Transmission service

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Dec 10, 2001 | 03:24 PM

rotorhead

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From: Jackson, MS

Transmission service

I dropped by my local Ford dealer the other day to buy some FW16 and while I was there I figured I'd solicit some expert opinions. I told the service guy my ZF 5spd had 125,000miles on it and that I'd been told it had ATF in it. Asked him if I should have it changed in his opinion. He said that if it used dino oil, he'd have it done, but if it had synthetic in it, he wouldn't worry about it. Said the cost would be prohibitive if I had to use a synthetic. So what's the scoop? Do some of these transmissions use syns and others use dinos? And if so, how can I tell the difference? I admit that the $27 a bottle for syn ATF he quoted me sounds like a lot, but I'd bet my bottom dollar that it's STILL cheaper than a new ZF5 transmission!!! Somebody please tell me if he's steering me wrong.

Thanks in advance to the posters of my absolute favorite website!!

rotorhead

Dec 10, 2001 | 04:39 PM

NoMo

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From: OK

Transmission service

Even if it's synthetic, I'd change it. But, definitely do NOT pay the dealer that much for trany fluid. You can buy Mobil 1 for about $5/quart. Get all the fluid (~4 qts) you need for less than 1 qt at the dealer's price.

Dec 11, 2001 | 11:54 AM

busdriver1

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Transmission service

Ditto NoMo. Change it to Mobil 1 for less than $27 for the whole job. Not forking out that little bit of money now could significantly reduce the life of a very expensive tranny.

Dec 11, 2001 | 12:34 PM

rotorhead

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From: Jackson, MS

Transmission service

WOW! So my friendly neighborhood Ford dealer is marking up ATF 500%??!! That's sickening. Is this fluid change something I can do myself?

Dec 12, 2001 | 12:04 PM

busdriver1

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Transmission service

Sure you can do it yourself.

Pull the fill plug, which is located in the side of the transmission and has a square internal drive recess.

Pull the drain plug, which is located on the bottom of the transmission and has a square internal drive recess.

One or both of these plugs might be difficult to remove, but you just have to grunt until they come out.

Then replace the drain plug (be careful not to strip the aluminum threads of the tranny case, I can get the torque spec if you need it) and put oil in the fill hole until it starts to run back out the fill hole.

Replace the fill plug (once again be careful not to strip the aluminum threads of the tranny case) and you are done.

The part about putting oil in the fill hole is much easier, by the way, if you go to Meijer or Walmart and by a $10 plastic transfer pump from the automotive department. I'll bring the torque specs for the plugs and the fill capacity in tomorrow.