Should I change tranny fluid?

[basenjib123]

I just bought a 2002 Explorer 4.0L, 3.73 Axle, Eddie Bauer, 67K miles. I have no owners manual yet. I am a bit confused about the transmission. I understand from some sources that these transmissions need no fluid change for 150K? No dipstick to check? is that right? In any case, if I should get the fluid changed how much would a reasonable charge be? Oh and are the trannies in these things really as bad as they sound on the internet, etc.? I sure would appreciate any tips that you vets may have on this vehicle. I already had one guy tell me that "its the absolute worst Explorer that Ford ever built..by far" Thanks, Joe.

 

[retiredsparky]

change for pease of mind. the only bad x is a dead one.

 

[aldive]

It would be prudent to do a tranny fluid flush and also switch to synthetic ATF.

Good luck .....

 

[Nevea'sExplorer]

I own a regular 2002 XLT and it calls for the transmission fluid to be changed at 60k. If you're anything like me then I change it and the filter just to be on the safe side because I had no idea how the other guy drive it before me.

But Ford calls for the fluid to be changed every 30k miles and the filter at 150k miles.

 

[BrooklynBay]

Welcome to this forum! I would replace the fluid, and filter at the same time. The instructions are in the sticky above called 5R55W fluid fill.

 

[dkkne]

Welcome! Ford suggests not to change it until 100K but for the love of god change it at 50-60K or sooner if you tow. I had shifting issues and took it to a ford dealer who wanted $170 to flush the trans. They said it had to be left there overnight since the trans had to be cold when the flushed it.; That was a line of crap. mI took it over to my buddies oil change shop and hooked the tech2000 machine up through the trans cooler in the radiator and flushed it that way. It was BLACK at 60K of course I towed 5000#'s with it. I would for sure change it every 30-40K if I were you..

Also add an aftermarket cooler to the transmission, it will save it!

 

[Glacier991]

Excellent advice dkkne. I have no issues with a full syn either, except I'd be sure and add friction modifier to it (Lubegard makes an appropriate one). Not all syn's confidently express full MERC V compatibilityand the modifier can't hurt.

 

[trucku]

Flushed my fluid from my 2002 with about 68k miles on it. I don't tow and had the truck since it had 45k miles on it. The fluid was super dark almost black. I didnt put full synthetic tranny fluid yet ( low funds), but used mercon V. It was worth the effort. I did install a remote filter for the tranny too. I have to say the difference is completely noticable in tranny performance. Do it yourself and don't wast money on shop. I did it in the street with 2, 5 gallon buckets, some brass fittings,clear 3/8 tubing and hand fluid pump. Everything worked out fine in the end and I saved lots of money by doing it myself.

 

[DR98]

Hi

Owners manual download go here- Dead Link Removed

Dean

 

[basenjib123]

Thanks for the replies guys..much appreciated! nm

nm