k would be pushing it. Then again, I also change my engine oil filter with every oil change, whether it needs it or not.
I rather waste a few bucks on preventative maintenance in hopes of avoiding larger repairs down the road. It may or may not help, but it just makes me feel better.
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I think you may have assumed that I was referring to specifically the original discontinued version of MERCON. I only meant Ford brand trans fluid called MERCON in whatever the proper/current generation of MERCON that is specified for the OP's vehicle.
My trans service receipt from the Ford dealer says "Perform MERCON LV Trans Fluid Flush" and "MERCON V 12QT Drop Pan and Replace Filter", so apparently the fifth generation MERCON is what they recommended for my truck which happens to be an '11. I haven't read the manual to check which fluid it recommends, but I am trusting that the Ford dealer knows what it takes. I did read that the service interval for the trans filter is 150k, so Ford thinks it is a good idea to change it although at a much higher mileage interval than I am comfortable with.
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Frmr Ford Trans Engr
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 24,723
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From: SE Florida
I have always been told that when using trans flush machines you don't have to drop the pan and change the filter any more because it flushes the filter the opposite direction that it normally flows, which supposedly cleans it. I am not a technician, just an amateur DIY guy that goes to the pros for this type of thing so I may very well have been misinformed.
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ETA: This man appears to be a transmission design engineer, pretty sure he has forgotten more than we will know.
Even if it WAS theoretically possible to actually back flush a transmission, let alone one that has a thermal switch, you would be pushing all the debris that is in the pan back through the entire system. Basically negating having a filter and keeping all the sediment and debris out of the galley ways, springs, ball seats, etc.
Drain the fluid, refill with new fluid. Run it for 500 miles then drop the pan, clean the pan, change the filter, refill with new fluid. This is what has been suggested to me for higher mileage 6r60/75/80 trans by the local Rebuilder I trust.
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Joined: Feb 2005
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Question about Transmission flush/fill... 2008 expedition EL, 145k... Around 70k, I asked the Ford Service desk about transmission service, and they said, I didn't need to do it because it was a sealed system... Previous car was 1998 Explorer, and i would do regular tranny service.. Well here we are at 145k, and I'm pretty sure I want to get some preventive stuff done. (my 2001 BMW also has the sealed "lifetime" transmission, but the joke is, only if you want lifetime of your transmission to be 100k. I got it done around 75k, and it works great).
Don't want to go to stealership... Thoughts on good spot in DFW area? And what do i need to tell/make sure the mechanic does, fluid to use, etc. Thanks in advance.
Don't want to go to stealership... Thoughts on good spot in DFW area? And what do i need to tell/make sure the mechanic does, fluid to use, etc. Thanks in advance.
Senior User
Joined: Jun 2015
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Question about Transmission flush/fill... 2008 expedition EL, 145k... Around 70k, I asked the Ford Service desk about transmission service, and they said, I didn't need to do it because it was a sealed system... Previous car was 1998 Explorer, and i would do regular tranny service.. Well here we are at 145k, and I'm pretty sure I want to get some preventive stuff done. (my 2001 BMW also has the sealed "lifetime" transmission, but the joke is, only if you want lifetime of your transmission to be 100k. I got it done around 75k, and it works great).
Don't want to go to stealership... Thoughts on good spot in DFW area? And what do i need to tell/make sure the mechanic does, fluid to use, etc. Thanks in advance.
Don't want to go to stealership... Thoughts on good spot in DFW area? And what do i need to tell/make sure the mechanic does, fluid to use, etc. Thanks in advance.
I don't have a specific shop to recommend, but I personally prefer to stick to tranny specialists. Yes, any idiot can change the fluid, but the tranny guy is more likely to find signs of a potential problem. Just my 2 cents.