Trans Fluid change

[whycuz]

I have a 92 XLT with an automatic trans.

I want to change the transmission fluid but am not sure if I should
have the pan dropped and filter changed or goto JiffyLube and have them
disconnect the tranny line and pump new fluid in that way.

Also, do the torque convertors on the Exploeres have a drain plug,
My garage told me it would cost another $50 to drain the convertor and replace that fluid.

Thanks

 

[aldive]

Originally posted by whycuz
I have a 92 XLT with an automatic trans.

I want to change the transmission fluid but am not sure if I should
have the pan dropped and filter changed or goto JiffyLube and have them
disconnect the tranny line and pump new fluid in that way.

Also, do the torque convertors on the Exploeres have a drain plug,
My garage told me it would cost another $50 to drain the convertor and replace that fluid.

Thanks

This really depends on whether you will be changing to synthetic fluid or not. The drop pan method will not get all the fluid out and you will not get a full synthetic load.

Further, if you havn't changed the filter in a very long time, you might want to drop the pan for that and then flush the remaining fluid, Jiffy Lube and other like places will do it for you.

I highly recommend the synthetic fluid.

Good luck....

 

[Ray Hutchinson]

Trans Fluid

Whycuz,

Sorry, but Explorer torque converters don't have drain plugs.

The only way to get all the fluid changed is to have it flushed through, with the cooler line disconnect method.

I still reccomend dropping the pan and changing the filter, even if you flush through. Depending on the type of driving you do, and the ambient temps where you are, you may need to service the tranny a lot more often than the owner's manual says. Since I offroad a lot in the hot So. Cal desert, I have mine serviced, including filters and full flush, about every 10,000 miles, or about every 4th oil change. It's cheap insurance compared to the cost of a new or rebuilt tranny.

 

[ChrisHeapy]

Re: Trans Fluid

Originally posted by Ray Hutchinson
Whycuz,

Sorry, but Explorer torque converters don't have drain plugs.

The only way to get all the fluid changed is to have it flushed through, with the cooler line disconnect method. .....

OK, maybe a stupid question, but seeing one isn't supplied I wonder if there is a convenient position to *make* a drain hole. It doesn't need be large - even a 1/4" would do if not in a hurry. Then the hole just needs tapping and a suitable plug making up. Anyone done this?

I read the tips on disconnecting the cooler lines and flushing through that way, seems a lot of trouble tho.

Chris

 

[AgExplorer]

If you want to change the fluid yourself and do a complete change out, go to Dead Link Removed. I also recommend using synthetic, particularly AMSOIL. Lasts longer, runs cooler and the tranny will shift better.

 

[aldive]

Re: Re: Trans Fluid

Originally posted by ChrisHeapy


OK, maybe a stupid question, but seeing one isn't supplied I wonder if there is a convenient position to *make* a drain hole. It doesn't need be large - even a 1/4" would do if not in a hurry. Then the hole just needs tapping and a suitable plug making up. Anyone done this?

I read the tips on disconnecting the cooler lines and flushing through that way, seems a lot of trouble tho.

Chris

Adding a drain is definately not a good idea.

Take yout truck to Jiffy Lub or the like, and let them do this job.

 

[sink]

I am far from the trans expert, but agree that making a hole in the converter is not a good idea at all. The TC runs very close tolerance vanes inside. You don't want to drill into there. Most of all, drilling and plugging will throw off your TC balance. Very slight imbalalnce at engine rpm will be bad. This will in time destroy the TC and likely the front trans bearing.

 

[TDG]

Synthetic fluids and transmission maintenance

It never ceases to amaze me how many people there are who change their engine oil religiously every 3000 miles and never even think about touching the transmission. I guess most think that if it doesn’t have a drain plug then it must not need changing.

I like to change the fluid about every 10,000 miles, which is about 4 times a year with my job. Even though dropping the pan is a really messy job looking at what is in the bottom can give you a good indication of how much longer your transmission might last. Personally I like to use synthetic fluids, everyone has their own opinion about whether they are good or bad and there are plenty of other threads on the subject, however during the first life cycle (190,000miles) of the transmission in my 92 I never was able to kill it and I have been using synthetics in it since it had 6000 miles on it. The only reason I had it rebuilt was that I cant afford a break down. (At least not one that isn’t covered under a warranty) Most of the parts that came out of the transmission were still within factory tolerance, which for 190,000 miles isn’t bad at all.