Changing transmission filter....do or don't?

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Jun 23, 2007 | 10:01 AM

#16

Texas Outlaw

Not a liberal...

Joined: Jul 2006

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From: Cut & Shoot, Texas

I would jump in there and do it. I did mine when I installed the Sonnax kit. If I can handle it (not near the mechanic some of the guys here are) then you can too.

Jun 23, 2007 | 11:33 AM

#17

SpringerPop

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Joined: Jan 2002

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From: La La Land

Quote:

Originally Posted by vettdvr

I did drain the torque converter. You will have to remove the dust shield and rotate the engine to have the drain plug align with the opening.

vettdvr,

Though your 2000 has a torque converter drain plug, his 2002 does not. Ford discontinued them, probably to save a buck...

Pop

Jun 23, 2007 | 04:24 PM

#18

vettdvr

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Joined: Jul 2006

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Quote:

Originally Posted by SpringerPop

vettdvr,

Though your 2000 has a torque converter drain plug, his 2002 does not. Ford discontinued them, probably to save a buck...

Pop

You are so correct. Ford did save $2.00 on the plug but there is a method to pump it out before you pull the pan. If I remember correctly it is in the tech section.

Basically the return line from the radiator for the transmission fluid is piped with flex hose to a pan and engine allowed to run and pump until flow stops. Then hook up the line, remove pan / filter and clean and change.

But if you had the plug you would just pull the drain plug on the torq converter. Jim

Jun 23, 2007 | 05:32 PM

#19

Izzy351

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Joined: Feb 2007

Posts: 14,541

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From: Dallas-Ft. Worth

I would still use the pump method even if I had a plug in the TC -- that gets just about every drop of old fluid out of the tranny. When you see the nice new shiny red fluid, stop and reinstall the cooler line. Top off to full mark and you're done...

BTW, I believe the service interval on the auto tranny is every 30k, IIRC (or right after you've gotten it really hot on a tow). Also, Mercon V is recommended now, and I'll probably go Mobil1 ATF -- I've put it in every other vehicle so far and it takes the heat better than dino fluid...

Joe