Trans fluid change questions
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Trans fluid change questions
I have a 2003 Expy, 5.4, 2WD. I recently passed 30,000 miles on it. I use it to tow a 20 ft car hauler about once a year. I was wondering when I should change the trans fluid. Additionally I do not want to deal with changing it myself, motor oil changes are enough for me, so how much should I expect to pay to have this service performed at a local shop?
Thanks for any advice,
GRB1
Thanks for any advice,
GRB1
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Joined: Apr 2005
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whatever you do have the pan dropped and new filter put in do not use the flush deal
a pan drop is better and use correct fluid do not use some multi purpose fluid with a aditive to ? make It into what you really should use.
50K is probably about right?? for a change out.
bruce
a pan drop is better and use correct fluid do not use some multi purpose fluid with a aditive to ? make It into what you really should use.
50K is probably about right?? for a change out.
bruce
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From: SW Va
Here in SW Va, to have the pan dropped, to clean it & the magnet, change the filter & pan gaket, refill the pan, then do a full fluid machine type pump out, minus the chemical flush, costs between $90-$120!!!!
Most Dealers & tranny shops around here now have the machine to do it.
I just don't like the idea of doing a chemical flush & I don't like doing a machine pump out, without dropping the pan to clean it & change the filter.
I do a drop the pan, filter change & full fluid pump out myself, for about $50-$60.
It's a little time consuming, but really not difficult to do by yourself, even easier if you have a buddy to help!!!!!
Most Dealers & tranny shops around here now have the machine to do it.
I just don't like the idea of doing a chemical flush & I don't like doing a machine pump out, without dropping the pan to clean it & change the filter.
I do a drop the pan, filter change & full fluid pump out myself, for about $50-$60.
It's a little time consuming, but really not difficult to do by yourself, even easier if you have a buddy to help!!!!!
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Joined: Mar 2001
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From: So Cal
Not sure on your model, but my 94 manual says to change at 50K UNLESS you tow. Then you should do at 12K.
The tranny shop I use from time to time recommends 12K changes for all trannies. The main reason is that this allows you to inspect the pan and fluid for symptoms of developing problems so you can fix them before they become big problems.
Doing a machine flush doesn't allow you to inspect for problems, but it is simple and cheap to do and dealers can charge a lot since it sounds cool. A machine flush seems to run around $100.
Not sure what dropping the pan etc costs since I do it myself, but based upon "myhours" and the going rate from shops I would guess the cost around $100 and up.
Dropping the pan and checking for contamination and then properly reinstalling the pan is something that the less mechanically inclined probably would not do well without some guidence the first time. It is easy but can be very messy and properly sealing the pan can be tricky. So going to a shop is probably wise.
Good Luck,
Jim Henderson
The tranny shop I use from time to time recommends 12K changes for all trannies. The main reason is that this allows you to inspect the pan and fluid for symptoms of developing problems so you can fix them before they become big problems.
Doing a machine flush doesn't allow you to inspect for problems, but it is simple and cheap to do and dealers can charge a lot since it sounds cool. A machine flush seems to run around $100.
Not sure what dropping the pan etc costs since I do it myself, but based upon "myhours" and the going rate from shops I would guess the cost around $100 and up.
Dropping the pan and checking for contamination and then properly reinstalling the pan is something that the less mechanically inclined probably would not do well without some guidence the first time. It is easy but can be very messy and properly sealing the pan can be tricky. So going to a shop is probably wise.
Good Luck,
Jim Henderson
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From: Chicago Area
I have a 2001 F150. According to my Ford "Scheduled Maintenance Guide", the transmission fluid should be changed at 30,000 miles. Under "Special Operating Conditions": Towing a trailer..."every 30,000 miles Change automatic transmission fluid". So apparently, you should change at 30,000 whether or not you tow.
This does seem somewhat excessive based on other vehicles I've had, but that's what the book says!
Interestingly, they do NOT require a filter change (standard filter is really more of a strainer), but if you drop the pan, you might as well do it too. I would suggest you install a drain plug so that next time its easy. If you put an auxiliary filter in the cooling line (Ford accessory), you'll not only filter better, but also be able to change it easily.
Also, the newer vehicles don't allow you to drain the torque converter, so dropping the pan won't get all of the fluid. But that's O.K. Just do it a little more often. Buy your fluid at Walmart and it'll cost about $12 to do.
This does seem somewhat excessive based on other vehicles I've had, but that's what the book says!
Interestingly, they do NOT require a filter change (standard filter is really more of a strainer), but if you drop the pan, you might as well do it too. I would suggest you install a drain plug so that next time its easy. If you put an auxiliary filter in the cooling line (Ford accessory), you'll not only filter better, but also be able to change it easily.
Also, the newer vehicles don't allow you to drain the torque converter, so dropping the pan won't get all of the fluid. But that's O.K. Just do it a little more often. Buy your fluid at Walmart and it'll cost about $12 to do.
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So all this time I thought when you got the shop to do a quick change with the tranny fluid, what im reading here,They don't open the pan or change the filter? Should read the fine print I guess. I should start doing it myself.Ah, I guess either way I get soaked.lol PUN INTENDED
But seriously. to answer your question for price[up here in canada eh!] Im not sure what the shops charge, but to buy a new filter for my E4OD would run around $34 EH! And my tranny takes 15Ltrs EH! Thats like 17 Pints[partner] Would run me about $39EH! Total= $73Eh! PLUS TAX So about $79EH! And Thats not including the gasket and disposal. [Just Flush It]EH! But ta tel you the truth it really easy to change. Just send the wife out Eh!
But seriously. to answer your question for price[up here in canada eh!] Im not sure what the shops charge, but to buy a new filter for my E4OD would run around $34 EH! And my tranny takes 15Ltrs EH! Thats like 17 Pints[partner] Would run me about $39EH! Total= $73Eh! PLUS TAX So about $79EH! And Thats not including the gasket and disposal. [Just Flush It]EH! But ta tel you the truth it really easy to change. Just send the wife out Eh!
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Originally Posted by kbolk
And my tranny takes 15Ltrs EH! Thats like 17 Pints[partner]
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Well to be specific, mine (4R70W) takes 13 quarts, but that includes draining the torque converter and cooler. Just dropping the pan will only change about 6. The newer ones do not have a torque converter drain. Ford does NOT specify a filter change. And the gasket is designed to be reuseable.
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From: boondocks, tennessee
i work for valvoline and if you live in the general northeast part of the country all the valvolines do a 100% flush that gets the torque converter and pan for 90 bucks no matter how many qts
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I work at a dealership and we do a BG chemical flush after dropping the pan, cleaning the pan and magnet, and putting in a new filter. The BG chemicals are a good thing. The one used just before the flush is designed to break up and remove any varnish and other deposits. The second part is poured in after the job is done to help keep the fluid from oxadizingh and breaking down, as well as to ensure proper lubrication. Using it doesn't void any of the warranties on the vehicles we sell. And as for the change interval we recommend every 30K unless you do a lot of severe towing or driving, in which case we suggest every 15-20K.
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From: Sin Diego
Originally Posted by wickymustang
I work at a dealership and we do a BG chemical flush after dropping the pan, cleaning the pan and magnet, and putting in a new filter. The BG chemicals are a good thing. The one used just before the flush is designed to break up and remove any varnish and other deposits. The second part is poured in after the job is done to help keep the fluid from oxadizingh and breaking down, as well as to ensure proper lubrication. Using it doesn't void any of the warranties on the vehicles we sell. And as for the change interval we recommend every 30K unless you do a lot of severe towing or driving, in which case we suggest every 15-20K.
how much does your dealership charge for this? im a little hesitant to take my truck into the el-cheapo lube places around here
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