2002 Automatic Transmission Fluid Change
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Elder User
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From: Cedar Springs,MI
2002 Automatic Transmission Fluid Change
The Maintenance guide calls for a tranny fliud change at 30,000 and every 30,000 there after. My question is can I perform this my self and how or should I just take it to the dealer. I have a coupon for the service $89.95. Is it worth doing my self? I would like to do it my self, but not sure if I could do the same job as the dealership. Thanks
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From: Cincinnati
I'm thinking this is the last year you can easily do it yourself since they have now eliminated the dipstick. You didn't say which engine. Heard the SOHC is a pain. Please put exactly what you have in your profile so we can answer your questions.
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Part of the reason Ford calls for every 30,000, is the procedure only drains a portion of the fluid out. Some of the fluids remain for the next change.
The dipstickless tranny fluids change procedure is much easier when the vehicle is on a lift, since the check is with the engine running in Park. Most home mechanics don't have access to a lift or want to crawl under the truck with the exhaust pipes cooking.
The dipstickless tranny fluids change procedure is much easier when the vehicle is on a lift, since the check is with the engine running in Park. Most home mechanics don't have access to a lift or want to crawl under the truck with the exhaust pipes cooking.
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I just aquired about a trans fluid change on my 2002 Explorer, it is NOT needed until 100,000 miles they say...its' a sealed tranny using Mercon V. I had the same coupon for 89.95 but the technican said it is a lot more work than other tranny's so it's a lot more labor. I made it clear that if the tranny fell apart during the 100k I was not going to be responsable due to bad fluid, they wrote me saying i wouldn't be responsable.
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From: Cedar Springs,MI
jhromy, why is Ford recommending this service in their Maintenance Guide then a tech tells you not to change it. I'm confused? The service manager at my dealership said to have it done. Maybe they just want the buisness? I plan on keeping this vehicle for a while and would hate to loose a tranny down the road because I did not change fluid. Every 30,000 does seem a little excessive though. Any final suggestions
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The service guide is just a general guide, I bet it's the same for every car they sell...the 2002 have the new sealed tranny and don't need servicing until 100,000 miles, maybe you can call up another dealership and ask them about it. You can even call up ford customer service and ask them to make sure, the number is in the book.
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Again..... Part of the reason Ford calls for every 30,000, is the procedure only drains a portion of the fluid out. Some of the fluids remain for the next change.
Same goes for the engine coolant (more frequent changes required), there is no engine block drain for the V6. Only part of the coolant can be drained, making a chemical flush difficult, and a complete change impossible.
Remember the saying "you can pay me now, or pay me later". Since you probably won't own the car for more than a few years, just let it go. The next owner will put up with the expensive repairs.
borland
2002
Same goes for the engine coolant (more frequent changes required), there is no engine block drain for the V6. Only part of the coolant can be drained, making a chemical flush difficult, and a complete change impossible.
Remember the saying "you can pay me now, or pay me later". Since you probably won't own the car for more than a few years, just let it go. The next owner will put up with the expensive repairs.
borland
2002
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I am a tech at a dealership and ford tells you to change your fluid at 30k on most of the trannys but the tranny in your explorer they say at 60k.I usually recommend a trans flush at 30k for all trans.I use a trans flusher that only takes about 25-30min. That is the best way to remove all the fluid.If you drain the fluid out of the plug on the botton of the pan unbolt the the large plug to drain the fluid.This will only drain fluid in pan.Then reinstall large plug and remove the small center plug.You will heve to push fluid in pan using a trans filler plunger.After you get some fluid in the pan about 4qt start engine and bring trans temp up to 124 degrees add fluid until you have a steady flow of fluid out of hole then reinstall plug and go through the gears and recheck in the same way.Much easier to have the trans flushed at the dealer they should have a flusher, all the ones in my area do.
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From: Cedar Springs,MI
Pspower, Thanks I think I will take it to my local dealership and have them use their flusher, sounds like the way to go. Better safe than sorry. 30,000 is fast approaching. Thanks again
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you might check out my post entitled "mercon mumbo jumbo". If you go to the dealer, make sure they use Mercon V. If you go to an independent, they will likely try to use Mercon/Dexron III along with a 10 oz additive. However, without the dipstick hole access, they cannot readily add the additive. IMO, I can't imagine 100K miles without a tranny fluid change. With a standard "pan drop" change at 30K mi, my fluid was definitely dirty before an additional 15K miles had passed on my 98xlt 5 spd automatic tranny. I have seen other posts where do-it-yourselfers have utilized milk jugs or buckets and tying into the tranny cooler hoses that allow them to emulate the full fluid swap methodologies at home, but, if it can be done right by a dealer for $90, its probably not worth your time and aggravation.
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