Change Transmission Fluid?
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Freshman User
Joined: Jul 1999
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Change Transmission Fluid?
When should I change the transmission fluid on my '99 5.4l Expy 4x4? I don't take it off road. I can't find in the book the recommended interval (although I would probably do it more often anyway). Can I do it myself? (I do my own oil). I've heard too many stories of failed transmissions in the 5.4l class of Ford trucks that I don't want to take any chances.
Thanks.
Pierre
Thanks.
Pierre
New User
Joined: Aug 1999
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Change Transmission Fluid?
I normally do it every 30,000 miles and our 1994 Ford with the 5.8L is still shifting as good as new after 70k miles and towing. ANy other questions feel free to ask..we own 2 Fords and I'd be glad to help anyone out with questins. I have a 1995 Explorer XLT and a 1994 Ford E-150
Freshman User
Joined: Jul 1999
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Change Transmission Fluid?
About 30K is good interval, make sure you use the Mercon V semi-synthetic fluid. Also, if you have not already got one installed put a transmission cooler on. This will save your tranny more than anything. Use the stacked plate design not the finned tube design, they are more efficient.
Richard
Richard
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Joined: Jun 2000
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Change Transmission Fluid?
dont use mercon 5, :-staun unless your trans uses mercon 5. and they didnt start using that untill late 2001. the mercon III is not at all compatible with mercon V. you cant just change fluid types just because!!! you will have lots of problems and lots of leaks
Senior User
Joined: Aug 2001
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Change Transmission Fluid?
I have a '95 Explorer and I have never changed the transmission fluid. The transmission works great still. This summer it's going to be changed since I will have 60,000 miles on it. I've heard that iti is good until 90,000 miles though.
Elder User
Joined: Oct 2001
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Change Transmission Fluid?
The biggest problem with automatic transmissions is they really hate heat. If you tow often or haul heavy loads, or even sit in stop-n-go traffic a lot, I wouldn't go more than 30k between changes. The heat breaks down the hydraulic fluid (tranny fluid), and then the tranny suffers from the lack of fluid protection and also has to work more to do the same job. IMO, changing the fluid often will result in longer tranny life, and if you have priced a new tranny, the cost of fluid changes is very small compared to a new tranny. I have changed my tranny fluid roughly every 30k, with a new filter. We now have 145k on our Bronco, and it shifts very well and runs smoothley. It needs a new transmission mount, but not too much to ask for.
Also, if you change your fluid or have it changed, make sure they drain the converter. You will find half of your fluid is stored in there, and just draining the pan is only doing half the job. It would be like only changing half the oil in your engine.
Also, if you change your fluid or have it changed, make sure they drain the converter. You will find half of your fluid is stored in there, and just draining the pan is only doing half the job. It would be like only changing half the oil in your engine.
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