Transmission Service Question
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4wd Low
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 10
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Transmission Service Question
I have an '06 F-150 XLT with the 5.4 and automatic transmission with 53K miles. The service manual says to change the transmission fluid every 30k miles if it has a "torq-shift" transmission. I'm pretty sure I dont have the torq-shift. It doenst say anything else about servicing other transmissions. The guys at Quick Lube tell me I need to flush it, but they want $100+ to do that! So, heres my questions: what kind of transmission do I have and when and how should I service it? Thanks for your help! Jeff
Freshman User
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 40
Likes: 1
From: Binghamton,NY
Look for the tranny code on the sticker on the drivers door. Then use the sticker decoder in the owners manual. My 06 5.4 has code Q, which is the 4R75E tranny, which they say is sealed with lifetime tranny fluid.
Elder User
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 662
Likes: 2
From: CO
AFAIK, the torq-shift trannies are what is behind the Powerstroke diesels.
The fluid change subject has been flogged into the ground a number of times. You have your "never change it, it's lifetime" camp, and your "I don't care what is says, I'm changing it every (fill in the blank) miles" camp.
Definitely monitor the appearance and smell of the fluid. If it's getting dingy and/or burnt smelling, it's time to change it.
How to change it is a whole 'nother "discussion". Some say just the the pro's do it, some say just drop the pan and refill, while others will drop the pan, refill, disconnect the return line from the cooler, and let the tranny pump fluid through all the components by starting the engine and cycling the shifter through the gears, stopping to refill the pan every few quarts or so of fluid that is pumped out.
Done properly, the only thing I can think that would be hurt by changing the fluid "too much" (whatever that is) is your wallet.
The fluid change subject has been flogged into the ground a number of times. You have your "never change it, it's lifetime" camp, and your "I don't care what is says, I'm changing it every (fill in the blank) miles" camp.
Definitely monitor the appearance and smell of the fluid. If it's getting dingy and/or burnt smelling, it's time to change it.
How to change it is a whole 'nother "discussion". Some say just the the pro's do it, some say just drop the pan and refill, while others will drop the pan, refill, disconnect the return line from the cooler, and let the tranny pump fluid through all the components by starting the engine and cycling the shifter through the gears, stopping to refill the pan every few quarts or so of fluid that is pumped out.
Done properly, the only thing I can think that would be hurt by changing the fluid "too much" (whatever that is) is your wallet.
Post Fiend
Joined: Jan 1997
Posts: 23,165
Likes: 18
From: Enjoying the real world.
VFR_Man said it right.
Service intervals in the manual are "recommended" intervals. But... you can also burn the fluid in a tranny with a single, long, hard WOT run up an incline or towing a heavy load in hot conditions Personally, I recommend checking the condition of the fluid at least every time you change the oil, and change as needed. If you are hard on your vehicle, or you tow often, check it more often.
It doesn't hurt to check the fluid periodically (simply pull the dip-stick, look at the color, smell it to see if it smells burnt and look for any particles on it), and you're doing yourself a favor to catch problems before the fluid is destroyed (which, in turn will take out the metal and clutch discs).
Service intervals in the manual are "recommended" intervals. But... you can also burn the fluid in a tranny with a single, long, hard WOT run up an incline or towing a heavy load in hot conditions Personally, I recommend checking the condition of the fluid at least every time you change the oil, and change as needed. If you are hard on your vehicle, or you tow often, check it more often.
It doesn't hurt to check the fluid periodically (simply pull the dip-stick, look at the color, smell it to see if it smells burnt and look for any particles on it), and you're doing yourself a favor to catch problems before the fluid is destroyed (which, in turn will take out the metal and clutch discs).
Thread Starter
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4wd Low
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 10
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Thanks for the advice. But what is odd to me is that the manual doesnt say anything about it??? I tow a boat in hot weather about once every 3 or 4 months. Other than that I use my truck for construction....
New User
Joined: Oct 2006
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I have an '05 with the 5.4 and a 4R75E transmission. The manual says to use Mercon V only but I see ATF Transmission fluid that's supposed to be good for Mercon or Mercon V...what's the story? Is it ok to use the ATF?I'm at 35k miles now and will change soon.
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Elder User
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 662
Likes: 2
From: CO
Mercon V is the latest specification, and, I believe, Ford rescinded all the previous specifcations and instructed that Mercon V be used in anything that required any Mercon specifications. With the rescinded older specifications, any Mercon fluid produced now has to meet the V spec.
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