60k miles, ??should I change the tranny fluid??

[jakedrew]

Coming up on 60k miles. I had the 30k mile service done at ford and I dont believe they changed the tranny fluid.

In my 94 taurus i didnt touch the tranny fluid now going on 150k miles and it it is fine.

Everyone I can remember changing tranny fluid/ mainly getting it flushed with higher miles has had the tranny crap out on them.

So my 04 explorer I am TORN on what to do. Go ahead and get the tranny fluid/filter changed, or just leave it. No way am i going to get it flushed.

It drives fine, wife complains about it a little but nothing out of the ordinary.

THANKS in advance for the advise.!
jake

 

[thepotroast]

Your sealed tranny shouldn't need a fluid change at 60k miles.

 

[jakedrew]

thanks for the reply. just reading about people on here changing fluid / ford saying like every 30k miles.

made a post to see what other people think about just changing the fluid./filter

 

[thepotroast]

Yep, I see that they say every 30k miles on the maintenance schedule. I'd say that's a bit overkill truly. If you are the original owner of the truck, then I really think it's fine at 60k miles. If you are not the original owner, then you may want to think about changing the fluids.

I bought my 03 used at 65k miles, and the first thing I did was have a shop drain, flush, and replace all fluids...because I didn't know their condition.

 

[EasyRhino]

It is not a matter of a sealed unit, or just the quantitative mileage.

It is the use seen, and temperatures reached.

For example, if you tow, carry heavy loads up mountain grades, idle in stop and go traffic in the desert, etc. etc. A single high heat situation can break down your tranny fluid quickly.

Your Ford dealer should be able to pull the oasis report and tell you if the tranny fluid was changed at the 30K service if you did not retain the service bill.

I would not consider heading beyond 60K without at least changing the fluid, if not flulshing the fluid. These trannies are pretty unforgiving on bad fluid. The longer you wait, the more tenuous the decision process gets.

 

[backfrmcolorado]

60k to every 30k. seem a little much. i pull a 5x8 trailer with a zeroturn and i have a 1994 exploder that hasent been changed in almost 52k.

 

[EasyRhino]

60k to every 30k. seem a little much. i pull a 5x8 trailer with a zeroturn and i have a 1994 exploder that hasent been changed in almost 52k.

But you have a more reliable tranny than the 5R55W/S/N series. Do a search on these turds, you'll understand.

My 1997 Auto tranny was much stronger than my 2002.

(the 5R55x series was built in France - need I say more? They surrender at the first sign of a threat).

It occurs to me that while backfromcolorado has car knowledge, he/you might be posting in the wrong section. I came over from the section that applied to my '97. They might make better use of your knowledge over in that section.

 

[patrick112390]

60k to every 30k. seem a little much. i pull a 5x8 trailer with a zeroturn and i have a 1994 exploder that hasent been changed in almost 52k.

the transmission god will come a calling soon.........

on a lighter note, get it changed every 30k period. were talking about an investment here. dont be cheap. if you get it flushed every 30k- i would not hesitate to flush it at 300k. its people that are infrequent with the flushes that wake up one day and go """i think its time for her first flush @ 160k"""that gives them a bad name after theirs takes a ****. if you would like more info on what the ""flush"" actually consists of, just ask

 

[backfrmcolorado]

damn... the a4ld in the first gen explorers are by far the wekest trans ford had to have ever built. yeah i may have gone 52k but just cuz im afraid to open the damn thing back up. before that it went out on me three times. not going to touch it. just my opinon but yeah not much clue bout the newer ones. i know it is good to do it but disaters can happen.

 

[Squirrelmaster]

The 5R55x transmissions really hate dirty fluid, so frequent fluid changes are critical. Every 30K miles is good, and I don't just recommend it, I do the same myself (I also own two trucks with the 5R55x transmissions).

Tom

 

[jakedrew]

thanks again for the replies.

I owned it since new and towed 2 - 4 wheelers with it and a lawnmower. SO next to nothing for towing.

My thing is FORD added a additive to the fluid at 15k miles that was a recall sorta deal . It helped with the "harsh engagements into reverse/ drive".

so now , getting the fluid changed, how do i go about making sure they add that additive?


Not cheaping out, just wanted to get some opinions as i will never get a tranny flushed, maybe replace the fluid, but flushing is bad news in my eyes.



thanks , jake

 

[sportrac03]

I would change every 60k under normal use and 30k if you due more towing and stuff.

 

[mounty02]

isnt a flush the only you can change the fluid on the 02, just recently had it done on my 02 mountaineer. mechanic said it was the best way to go.:navajo:

 

[EasyRhino]

damn... the a4ld in the first gen explorers are by far the wekest trans ford had to have ever built. yeah i may have gone 52k but just cuz im afraid to open the damn thing back up. before that it went out on me three times. not going to touch it. just my opinon but yeah not much clue bout the newer ones. i know it is good to do it but disaters can happen.

That would be an interesting challenge - which tranny is the weakest, the A4LD or the 5R55W???

I'm putting my money on the 5R55W having had both, but I don't know what the Las Vegas oddsmakers are saying on this one.

Maybe Glacier or Brooklyn Bay can provide some insight on this question (those guys are tranny geniouses IMHO).

 

[jakedrew]

still havent touched the tranny fluid, it has been sitting since march. I will call around about prices.


so I am unsure on what I should have done still, just a fluid change or a complete flush.

thanks

 

[mr2fix2it]

flush it does a better job and changes most of the fluid the additive was for something the fluid was missing from the factory if the service was never done you are way overdue if you have not had trouble with this trans yet you probably will not when additive was being put in they were failing before and after all low milage trucks it was only the 04 truck additive is no longer around so you wont get it put in again the fluid you get put in has what was not in factory fluid hope this helps

 

[kstrayhorn]

If one hasn't been made yet, would someone please make a sticky on the mileages that different things need to be done? i.e. shock/strut replacement, oil change, etc.

 

[LoKo498]

Is a trans flush something I can do myself? I have a 02 explorer xlt with 110,000. I bought it last year with 80,000
Also, where is the dipstick to check the trans fluid? I can't seem to find it.

 

[SteveBarker]

HUH. Our '03 has 127k on it with I'd estimate 15% of that mileage is towing a trailer or boat. Have not even considered having the fluid changed. It works great. I've been curious at times what the fluid might look like but since ford in his infinite wisdom made it so we can't check it...... I guess it will remain a mystery until it drops.

 

[imp]

My '04 Explorer Ford Shop Manual says, regarding 5R55S torque converter: "Remove converter drain plug and drain fluid, if equipped".

My '04 converter has NO DRAIN PLUG in the converter.

So, "changing the fluid" is a moot point, since draining the pan will leave several quarts (at least) of OLD OIL in the converter, to partially contaminate the new oil.

How should we address that fact? imp