Replacing transmission pan filter and adding Lucas Oil Transmission Fix

[roboman]

Hey guys,

I have a 2003 Ranger with the 4.0L and 5 speed automatic, so it's the same setup as a 2002-2005 Explorer or Mountaineer. I want to drop the tranny pan, replace the filter, and put in some fresh fluid. I have an inconsistent hard shift from 2-3 that I am hoping this will fix, along with adding some Lucas Oil Transmission fix fluid. If I add that in with the new fluid after putting in a new filter, how much of the Lucas Oil treatment should I use? I have heard that even though you don't get 100% of the old fluid out by leaving the torque converter alone, that it's usually sufficient when just replacing the fluid from the pan. Am I correct that it'll be about 3 qts that will come from the pan, so then how much of the treatment should I add in with the new fluid?

Thanks

 

[JoshMcMadMac]

Usually it is more like 4-5 quarts, and it is better to have too much than not enough. The system should hold over thee gallons, so one pan drop only gets about a third of the old fluid. Be careful adding the Lucas; when I had a 5R55 rebuilt, the specialist that did it said he would only add it on an already warmed transmission. Also, check the tail of the transmission, up on the passenger side. Some have a fill plug there, which is a lot easier than pumping fluid back through the drain plug.

Your symptoms are more indicative of servo bore wear, or possibly the solenoids.