2012 ford explorer xlt never changed transmission.

[mason32]

aloha i just purchased a used 2012 ford explorer with 195k miles on it,just found out the previous owner has never done a trans flush or drain since the time they owned, is this a bad thing??? its drives and runs well but wondering if i should do it before problems occur or will they happen bc i did the flush?

 

[Fix4Dirt]

aloha i just purchased a used 2012 ford explorer with 195k miles on it,just found out the previous owner has never done a trans flush or drain since the time they owned, is this a bad thing??? its drives and runs well but wondering if i should do it before problems occur or will they happen bc i did the flush?

welcome to ef!imo trans fluid should be replaced every 30-50k (jusr my opinion) if it tuns fine imo its worth changing it, cause unlikely is there going ti be enough crud built up to "stop a porblem" if in doubt check the fluid to make s ur e it aint burnt or nothin. if it looks fine but just old change it, cheap insurance imo. its unlikely it will cause issues as long as you dont use one of those flush machines, if you want to flush it just change fluid drive a but change again and again as needed

 

[94Eddie]

I recommend servicing the transmission along with the PTU and the rear differential if it is AWD. The PTU is probably the most neglected power train component and needs the most diligent service at 30k mile intervals. In fact, the vehicle probably needs the brake and power steering fluid flushed along with a coolant flush.

 

[94Eddie]

Also, check the cabin air filter. These things can get downright disgusting if they haven't been replaced in a long time.

 

[peterk9]

aloha i just purchased a used 2012 ford explorer with 195k miles on it,just found out the previous owner has never done a trans flush or drain since the time they owned, is this a bad thing??? its drives and runs well but wondering if i should do it before problems occur or will they happen bc i did the flush?

Welcome to the Forum.
Did you get the Owner's Manual with the vehicle?

Peter

 

[RonParise]

My transmission had 300000 miles of neglect, but I cant blame a previous owner. This was all on me

I followed the owners manual and had the transmission serviced at 150000 miles and again at 300000 miles. I thought I was getting a complete fluid change, but no; Each time all they did was a drain and fill (about 4 qts) Thats when I started to do some reading. Realized I might be in trouble. I sent a sample to a lab and then every 10000 miles I did another drain and fill and sent samples to the lab

each lab report showed the wear metals decreasing and the last sample, at (350000 miles) the oil was actually red. The car is now at 375000 miles and Im planning another drain and fill at 380000 miles

 

[94Eddie]

My transmission had 300000 miles of neglect, but I cant blame a previous owner. This was all on me

I followed the owners manual and had the transmission serviced at 150000 miles and again at 300000 miles. I thought I was getting a complete fluid change, but no; Each time all they did was a drain and fill (about 4 qts) Thats when I started to do some reading. Realized I might be in trouble. I sent a sample to a lab and then every 10000 miles I did another drain and fill and sent samples to the lab

each lab report showed the wear metals decreasing and the last sample, at (350000 miles) the oil was actually red. The car is now at 375000 miles and Im planning another drain and fill at 380000 miles

This is a good point to make. It take two back to back fluid drains and refills to exchange about 70%-75% of the old fluid with new.

 

[ncsuengineer256]

My transmission had 300000 miles of neglect, but I cant blame a previous owner. This was all on me

I followed the owners manual and had the transmission serviced at 150000 miles and again at 300000 miles. I thought I was getting a complete fluid change, but no; Each time all they did was a drain and fill (about 4 qts) Thats when I started to do some reading. Realized I might be in trouble. I sent a sample to a lab and then every 10000 miles I did another drain and fill and sent samples to the lab

each lab report showed the wear metals decreasing and the last sample, at (350000 miles) the oil was actually red. The car is now at 375000 miles and Im planning another drain and fill at 380000 miles

375k miles on a 2011 model? That's awesome! You've given me hope that my 2014 will go that far!

Since the 6F50 transmission on mine has the dipstick and drain plug, I just drain and fill every now and then (~15k miles). I'm only at 65k miles on the odometer though. I'm trying to stay ahead of any issues.

 

[94Eddie]

375k miles on a 2011 model? That's awesome! You've given me hope that my 2014 will go that far!

Since the 6F50 transmission on mine has the dipstick and drain plug, I just drain and fill every now and then (~15k miles). I'm only at 65k miles on the odometer though. I'm trying to stay ahead of any issues.

If you are draining and refilling every 15k miles then your transmission should last for a very long time. If your vehicle has AWD then you should drain and refill the PTU every 30k miles and do the same for the differential every 100k miles. The PTUs are heat soaked from the engine and exhaust which is very hard on fluid in them. Also, they use very little fluid (less than a quart) so this makes changing the fluid even more critical.

 

[ncsuengineer256]

If you are draining and refilling every 15k miles then your transmission should last for a very long time. If your vehicle has AWD then you should drain and refill the PTU every 30k miles and do the same for the differential every 100k miles. The PTUs are heat soaked from the engine and exhaust which is very hard on fluid in them. Also, they use very little fluid (less than a quart) so this makes changing the fluid even more critical.

I have the FWD model. No PTU. But great advice for those that do.