Transmission flushing question
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Elder User
Joined: Jul 2004
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From: Media, PA
Transmission flushing question
I have a 2002 Expedition, 5.4L, 4x4, trailer towing package. I have had my transmission flushed each year for the past 3 years when the truck goes in for its annual state inspection & emissions tests. Roughly, it's done every 20,000 miles. I tow a 23 foot fishing boat and do a lot of mixed city/highway driving. I know the owner's manual doesn't call for this service as frequently as I've been doing it. The Expy now has 82,000 miles and will be going in for its annual inspection test this month.
Am I throwing money away for the trans flushing every year or do you think it is a worthwhile investment? The facility I take it to only charges me $69 for the service. I plan on keeping this Expy until it dies, so don't want to skimp on maintenance. The trans fluid is still a red/pink color and I haven't had to add any in the year since it was flushed last December. Any replies and opinions are greatly appreciated. Thanks!
Am I throwing money away for the trans flushing every year or do you think it is a worthwhile investment? The facility I take it to only charges me $69 for the service. I plan on keeping this Expy until it dies, so don't want to skimp on maintenance. The trans fluid is still a red/pink color and I haven't had to add any in the year since it was flushed last December. Any replies and opinions are greatly appreciated. Thanks!
Elder User
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 557
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I would say no your not. The better maitnence you do for it, the longer it lasts. I would figure with the stresses of pulling a boat and multiple people inside it that your tranny is working pretty hard. I would say your just making sure its gunna last the length of the vehicle. If its still coming out super nice and clean. Then go another few months. But if I payed that much money for a new vehicle. Im gunna make hella sure its worth my while. So just keep it up!
Posting Guru
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 2,155
Likes: 1
From: sunny fla sometimes windy
I pull out a half quart or so every motor oil change with the mity vac hand pump and a
hose that is as long as the dip stick. It helps keep the additive package fresh and if
it makes it last 5000 miles more it is worth the time. You could use some of this in lieu
of a half quart once or twice a year!!http://www.transmissionpartsusa.com/...-000063010.htm About the only tranny snake oil I would use it is basically a
bottle of the additives that are in the fluid and a lot of those flush shops put a bottle
of something like it but with more red dye since they think the customers think the
redder the better, which is why I won't go to one of those places. I use a bigger vac bottle and pull a gallon at a time out about every 6 months or so. Plus I have heard
too many horror stories of dm 3 being put in instead of mercon 5!!
hose that is as long as the dip stick. It helps keep the additive package fresh and if
it makes it last 5000 miles more it is worth the time. You could use some of this in lieu
of a half quart once or twice a year!!http://www.transmissionpartsusa.com/...-000063010.htm About the only tranny snake oil I would use it is basically a
bottle of the additives that are in the fluid and a lot of those flush shops put a bottle
of something like it but with more red dye since they think the customers think the
redder the better, which is why I won't go to one of those places. I use a bigger vac bottle and pull a gallon at a time out about every 6 months or so. Plus I have heard
too many horror stories of dm 3 being put in instead of mercon 5!!
Post Fiend
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 6,948
Likes: 44
Fresh fluid is always a decent idea, but for far less effort, a sample can be sent out for analysys, and the results will identify any potential problems.
Not very expensive at all.
Engine oil analysis as well as coolant analysis is also available. Many companies offer a package for all samples.
Not very expensive at all.
Engine oil analysis as well as coolant analysis is also available. Many companies offer a package for all samples.
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fiveofakind
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Jul 24, 2008 10:16 AM
