03 Explorer, Trans Flush
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03 Explorer, Trans Flush
I just purchased an 03 Explorer, V6, 4X2 with 46K miles. I am taking it in to get a transflush, because I am not sure if it has been done before at 30K. I was quoted $190, does that seem right? Sounds high for just flushing and not replacing filter. Will hurt if it has not been done previously at 30K, by waiting this long? I also will be changing the rear Diff and flush the radiator, those services run $80 and $39. Any thoughts?
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Originally Posted by tex599
I just purchased an 03 Explorer, V6, 4X2 with 46K miles. I am taking it in to get a transflush, because I am not sure if it has been done before at 30K. I was quoted $190, does that seem right? Sounds high for just flushing and not replacing filter. Will hurt if it has not been done previously at 30K, by waiting this long? I also will be changing the rear Diff and flush the radiator, those services run $80 and $39. Any thoughts?
Goodluck!
Elder User
Joined: Oct 2003
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From: Gilbert, AZ
yea, thats way too high. around here, trans flushes are around $99, diff fluid change is $39, and a coolant flush is $59 at the lowest. keep in mind this is not at the dealer, this is at the lube places...... if you are capable of changing your own oil and doing simple bolt ons in the engine compartment, you could try doing it yourself. all you gotta do is remove the pan and replace the gasket. get a large piece of cardboard and set it on the ground first to catch the mess that awaits along with an oil pan. do it while the engine is cold so all the oil is at the bottom.
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be very careful about the fluids....my 00 Exoloer takes Mercon V in the tranny, that's a semi-synthetic. The rear end is full synthetic. I would think the 03 is the same or better. Don't mess around with old-school organic, or we'll be talking again about............repairs.
Tuned
Joined: Oct 2005
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I would just change the fluid and filter at that many (low) miles.
I personally like to put a drain in the pan, then I can change the fluid between filter changes, it's kind of a poor man's flush system.
Just bought a 2000 2wd Explorer, nice how the converter is under the tranny pan, I think it will stink/smoke for a week
.
Now I have a drain plug that just misses it so it won't be so messy next time.
I personally like to put a drain in the pan, then I can change the fluid between filter changes, it's kind of a poor man's flush system.
Just bought a 2000 2wd Explorer, nice how the converter is under the tranny pan, I think it will stink/smoke for a week
. Now I have a drain plug that just misses it so it won't be so messy next time.
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Tuned
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Try and find the dipstick for the trans ...
It means?
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Junior User
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From: Toronto
There is no dipstick on the 2002 and up explorers. The cost is higher flush because they don't just drain and fill. The need special equipment to flush and refill. Level is very important and it's something that difficult to check yourself due to the lack of a dipstick. These trannys seem to be the weak point on the 02-05. I wouldn't let a non dealer place touch mine. If the fluid level isn't just right they won't perform properly.
Tuned
Joined: Oct 2005
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Wow, I hadn't heard that or seen one yet.
I guess it's one of those Better ideas from Ford......
My brother has been selling nothing but Fords for 20 years, we have discussions about these things and even he can't understand why they do crap like this.
They just keep shooting themselves in the foot with "ideas" that either cost their customers money or just tics them off and makes them go elsewhere, not that it's a whole lot better anywhere else.
I guess it's one of those Better ideas from Ford......
My brother has been selling nothing but Fords for 20 years, we have discussions about these things and even he can't understand why they do crap like this.
They just keep shooting themselves in the foot with "ideas" that either cost their customers money or just tics them off and makes them go elsewhere, not that it's a whole lot better anywhere else.
Elder User
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 504
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From: Gilbert, AZ
Originally Posted by budman-mo
Wow, I hadn't heard that or seen one yet.
I guess it's one of those Better ideas from Ford......
My brother has been selling nothing but Fords for 20 years, we have discussions about these things and even he can't understand why they do crap like this.
They just keep shooting themselves in the foot with "ideas" that either cost their customers money or just tics them off and makes them go elsewhere, not that it's a whole lot better anywhere else.
I guess it's one of those Better ideas from Ford......
My brother has been selling nothing but Fords for 20 years, we have discussions about these things and even he can't understand why they do crap like this.
They just keep shooting themselves in the foot with "ideas" that either cost their customers money or just tics them off and makes them go elsewhere, not that it's a whole lot better anywhere else.
Elder User
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 520
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WARNING... do not go with the cheapest bidder on this trans flush... as it requires the NEW FORMULA mercon V fluid.
Do not go somewhere where they will use a "multipurpose" or a non-motorcraft MERCON V fluid.
The solenoids in these use a brass bushing in the servo... the wrong fluid will cause the brass to swell, causing the solenoid to stick, making it not want to go into and shift gears. Ford actually had a recall on 03/04's to put in an additive because the old formula MERCON V was causing the same problem.
Trust me.. an extra $90 is much cheaper than $600+ for a new solenoid.
When I worked at the dealer, I did several dozen of those solenoid... and most had recently been serviced at a non-dealer.
Do not go somewhere where they will use a "multipurpose" or a non-motorcraft MERCON V fluid.
The solenoids in these use a brass bushing in the servo... the wrong fluid will cause the brass to swell, causing the solenoid to stick, making it not want to go into and shift gears. Ford actually had a recall on 03/04's to put in an additive because the old formula MERCON V was causing the same problem.
Trust me.. an extra $90 is much cheaper than $600+ for a new solenoid.
When I worked at the dealer, I did several dozen of those solenoid... and most had recently been serviced at a non-dealer.
Elder User
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 504
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From: Gilbert, AZ
remember, you can always buy your own fluids at the dealer, and then take it in to a non-dealer shop for the work. thats pretty much the most cost effective way of doing things if you still want quality work done at a cheaper price. the shops generally dont give you a discount or charge you more to use your own stuff, but its still cheaper than the dealer....... at least at the ford dealers here.
