Transmission fluid change
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Laughing Gas
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 870
Likes: 9
From: Carbondale, CO
Transmission fluid change
My truck now has @ 80,000 miles on and I know the tranny fluid should be changed. I'm noticing a slight whine, and can't tell if tranny or power steering. I'm sure PO said he preformed the tranny service at scheduled intervals. I've heard stay away from the power flush method.
I've read Mark's method, but am concerned that debris may be flushed into the wrong spots, just as in power flush. Also a bit leery of my capabilities, never having done something like this before. I am getting confusing info from tranny shops and dealerships @ drain and refill vs. flush, drain/no drain plug on converter, mercon/mercon V,...
In advance, thanks for your input.
DND58
I've read Mark's method, but am concerned that debris may be flushed into the wrong spots, just as in power flush. Also a bit leery of my capabilities, never having done something like this before. I am getting confusing info from tranny shops and dealerships @ drain and refill vs. flush, drain/no drain plug on converter, mercon/mercon V,...
In advance, thanks for your input.
DND58
Laughing Gas
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 1,157
Likes: 1
From: Littleton, Colorado
I've done it the two times I serviced mine, and no problems at all. This next time I'm going to drop the pan and replace the filter as it's due. It's not so much a flush as the tranny is just pumping fluid as it normally does. You're just letting the old out and the new in. As far as torque converter plug or not, you'll have to pull the inspection cover to see for sure. Finally, they no longer make mercon. Here's the TSB Ford put out on the issue:
Mercon V Use in Mercon Transmissions:
Effective 6-29-4, Ford is discontinuing Mercon ATF licensing and manufacturing. Mercon V is now approved for use in all transmissions specifying Mercon. This includes both the E4OD and 4R100 automatics and the ZF six-speed manual, as well as the transfer cases. Once exsisting stocks of Mercon is depleted it will no longer be available. Transmissions that specify Mercon V should still use only that fluid. The ZF five-speed will still use synthetic Mercon. TSB 06-14-4.
Good luck,
Austin
Mercon V Use in Mercon Transmissions:
Effective 6-29-4, Ford is discontinuing Mercon ATF licensing and manufacturing. Mercon V is now approved for use in all transmissions specifying Mercon. This includes both the E4OD and 4R100 automatics and the ZF six-speed manual, as well as the transfer cases. Once exsisting stocks of Mercon is depleted it will no longer be available. Transmissions that specify Mercon V should still use only that fluid. The ZF five-speed will still use synthetic Mercon. TSB 06-14-4.
Good luck,
Austin
Senior User
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 309
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You can still go into WallyWorld, or you fav auto part store, and find tranny fluid labeled "DexIII/Mercon" by Pennzoil, Valvoline, etc, and various house brands.
As long as they're still avail, why take a chance on using Mercon V?? Notice how FoMoCo waited till all the 4R100's were out of warranty before saying, "Oh yeah, you can use Mercon V in that tranny".
His lips are moving Guys!!
Frmr Ford Trans Engr
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 24,722
Likes: 2,648
From: SE Florida
And there's no such thing as a power flush, so it doesn't hurt the trans, either.
Ford changed MERCON V to be compatible with the 4R100. If you don't believe it, fine. Use what makes you comfortable.
There might be a drain on your torque converter. Ford deleted the drain plug in August, 2001, so the early 2002s had them, most of the 2002s do not.
Elder User
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 751
Likes: 0
From: Greeneville,TN
I would suggest using using a good full synthetic tranny fluid like Schaeffers 204SAT. It is the only fluid that BTS will put in their trannies. Their reputation speakes for itself. I always like to use the best I can afford to save me money in the long run. I saw about a 10 degree temp drop with it. Here is a link to their TD sheet.
http://www.schaefferoil.com/datapdf/204SAT_r.pdf
http://www.schaefferoil.com/datapdf/204SAT_r.pdf
Post Fiend
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 7,191
Likes: 4
From: Blairsville,Ga
I would suggest using using a good full synthetic tranny fluid like Schaeffers 204SAT. It is the only fluid that BTS will put in their trannies. Their reputation speakes for itself. I always like to use the best I can afford to save me money in the long run. I saw about a 10 degree temp drop with it. Here is a link to their TD sheet.
http://www.schaefferoil.com/datapdf/204SAT_r.pdf
http://www.schaefferoil.com/datapdf/204SAT_r.pdf
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Elder User
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 751
Likes: 0
From: Greeneville,TN
You point is very vailed, but I have used this tranny fluid in about every type of tranny that is was designed for and I have not had one single complaint from using it. The types of trannies include several types of large allison's in buses to boom trucks, Several 4r100s with various miles. The only time I would hesitate to use Schaeffer's or any other new tranny fluid is if the tranny fluid has been ran over 100000 miles without being changed.
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Frmr Ford Trans Engr
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 24,722
Likes: 2,648
From: SE Florida
If Schaeffer's has a MERCON or MERCON V rating it will work fine in a stock 4R100. It needs to have the rating, not say for use in transmissions that require MERCON or MERCON V.
If it has the rating it means that Ford tested the fluid and approved it for use in their transmissions. If they say it is for use in transmissions requiring MERCON or MERCON V it means either they didn't pass the Ford test or they didn't submit it for testing.
If it has the rating it means that Ford tested the fluid and approved it for use in their transmissions. If they say it is for use in transmissions requiring MERCON or MERCON V it means either they didn't pass the Ford test or they didn't submit it for testing.
Freshman User
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 36
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Some questions about ATF change (Mercon->Mercon V):
1. Which methods are correct for fluid change (after removing the transmission drain plug and draining the transmission fluid):
Method 1. Apply the break(pedalbreak or handbreak). Start the engine and run it at idle speed for five minutes while shifting through all shift lever positions.
Method 2. Start the engine and run through all gears for a total of five minutes at idle.
- Is idle enough to mix fluids? Or middle speed better?
- What is better: running with break or without break?
Method 3. Start the engine and run at MIDDLE speed through all gears for a total of five minutes.
- Can middle speed (instead of idle) damage the transmission?
2. Is 5 minutes enough to mix fully new fully ATF with old ATF?
3. How many times do you recommend repeat this steps?
1. Which methods are correct for fluid change (after removing the transmission drain plug and draining the transmission fluid):
Method 1. Apply the break(pedalbreak or handbreak). Start the engine and run it at idle speed for five minutes while shifting through all shift lever positions.
Method 2. Start the engine and run through all gears for a total of five minutes at idle.
- Is idle enough to mix fluids? Or middle speed better?
- What is better: running with break or without break?
Method 3. Start the engine and run at MIDDLE speed through all gears for a total of five minutes.
- Can middle speed (instead of idle) damage the transmission?
2. Is 5 minutes enough to mix fully new fully ATF with old ATF?
3. How many times do you recommend repeat this steps?
Frmr Ford Trans Engr
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 24,722
Likes: 2,648
From: SE Florida
Follow the instructions the F350-6 posted. That's the way to do it. One caveat, though. The instructions are a bit out of date. MERCON V has replaced MERCON.
Did you post this in EVERY thread about transmission fluid?
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