Tranny Flush?

[blackout881]

I recently purchased a 2004 4.0 Eddie Bauer with 73k. Mint condition, everything is beautiful on the truck cosmeticly and mechanicly. I plan on towing a small 14' fishing boat this summer once a week, about a 60 mile round trip. Right now the transmission shifts fine, but should i have it flushed before the summer? I read in the manual that it doesnt need the transmission flushed until 150k...which sounded crazy to me! One thing i really dont like about these trucks is there is no transmission dipstick to inspect the fluid..they sort of force you to go to the dealer. Do you guys think i should flush my transmission for the hell of it at 73k, or wait a while? Around what does it cost at the dealer to get it done? I have a 60 dollar credit on my ford owner advantage card to put towards it, and i get my first oil change free at the dealer so i was thinking of maybe getting the flush and oil change done next week if it is worth it..

 

[Carguy3J]

Well, I wouldn't say it's "for the hell of it". It's called preventative maintenance.

Yes, especially if you are going to tow with it, and especially not having a dipstick to routinely check the level, and quality of the fluid. I would suggest having it flushed and refilled with some top quality synthetic fluid. Mobil 1 makes a good tranny fluid,that is fully compatible with the Mercon V required in your trans. Of course, have them change the trans filter as well. I'm sure some people will chime in, telling you to just leave it alone. Well, that's just sticking your head in the sand, and hoping for the best. It is not the way to properly maintain a vehicle. So, do it.

Also, since you are planning on towing, it might be a good idea to add an additional trans cooler. Granted, the boat you described isn't really that much of a load, but towing does create heat, and heat breaks down fluid and kills transmissions.

 

[gtyates]

I am so cautious I had mine done at 50k. I can service the transmission quite a bit and still spend less than a rebuild. And the lack of a dipstick is becoming very common now. My Brother's Murano is the same way.

 

[jrfarve]

i did mine at 120k and mine went out right after! fml