Debating Transmission Fluid Change

[elkbuster]

My 2003 Explorer XLT has about 115K miles on it and the trans fluid has never been changed. The Chilton's manual says the service interval is at 150K. The vehicle and transmission are running great but a friend recommended I do a transmission flush. Based on what I have read here so far and other places that may not be a good idea. I would appreciate hearing from some members who have some knowledge about this. Should I "keep on trucking" or have the fluid changed. I would hate to create a problem where one does not presently exist. I have received great information (thermostat housing and power window repairs) here in the past and would appreciate any insights.

 

[DAT05EXPLODER]

at that mileage don't do a flush, but definitely changed the fluid and filter. 150k interval is absolutely absurd and ford had wishful thinking.

 

[roush9799]

I've heard both ways. Sometimes on high mileage vehicles it will create trouble when you start servicing the trans. I'm a believer in doing it frequently, or not doing it all on the trans.

 

[Exproblems]

My 2003 Explorer XLT has about 115K miles on it and the trans fluid has never been changed. The Chilton's manual says the service interval is at 150K. The vehicle and transmission are running great but a friend recommended I do a transmission flush. Based on what I have read here so far and other places that may not be a good idea. I would appreciate hearing from some members who have some knowledge about this. Should I "keep on trucking" or have the fluid changed. I would hate to create a problem where one does not presently exist. I have received great information (thermostat housing and power window repairs) here in the past and would appreciate any insights.

You'll have to make the final decision on whether or not to change the tranny fluid at this stage (115k mileage), I'm not telling you what to do here, but from everything I have read in here on this issue, is to change the pan fluid and filter only. "Don't do" the complete system flush and fluid change, torque converter included. Chilton's is nuts with the 150K first time service interval, but most in here would recommend doing it every 30K miles, filter and pan fluid change. If you decide to do it, then you might want to consider changing the transfer case fluid as well.

 

[jp450]

I think the filter is suposed to be changed at 150K mi. Regular service, or a flush, should be done every 30k.

 

[roush9799]

How much fluid is in the pan of these? Is it possible to take the pan out and put the same amount of fluid back in and get the pan back on without taking the plug out, and having to refill it thru the hole? Plug looks really rusty on mine, and I need to take the pan off to get at the filter anyways.

 

[DAT05EXPLODER]

i usually get about 5-7 quarts out. you could get away with a few quarts and real steady hands before having to use the tool.

a new plug from the dealer is $10-15