Transmission service - Diesel Forum

jmurray3612 · 08-19-2006, 04:23 PM

I know this subject has been beat to death. However; I just don't know what to do. I can not seem to find any guideance from Ford. The manuel says "service the transmission at 30000 miles" What is the recommended method for serviceing the transmission. One ford dealership stated just change the external filter and flush the entire system. Another dealership stated to change the external filter then drain and re fill. Both stated no need to change the internal filter.

I have been thinking of changing the external and internal filter myself then re filling driving a few hundred miles then draining and re filling again. What does everyone think.

6453 · 08-19-2006, 05:31 PM

I'm not at that point yet but when I do get there I would change both filters and fluid. Dosen't it seem if you don't that the service is only half done??? When it came from the factory it had new fluid and fiters.

jmurray3612 · 08-19-2006, 05:54 PM

It sure does. But why doen't ford just recommend it. Most dealerships just want to change the external filters. The tech i have used with over good sucess says it is not necessary to do the internal filter. He says it really is not a filter more of a screen that never plug up.. Just a wast of time and money.

sicaj · 08-19-2006, 06:50 PM

[ QUOTE ]
It sure does. But why doen't ford just recommend it. Most dealerships just want to change the external filters. The tech i have used with over good sucess says it is not necessary to do the internal filter. He says it really is not a filter more of a screen that never plug up.. Just a wast of time and money.

[/ QUOTE ]If a tech give you his honest opinion,how come you don't take his advice.I just sold a truck with over 155,000 miles and NEVER changed the internal filter.I changed the fluid at 30,000 miles and the external filter every 10,000.I hope this helps you make a decision!Good Luck! [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif[/img]

jeffery712 · 08-19-2006, 10:57 PM

I've got 51K on my trans. Dealer has never recommended a trans fluid nor filter change. I need to do this myself. Where's the external filter and do I need to drop the pan?

barrelhorses · 08-19-2006, 11:37 PM

I just had the dealer flush my trans. But they didn't recommend changing the external filter yet. I thought that was B.S. since the manual clearly says to change it. I have a filter here and will try to change it in a couple of weeks when I do the fuel filters.

The external filter on mine is located toward the front passenger side of the engine. I believe the best access for it will be to crawl under the front of the truck, near the passenger side tire.

william_04_X · 08-19-2006, 11:52 PM

this one should be a sticky...

JimJoe · 08-20-2006, 03:41 AM

Mine was done at 30k. Dealer said that there was a lot of rubbish in the transmission fluid. Whatever he meant with rubbish.

Jim

jeffery712 · 08-20-2006, 10:34 AM

if I decide to have the dealer do it. What should I get ready to put out for the service?

jeffery712 · 08-20-2006, 09:47 PM

Is there an international part number for the remote trans filter?

OMCUSNR · 08-20-2006, 11:29 PM

IF....

I...

had a torqueshift, I'd do a pan drop (8qts), and external filter at 30, and a full fluid replacement at 60k (20 qts). The internal filter is a metal screen, and needs to be inspected & possibly cleaned, bu not replaced.

I don't tow heavy or drive in severe conditions, like heavy stop/go, dust, etc, so I figure the fluid should be in good shape to 60k.

If you drag race, sled pull, have a chip or tuner, all bets are off, and service should be done on a much sooner basis.

barrelhorses · 08-21-2006, 05:58 AM

[ QUOTE ]
if I decide to have the dealer do it. What should I get ready to put out for the service?

[/ QUOTE ]

I checked out my invoice from a couple weeks ago. It was $188 [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/eek.gif[/img], not counting the external filter. I'm going to change the external filter myself. From this point on, I'm going to drain/refill and change external filters at 20K intervals.

FamilyRide · 08-21-2006, 10:32 AM

[ QUOTE ]
if I decide to have the dealer do it. What should I get ready to put out for the service?

[/ QUOTE ]

Think mine was about $150 for the dealer to to the flush.

william_04_X · 08-21-2006, 09:05 PM

consider that Mercon SP is about $5 a quart, and it takes about 20 qts to do a good flush, plus another $20 for the external filter if you do it at home...

jeffery712 · 08-21-2006, 09:45 PM

Dealer quoted me $199 for the flush and and addional $101 for the remote filter change. Asked twice about the remote filter and yes it was $101!! I think that I will have the dealer flush and I'll change the remote filter for $14.