Transmission fluid change on E4OD
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Cross-Country
Joined: Apr 2017
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Transmission fluid change on E4OD
Hey everyone, thank you in advance for all of the great advice I've found on this forum.
I have a 1992 Ford E250 5.8L that is at 143.5k miles. I've looked in the owner's manual and it doesn't say anything about replacing it in that section or in the scheduled maintenance. It says the fluid required is stamped on the dipstick. On the handle of the dipstick I see in very faint writing what appears as "SE MERCON". At the very end of the dipstick that sits in the fluid, there are markings for "HOT", "COLD", "E4" and a small "Z" or "N". It has an overdrive button on the gear selector. Does this mean I have the E4OD transmission?
Should I change the fluid? What is the recommended fluid/filter change interval? What is the recommended fluid and filter for my transmission? The fluid on the dipstick appears very clean pink. I have no issues with the way it's shifting. It takes about a second to engage the selected gear but I assume that's normal.
I have a 1992 Ford E250 5.8L that is at 143.5k miles. I've looked in the owner's manual and it doesn't say anything about replacing it in that section or in the scheduled maintenance. It says the fluid required is stamped on the dipstick. On the handle of the dipstick I see in very faint writing what appears as "SE MERCON". At the very end of the dipstick that sits in the fluid, there are markings for "HOT", "COLD", "E4" and a small "Z" or "N". It has an overdrive button on the gear selector. Does this mean I have the E4OD transmission?
Should I change the fluid? What is the recommended fluid/filter change interval? What is the recommended fluid and filter for my transmission? The fluid on the dipstick appears very clean pink. I have no issues with the way it's shifting. It takes about a second to engage the selected gear but I assume that's normal.
Fleet Owner
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 26,007
Likes: 575
From: Brentwood,CA
The correct fluid according to Ford is Mercon V. The original Mercon was discontinued and is no longer licensed. So any Fluid out there that days Mercon is up to the manufacturer of what's really in it.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 1,276
Likes: 7
From: NE Tennessee
Do a search and read up on it. I have a '92 with the e40d and used synthetic. Mine trans is going out so I changed my fluid and put a big cooler on it to extend it a year or more before I have to rebuilt.
Frmr Ford Trans Engr
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 24,725
Likes: 2,651
From: SE Florida
I recommend 30,000 mile change intervals. Here is how to do it: https://www.ford-trucks.com/articles...-transmission/
Fleet Owner
Joined: Aug 2010
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From: Reynoldsburg, Ohio
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Hotshot
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 11,141
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From: south louisiana
Potato-potatoe doesn't matter, it's a huge mess trying to drain it without a drain plug. I don't agree with your 30K interval either. 4 gallons is a big expense especially as I recall, Ford recommends it done at 100K.
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Hotshot
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 11,141
Likes: 25
From: south louisiana
I've done exactly that even though I could avoid ever draining the pan using Mark K's method of a full fluid exchange. I use the better quality Quick Change fittings found at Unique Truck Equipment. They're not cheap but I like the way they allow me to drain the pan without any mess. Always tough working in the driveway!
Frmr Ford Trans Engr
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 24,725
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From: SE Florida
Junior User
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 71
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From: Pawleys Island, SC
I believe that is for the newer stuff. I recall seeing something about 30k for heavy use on my E4OD trucks. I'd expect a premature failure going to 100k on the older trucks especially since mine were 8,000 lbs every day with hard city duty
Hotshot
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 11,141
Likes: 25
From: south louisiana
I've got 155K on mine now, (96 E150 conversion van) No signs it's going to give up anytime soon. First fluid change was at about 100K. I changed it again last year before going to Colorado at 150K. I've towed a 5,000 lb trailer a few times and my custom built 500 lb utility trailer several trips out west. I sold my 95 E150 about 15 years ago, it had about the same mileage on it's E4OD (and also two fluid changes), it had developed an OD shudder a year before I sold it, Fixed that with a bottle of Lucas Transmission treatment. Stuff also worked wonders on a 40 year old C6 that had 60K on it without ever having it's fluid changed. After adding a quart of Lucas to it, it was shifting like new after a trip around the block.
Hotshot
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 11,141
Likes: 25
From: south louisiana
In that old C6, yea, the E4OD had fairly fresh fluid.