Notices
1968-Present E-Series Van/Cutaway/Chassis Econolines. E150, E250, E350, E450 and E550

trans filter

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old May 2, 2008 | 06:23 PM
  #1  
302VAN's Avatar
302VAN
Thread Starter
|
Freshman User
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 28
Likes: 0
From: NJ BAYVILLE
Question trans filter

can any body tell me
how can you tell if the aod trans filter needs to be changed
on a 1990 ford econoline van 5.0 302 eng 96 K one owner vehicle
 
Reply
Old May 3, 2008 | 09:52 AM
  #2  
94van's Avatar
94van
Posting Guru
20 Year Member
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 1,577
Likes: 0
From: Southern MD
What does the fluid look like?
Red, gunky, burned smell?
The filter should be changed each time the fluid is changed.
 
Reply
Old May 3, 2008 | 11:08 AM
  #3  
Clubwagon's Avatar
Clubwagon
Cargo Master
20 Year Member
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 2,182
Likes: 7
From: Saint Augustine, FL
Yes, the filter should be changed when the fluid is changed. A lot of people think that problems with the transmission could be a stopped up filter. This is partly true. If the filter is stopped up the pump can't draw fluid and will cause the transmission to slip.

HOWEVER!!!! The only thing in there that can stop the filter up is clutch material and/or metal debris from failing components. So if the filter is stopped up, you have a much bigger problem than a stopped up filter.

The stopped up filter is a symptom, not a cause.
 
Reply
Old May 3, 2008 | 04:00 PM
  #4  
302VAN's Avatar
302VAN
Thread Starter
|
Freshman User
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 28
Likes: 0
From: NJ BAYVILLE
fluid is like a brown color

the only reason that im asking i never owned a automatic trans
 
Reply
Old May 3, 2008 | 04:16 PM
  #5  
94van's Avatar
94van
Posting Guru
20 Year Member
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 1,577
Likes: 0
From: Southern MD
Fluid should be cherry red.
If the fluid is brown, its time for a change of fluid and filter. Make sure you drain the torque converter at the same time.
When the pan is pulled you'll then be able to see if there are any serious problems.

If you have it done at a shop, DON'T use the chains. Find an independent to do the job.
 
Reply
Old May 3, 2008 | 04:51 PM
  #6  
Clubwagon's Avatar
Clubwagon
Cargo Master
20 Year Member
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 2,182
Likes: 7
From: Saint Augustine, FL
The fluid should be a pale red. Brown usually means old and varnished. Could be burnt but burnt usually smells really bad. Black is really burnt and always stinks bad.

My experience as a shop owner for many years is the independants are bigger crooks than anybody else. They are under much less scrutiny. Mostly, it doesn't matter whether its a chain or not. It all comes down to the integrity of the owner.

I can tell you this, and it is absolutely true, that customers shopping price are what encourage shops to rip them off.
 
Reply
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
buckaroo2219
1987 - 1996 F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks
6
Mar 27, 2011 07:21 PM
302VAN
Clutch, Transmission, Differential, Axle & Transfer Case
5
Jun 24, 2008 09:09 PM
dannykelsey
1999 - 2003 7.3L Power Stroke Diesel
2
Jun 20, 2007 10:41 PM




All times are GMT -5. The time now is 04:40 AM.

story-0
Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies

Slideshow: Top 10 Ford truck tragedies.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-18 19:34:33


VIEW MORE
story-1
AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make

And it might be even better than that.

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-18 19:26:42


VIEW MORE
story-2
Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!

Slideshow: Does lowering an F-150 Lobo RUIN the ride quality?

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-05-18 19:20:37


VIEW MORE
story-3
Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home

Slideshow: Ford's bizarre fishing-themed Explorer concept has resurfaced after spending decades largely forgotten.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-12 18:07:46


VIEW MORE
story-4
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!

Slideshow: The 10 best Ford truck engines we miss the most.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-12 13:09:47


VIEW MORE
story-5
2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road: Better Than a Raptor R?

Slideshow: first look at the 810 hp 2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road!

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-12 12:50:07


VIEW MORE
story-6
2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package First Look: 12 Things You NEED to Know!

Slideshow: Everything You Need to Know about the 2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package!

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-05-07 17:51:06


VIEW MORE
story-7
10 Most Surprising 2026 Ford Truck Features!

Slideshow: 10 most surprising Ford truck options/features in 2026.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-05 11:17:22


VIEW MORE
story-8
Top 10 Ford Trucks Coming to Mecum Indy 2026

Slideshow: Here are the top 10 Fords coming to Mecum Indy 2026.

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-04 13:49:49


VIEW MORE
story-9
5 Best / 5 Worst Ford Truck Wheels of All Time

Slideshow: The 5 best and 5 worst Ford truck wheels of all time

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-04-29 16:49:01


VIEW MORE