Transmission service
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 349
Likes: 0
From: MN
Transmission service
I have about 75,000 miles on my 5spd automatic. I had it routine service one time before and it was, according to the owners manual, due for service at 6x,xxx miles. So it is time again.
My Ford dealer says it is $339 to change the internal, external filters and flush and fill the fluid. My local Aamco transmission shop says $180.
What do you guys think?
My Ford dealer says it is $339 to change the internal, external filters and flush and fill the fluid. My local Aamco transmission shop says $180.
What do you guys think?
Elder User
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 828
Likes: 0
From: ca
I don't see why they would HAVE to. May be why they are less expensive. I would call and ask what they will use just to double check. Ask if you can bring your own mercon sp and external filter. I wouldn't use anything but a motorcraft or racor filter...but that's just me
Elder User
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 828
Likes: 0
From: ca
69cj is correct, at some point you have to do a flush. Drain is a drain.
Trending Topics
Senior User
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 438
Likes: 0
From: Colorado Springs
I disagree that all must flush at some point in time. The fluid in the pan is in the same condition as the fluid in the rest of the tranny. If you're draining/replacing the external filter and pan fluid at routine intervals, and the fluid is holding in good shape through each interval, no need to do anything different. I have heard that the internal filter should be changed around 120k, but that can be done relatively easy along with the pan drain.
If you have work done or experience tranny problems, then yes, a proper flush may be in order. Also, if you ignore your fluid such that it gets in really bad shape, flush too.
Mark
If you have work done or experience tranny problems, then yes, a proper flush may be in order. Also, if you ignore your fluid such that it gets in really bad shape, flush too.
Mark
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer
Joe Kucinski
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)
Brett Foote
Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies
Joe Kucinski
AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make
Brett Foote
Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!
Michael S. Palmer
Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home
Verdad Gallardo
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!
Joe Kucinski
2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road: Better Than a Raptor R?
Brett Foote
2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package First Look: 12 Things You NEED to Know!
Michael S. Palmer
Hotshot
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 17,398
Likes: 317
From: Whittier, CA
Bill
Hotshot
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 17,398
Likes: 317
From: Whittier, CA
Shortly after I got my truck I called the local Aamco for a quote on flushing my tranny. The guy shot back at me with a number, like $99 or something. I knew that couldn't be right since the fluid alone was more than that, so I started asking him questions. He had no idea that it took a dealer only fluid, he had no idea there was an external filter, and it became clear that I had embarrased him with my questions, so he said he would check into it and call me back. Good on him that he did just that. He discovered that the fluid was dealer only and that the external filter was a cartridge and kind of expensive. After all that his price wasn't too bad really, but my confidence level had hit zero. Turned out that a local Ford dealer did it for less money anyway, all except for the filter.
I hate to think what would have happened if I had just dropped my truck off at Aamco without having done my homework here at FTE.
So, I won't try to steer you away from Aamco, but would advise you to get everything in writing and ask to see the receipt from where they buy the fluid. They cannot get it anywhere else but from Ford, so they should have one. Then I would stand around and watch what they do.
Bill
I hate to think what would have happened if I had just dropped my truck off at Aamco without having done my homework here at FTE.
So, I won't try to steer you away from Aamco, but would advise you to get everything in writing and ask to see the receipt from where they buy the fluid. They cannot get it anywhere else but from Ford, so they should have one. Then I would stand around and watch what they do.
Bill
Senior User
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 438
Likes: 0
From: Colorado Springs
Mark
Frmr Ford Trans Engr
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 24,722
Likes: 2,648
From: SE Florida
I think you're right, I do recommend a flush.
Are the additives still good or are they worn out? How is the fluid viscosity? Is it still in spec? Without a fluid analysis how would you know? The answer is you can't. The fluid can look brand new and still need to be changed. There is no way to look at fluid and know if it's good or not. You can tell by looking when fluid is really bad, but you can't tell if it needs to be changed by looking at it.
Are the additives still good or are they worn out? How is the fluid viscosity? Is it still in spec? Without a fluid analysis how would you know? The answer is you can't. The fluid can look brand new and still need to be changed. There is no way to look at fluid and know if it's good or not. You can tell by looking when fluid is really bad, but you can't tell if it needs to be changed by looking at it.