'02 Explorer Trans fluid change
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Joined: Aug 2004
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From: Gilbert
'02 Explorer Trans fluid change
I ran through a few threads regarding this and my wife's truck (V6, auto, 4x4) is in desperate need of a fluid change. We've been together 3+ years, she's owned the truck since it was new and I just found out it's NEVER been changed in 85k miles, ugg.
My question is, can flushing the fluid (whatever methods/machine the shops use) really do harm to the tranny or should I go the "old fashioned" route as it was referred to as (pulling the pan, unhook cooling line, etc)? I'm capable of doing this myself but it's too cold out and I don't care to be wedged under her truck on cold concrete so I'm taking it to a shop to have it done. I plan on getting rid of this vehicle next year.
Thanks in advance!
My question is, can flushing the fluid (whatever methods/machine the shops use) really do harm to the tranny or should I go the "old fashioned" route as it was referred to as (pulling the pan, unhook cooling line, etc)? I'm capable of doing this myself but it's too cold out and I don't care to be wedged under her truck on cold concrete so I'm taking it to a shop to have it done. I plan on getting rid of this vehicle next year.
Thanks in advance!
Hotshot
Joined: Jul 2005
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changing the fluid and filter is always a good idea. pulling off a line and trying to drain the torque converter or pumping fluid thru it to change it-- is probably a good idea. the question comes in during a "power flush" depending on how that is done. if this is an agressive method, it can loosen up deposits that were permanently stuck in the corners and this can end up in the valve spools or solenoids... it is possible, thats why some do not recommend a "power flush". a drain and refill will certainly help.
Senior User
Joined: Dec 2001
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From: Mason, Ohio
On my wife's 02 Explorer, the dealer's service department said that the tranny fluid is not supposed to be changed until 100k. Two other nearby dealers concurred with this. There is no way I can change this myself as it is a sealed system. Special tools are required to replace the fluid. I will probably have the dealer do a power flush on this one (it just turned 100k). I've always done my other vehicles on my own.
Hotshot
Joined: Jul 2005
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Ford has a "better idea" that transmission oil will last forever. Dont believe that. It never hurts to drain the oil and clean the pan after 40-50,000 miles. Getting the crud out will guarantee it doesnt work its way into a valve spool or solenoid and "stick".--- you can do this yourself. there is no dip stick, there is a drain plug with a stand tube. you drain the oil, remove the pan and clean, install new filter, reinstall the pan and fill with a weed spray or small pump up thru the drain hole.. its a little different than normal, but is not difficult. be sure to use the MERCON V.
CO River Rat
Joined: Feb 2004
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From: Lake Havasu City AZ
One problem with draining/filling using the cooler lines: This tranny has an internal t-stat that blocks flow thru the cooler until it reaches 80-120*F, which could take awhile sitting in idle when it's frosty out.
Steve
Steve
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Joined: Dec 2003
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From: pacific northwest
We had our Explorer trans service by the dealer in June 2003 when had 90k miles. Filter was replaced at that time and no problems were found. Just had the trans serviced again today by our local mechanic with 140k on the Explorer. The pan was pulled and fluid flushed. Filter was fine, no metal shavings or anything found. Fluid was good but starting to show its age. With trans kit, fluid (16 qts), flush and labor the bill was $190. Our mechanic comes highly recommended and does quality work. I don't think that I could of done this work even if I did not have a wounded wing. Feel this is a small price to pay to nurse this Ford tranny along...
Senior User
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 201
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From: Mason, Ohio
Originally Posted by steve(ill)
Ford has a "better idea" that transmission oil will last forever. Dont believe that. It never hurts to drain the oil and clean the pan after 40-50,000 miles. Getting the crud out will guarantee it doesnt work its way into a valve spool or solenoid and "stick".--- you can do this yourself. there is no dip stick, there is a drain plug with a stand tube. you drain the oil, remove the pan and clean, install new filter, reinstall the pan and fill with a weed spray or small pump up thru the drain hole.. its a little different than normal, but is not difficult. be sure to use the MERCON V.
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New User
Joined: Oct 2006
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Most dealers will charge 150 for a tranny fluid flush, and refill. There are two dealers here in Indy that I have visited, and they both recommend the flush every 35-40K miles.
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Hotshot
Joined: Jul 2005
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Keith, i left out a few details, not knowing if you were interested... if you want to do it yourself, here it is... the drain plug is a two piece unit. looks like a 1 inch plug with a 1/8 inch pipe plug in the middle. pull the big 1 inch plug and you will drain 5 quarts of oil. the plug has a tube inside that is 2 inches tall ( or so). when you reinstall the big plug and remove the small plug, you can pump up the small hole untill it runs backward out the hole. this guarantess you have about 2 inches of oil in the pan. i did not drain the converter or cooler lines. just cleaned the pan (lots of powder) changed the filter, and wipe off the valve/ solenoid body of any contanination. the pan gasket is reusable. --- i drained about 5 quarts so i added "about" 5 quarts. when it ran backward out the fill hole, i added a cup just to be sure, then installed the small plug.. in theory you warm up the transmission, set in park, climb under the truck and pull the small plug while running and see if any oil flow out to get the proper level.
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