Automatic transmission oil change.

[juicemanfta]

So I want to do my first AT oil change, but after reading the posts in here I decided to give ford a call to see how much they would charge to do it.

Ford wants $200 CAN + $60 for Mobil 1. They said there is no filter so the strainer would be cleaned out with the system they have.

They also said they would use a cleaner to flush the AT, isn’t this bad? I read somewhere that using this can clog up the ‘strainer’ and eventually choke the AT from oil flow.

Should I ask them not to use this? should I use the original oil instead of the Mobil 1? The reason why I asked this is because I read it is not good to mix oil (some of the old oil ma remain in the AT after the change)

 

[97awdx]

How many miles on it?
It is true a cleaner can loosen up junk and cause more harm than good.

 

[juicemanfta]

i have 111,000KM on it. if it would cause more problems, why does ford do it?

 

[bullsiberry]

Hey juicemanfta, have an 02 X-Sport just turned 106,00kms and debating if I will take it to dealer or not. Halifax dealer is 200 bucks as well, MAY attempt myself but still debating. Will keep an eye on this for any updates/thanks.

 

[pa944red]

There really is no filter? I will have to check my last invoice from when the '02 trans decided to eat itself and Ford replaced everything in the case.

bullsiberry, I see you are from Nova Scotia, ever hear of Bear River? My great-grandfather is from there and my family has a cabin on a lake about 45 minutes from there. I can't wait to go back up next year.

Tom

 

[DirtyDog]

juicemanfta- there is a filter in there, I can find the part number if you want it. And just so you and bullsiberry know, the 4 door and Sport have different transmissions.

 

[bullsiberry]

Hi pa944red and DirtyDog great to hear from you. I have been to Bear River many many years ago, some absolutely beautiful county down that way for sure! I would think they get alot of snow there as compared to us city folk.
DirtyDog my research has reveled is I have 5r55e trans with dipstick so I believe this is a non-sealed unit ? Wanted my mechanic to do fluid/filter change but dealer told him he needed that special tool to drain and replace fluid so in limbo for now. Greatly appreciate any info you can pass along / thank you.

 

[DirtyDog]

DirtyDog my research has reveled is I have 5r55e trans with dipstick so I believe this is a non-sealed unit ? Wanted my mechanic to do fluid/filter change but dealer told him he needed that special tool to drain and replace fluid so in limbo for now. Greatly appreciate any info you can pass along / thank you.

You are correct on the transmission type you have. The dealer must have mistaken your Explorer for a 2002 4 door, which has a 5R55W transmission. The 5R55W does require a special tool to re-fill the transmission with oil. Yours does not require any special tools to fill it up again, you just simply fill it through the dip stick tube. And to drain either one you simply pull the pan off.

 

[bullsiberry]

Thanks for confirming my trans type DirtyDog, wasn't 100% sure on that. Is it true you only get 3 or 4 liters drain out of a total of 10 ( think total fluid amount is 10 ltrs. ) with dropping pan ? If so what's your thoughts on doing this say every other month to change as much old fluid as possible, overall job doesn't seem that difficult. Have read to be careful not to over torque pan bolts, anything tricky about removing/replacing filter unit?

 

[aldive]

Just do a DIY flush to change all the ATF.

Its a simple task.

Good luck .....

 

[IvanSvea]

Aldive - Fill me in on the steps for the DIY ATF change and flush. Is there a post or thread here with the details?

What brand/type ATF is prefered these days? Synthetic? Basic Motorcraft?

My stock '07 Limited just turned 27,000mi and I'm thinking it's time to change the ATF with the next oil change. I've used the Castrol Syntech blend in everything I own (except the Honda XR) with good results.

 

[juicemanfta]

MY AT is a seal one (with no dip stick), and if by dropping the cover would only loose 50% of the oil, i rather do it by ford. But i have to make sure that there is no filter (DirtyDog). if there is one i need them to change. Any information on the cleaning solutions? is it a good idea or not?

 

[DirtyDog]

When I got the tranny flushed on my 02 4-door, I got it done at National Transmission. They had called me and asked if I wanted them to clean the filter that was in there or wait until they could find one because they didn't stock one. I called my parts guy at the stealership and he had one there so I bought it and took it to National so they could do the flush.


I can not find the part number here so I can call the parts guy tomorrow and get it if you would like.

Edit: juicemanfta, you should list the year and trim package of your Explorer under your name as it helps us by knowing this info.

 

[juicemanfta]

Thanks DirtyDog. i would do and please let me know the part #.

 

[IvanSvea]

So, the '07 has neither a dipstick nor a drain plug. Geuss I have to drop the pan. CLean it out, refill with as much as I can, then do the cooler flush trick.

 

[DirtyDog]

Not to many transmissions have drain plugs. And to check the level of fluid instead of a dipstick, there is a plug on the side of the tranny you'll need to take out just like checking your diff or t-case fluid.

 

[DirtyDog]

The part number he gave me was FT-140. I don't know how legit that is cause my regular parts guy wasn't there today.

 

[DirtyDog]

You can also chech this page for the part number.

 

[juicemanfta]

Thanks DirtyDog, found it...

FT140 Automatic Transmission Filter Kit
4.6L SOHC
VALVE BODY - MAIN CONTROL & SERVO'S - 5R55W TRANS

 

[rickyrivera1]

So guys...i have an 02 Eddie Bauer...and i'm kind of lost. Does the 5R55W tranny use the filter list below?

Thanks DirtyDog, found it...

FT140 Automatic Transmission Filter Kit
4.6L SOHC
VALVE BODY - MAIN CONTROL & SERVO'S - 5R55W TRANS