Automatic Tranny

[apache437]

Anyone ever been told by the local Ford dealer that your transmission fluid is too black to change and that they have a policy to not change the filter anymore?? My wife took our '02 XLT to the local dealer and they told her just that. WTH?? Is this common for our beloved sealed tranny? We'll be going to a tranny shop. Bet they will do it. If not can this be done at home?

 

[jay_there84]

I've heard the same thing about the filter. You can do it yourself there are some videos on you tube and some step by step instructions on the web. Also I've heard that some tranny shops won't touch our transmission. But best thing is call around, do some research and see what's best for you.

 

[apache437]

Thanks, I'll check it out.

 

[bizzs]

That is pretty bazar that the dealer wouldn't help you out. Those guys like to rake one over the coals. Maybe they seen something that they didn't want to chance, or get involved in? You can do the job yourself for less than $100.00. Go to ford.com and type in you VIN number to see what type of transmission is in the explorer. There are different types of filters for different transmission models. Make sure you purchase the right filter. Use the search button on this website, or youtube and review the great write ups on how to change the fluid. You will notice that there is no dip stick and you will have to get a small valve adapter to screw into the bottom of the transmission pan, and a handpump to pump the new fluid back up into the pan. (the directions are pretty thorough on this wonderful website.) You can get these accessories at you local hardware or autoparts store. Its a fairly easy simple procedure to do.

Good luck,
Bizzs

 

[borland]

let someone else type themself smart.

 

[turborich]

Just to clear something up, the transmission shouldn't really be called a "closed system" It's no different than any other transmission except for the fill location is on the transmission pan itself.

It's very similar to the way that a manual transmission would be filled with gear oil, same basic idea.

Anyways, If your transmission fluid is really black or burnt then doing a transmission service may cause more harm than good. It's really a toss up. If you do decide to have it serviced I would very strongly recommend that you only drop the pan, replace the filter and refill with Mercon V trans fluid. I would not do a transmission flush if your fluid is dark, burnt smelling, if your trans is experiencing any problems or if it hasn't been serviced on a regular basis.

here's some good info. http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=353414

 

[home4sale2]

Except Ford in its infinite wisdom decided to break the laws of gravity and therefore need a pump or turn the car on a rotisserie and fill it right up. Is this a general direction where manufacturers are going? This supposed "sealed system" with no dipstick?

 

[turborich]

Yes, It's not just Ford, It's many vehicle manufactures. Like I said, It's no different than a manual transmission. No dipstick there either. Same as a rear differential, transfer case, etc. Not really a big deal like people make it out to be. You need a hand pump to fill your transfer case & rear diff, Now you can add the trans to the list as well.

If you can change your oil or your brake pads then you can easily service the transmission fluid & filter.

 

[apache437]

Thanks for all the replies, I've been warned about the flush before the wife took it to the dealer, all I wanted was a fluid and filter change. Can anyone tell me why a dealer won't change a filter in a tranny as a (new) policy? And I can't wrap my head around a fluid beeing too black to change. Details, please... I'm an airplane mechanic by trade (no automatic trannys in a jet) so I can understand the technical stuff... just be gentle.

 

[D Hook]

It's possible they have a history of having to replace/repair transmissions in the past that have had this service done by their mechanics, only to be held liable later when the transmission starts to slip or stops working all together. Given all the problems these cars have with that tranny, I bet they just said "No more!" and let other trans. shops do the work. If the fluid is dark, indicating it's been overheated, they may have experience saying "don't touch it" because it's likely to fail soon and they don't want to be on the hook.

Can't say I blame them too much. I asked my local dealer about doing a flush and he recommended against it, since everything was working just fine. But I think they'd drop the pan and change the filter if I asked them.