explorer trans fluid
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explorer trans fluid
I have a 92 Explorer 2WD with the 4.0L, and I havent done any service on the Tranny since I bought it new. I checked the fluid the other day and it was pretty low after it slipped out of gear on me once. I added Motorcraft fluid, but it still looks very dirty. What is the best way to go about getting the trans fluid changed on my explorer? I know some oil change places that suction it out and replace, but I am looking for the best method.
Thanks.
Thanks.
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explorer trans fluid
It's a pretty easy DIY project. You don't even need to jack up the truck. You'll need a ratchet wrench a new filter and 8 quarts of high grade Mercon trans fluid. Oh yea, a large tub to catch the fluid and pan when it comes down. I rigged a box-bottom(6" high) with a plastic bag(saved some $). It takes about 45 minutes. My '96 has a reusable gasket. Drop the pan, dump the oil, pull off the filter and pull out the magnet in the bottom of the pan and clean it well. Wipe clean the pan and the gasket seat on the trany. Put the new filter in and position the gasket and lift it into place. tighten the bolts to snug and then go around again to 10 ft/lbs. That's it. Filter is approx $20 and oil is $2/qt. Empty the old oil into a gallon jug and you'll have a good idea of how much oil to put back in when you are done underneath.
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Joined: Aug 2002
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From: Cincinnati
explorer trans fluid
The SPX MicroFelt filter is available from www.bulkpart.com for half the price of the auto parts store. This is Ford's OEM filter and it works for all the A4LD family through 5R55E. If buying local (about $23), ask for a filter for the 97 V6 OHV Explorer. You must use the new mounting hardware or the filter won't tighten up properly.
23921 Microfelt filter 4WD long pickup tube $10.35
23922 Microfelt filter 2WD short pickup tube $9.99
These must be ordered separately, you are buying bulk!
23270 filter O ring large $.29
23271 filter O ring small $.48
23141 pan gasket cork $.69
TMA4LD manual is $16 if you want to learn more about your transmission.
There is a minimum $ order so you probably must order two. There is another reason for two. Six months to a year from now you will have to replace the filter because it will get dirty. New fluid will release a lot of dirt in the transmission. The standard A4LD metal screen filter is worthless.
23921 Microfelt filter 4WD long pickup tube $10.35
23922 Microfelt filter 2WD short pickup tube $9.99
These must be ordered separately, you are buying bulk!
23270 filter O ring large $.29
23271 filter O ring small $.48
23141 pan gasket cork $.69
TMA4LD manual is $16 if you want to learn more about your transmission.
There is a minimum $ order so you probably must order two. There is another reason for two. Six months to a year from now you will have to replace the filter because it will get dirty. New fluid will release a lot of dirt in the transmission. The standard A4LD metal screen filter is worthless.
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explorer trans fluid
Dropping the pan will work, but it won't remove all of the transmission fluid in the torque converter. The torque converter holds about 6 quarts of fluid by itself with another 6 in the pan. Most shops now recommend flushing the transmission. Only a certified auto shop can flush a tranny, but its well worth it. They force all of the old fluid out with a machine and add fresh fluid. It costs about $120-130 at most shops, but its really worth it to have 100% new fluid. My mechanic says it would be worse to drain only half of the fluid (via dropping just the pan) and add only 6 new quarts than if you did nothing at all (especially for older, unmaintained trannys). At this point in your transmission's life, it may be time for a rebuild if its slipping and has never been serviced. Let a transmission mechanic have a look at it. Fluid should be changed every 2 yrs/30,000 miles.
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From: Cincinnati
explorer trans fluid
If the fluid is really old, only do a pan drop initially. I would say never do a flush without first dropping the pan and changing the filter. A flush isn't magical and is really only a gentile fluid exchange. The cleaners they add only make the process of a flush more deadly. Whatever sediment you find in the pan is only a small part of the dirt in the transmission that will come out over time. Adding an external oil filter in the cooler line will give added protection. Search for the pump out method that disconnects one of the cooler lines if you want to exchange the fluid yourself. Overfill a couple extra quarts and then start the engine to pump out only 2 quarts at a time. Replace this fluid and repeat. 15-20 quarts should get it clean.
Last edited by Opera House Works; Sep 4, 2003 at 07:32 AM.
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