Changing auto transmission fluid

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Mar 5, 2009 | 06:43 AM

150ford

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From: nebraska

Changing auto transmission fluid

Hey guys whats up? I have about three auto trannys that need a filter an fluid change. I want to do the right thing an service it right. Should I do this myself or let a shop do it. Input guys. Thanks for any help.

Mar 5, 2009 | 07:26 AM

Lazy K

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It is not that hard to do yourself. The problem is does the trans let you drain the torque converter? If it does then I would not hesitate to do the job myself using only Ford filters.
However if the TC cannot be drained then I would probably think of a flush.
I should also say it is not the most pleasant job in the world but not that difficult either.

Mar 5, 2009 | 08:02 AM

Mark Kovalsky

Frmr Ford Trans Engr

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From: SE Florida

And here's how to do it:

https://www.ford-trucks.com/article/...nsmission.html

One thing that needs updating is the MERCON has been discontinued. MERCON V has been changed to be compatible with transmissions that used to use MERCON, so now you need MERCON V for most transmissions.

Mar 5, 2009 | 01:12 PM

la drill chris

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torqshift service

just signed up for the forum because i have been very enlightened by just browsing. i take care of a fleet that includes 4 trucks with the 6.0 powerstroke and torqshift transmission. with times getting tough and budgets tightening up around the shop i may dig in to doing transmission servicing on these vehicles (escpecially 05' F-550 that does majority of towing).

does anybody have tech tips on doing a service on the torqshift?

Mar 6, 2009 | 11:51 AM

Lazy K

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Quote:

Originally Posted by la drill chris

I am pretty sure it was covered a few weeks ago by Mark Kovalsky. Do a search here and you should find it. Good luck.

Mar 6, 2009 | 10:04 PM

Mark Kovalsky

Frmr Ford Trans Engr

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From: SE Florida

You can use the procedure I wrote in the Tech articles for the 4R100, EXCEPT you MUST use MERCON SP, and the trans needs to be warmed up to at least 170F. You should also warm up the new ATF.

The TorqShift has an internal thermostat. If that thermostat gets below 170F it will close off the flow to the coolers by 90%. If that happens your new fluid will be mixed with the old fluid in the trans instead of the old fluid being pumped out.

Most places that flush a TorqShift with a machine use a machine that heats the fluid. That's the best way to do it.

Mar 8, 2009 | 07:33 PM

la drill chris

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the more advice i get for this trans service, the more i am leaning toward letting a tech handle the job. from what i gather, the torque converter does not have a drain (because it is a later year superduty) so the system needs to be flushed. the proper procedure uses a machine to heat the fluid to allow a full flush of the system. and most importantly, the torqshift's performance is outstanding so far and i don't want to disrupt that. not that i don't enjoy a good challenge with the wrench but there is something about transmissions that make me nervous. if it were a simple fluid and filter change i wouldn't hesitate.

thanks for the good advice. i'll test our (overly priced) mechanic on what type of method he uses. should i have him clean or replace the internal filter? this particular truck has missed a scheduled trans service and does a good amount of towing.