Trans fluid

[thebrakeman]

Short question: Do I need to have my transmission serviced based on my use (see below). If so, pan drop with filter change, or flush?

Vehicle history:
We purchased our '06 Mounty in 2010 with nearly 70,000 miles on it, and it's been a pretty good vehicle for us. The previous owner had all of the fluids changed (rear, center, front, and trans) at around 60,000 miles, as well as the spark plugs (smart dude!). The trans service was a pan drop. They had used the vehicle for occasionally towing a 1-horse trailer.

We tow a travel trailer (loaded weight around 5200 lbs) 2-3 times per year to a local campground (within 1 hour). In 2010, we took at 1900 miles tour around Michigan's Upper Peninsula, and we've had 1 trip another year perhaps 2-3 hours away. Point being, most years, the towing duty is fairly light.

I have not touched the transmission since we purchased, and the truck is nearing 120,000 miles. I'm wondering if this might be the time to have the pad dropped again, but not sure if mine would be considered "severe duty". If not considered severe, maintenance schedules says don't touch it. Can some places inspect the fluid (from the little fill port below), to check the quality? There is no dipstick. If the fluid looks/smells good, maybe I should leave it alone?

 

[D Hook]

From what I've read on this forum, flushing might cause more problems than help anything. I did a pan drop and filter change at 127K and it got rid of a shudder I was having from the trans.

If it were my vehicle, that's what I would do.

 

[BrianDye]

I personally would, (Have 90k on my 06 and am waiting for better weather) but like D Hook mentioned, alot of members have said this can cause issues that weren't there before from flushing the fluid around. (Not specifically the 4th gens, but any transmission really)

 

[decipha]

usually IME trans failures after flushing are due to neglected transmissions getting fresh fluid, if the fluid is burnt or discolored then roll with it and do not touch it, however, if the fluid is still red and not burnt then you shouldn't have any problems replacing it

I don't recommend flushing it, a simple pan drop and replacement of the 6-9 quarts or so that you loose with it will be sufficient with a new filter IMO

 

[swshawaii]

What is a Transmission Flush? Cost & Process
http://www.transmissionrepaircostguide.com/what-is-a-transmission-flush/

Note: Some service centers use machines that add additional force to blast fluid and/or cleaning solution through the system. This is NEVER a good idea as this can damage seals and/or lodge sludge in places it shouldn’t be as mentioned above.

 

[USMCBuckWild]

I had some shudder/stutter issues when I got my 07 Ex at 154k miles. Did a pan drop, filter change and fluid change. Cleaned the issues right up. Swapped the fluid out again 10k later (you only change about 50% of the fluid as the rest is in the trans/torque convertor) and it has been great.

There IS a dipstick. Inside the fill bolt/cap is a small dipstick. Vehicle has to be up to running temp on level ground, crack it open and check the fluid level. BE CAREFULL!! The exhaust is right there, done burn yourself. Also that little plastic dipstick is fragile and breaks easily; ask me how I know.

 

[thebrakeman]

usually IME trans failures after flushing are due to neglected transmissions getting fresh fluid, if the fluid is burnt or discolored then roll with it and do not touch it, however, if the fluid is still red and not burnt then you shouldn't have any problems replacing it

I don't recommend flushing it, a simple pan drop and replacement of the 6-9 quarts or so that you loose with it will be sufficient with a new filter IMO

This is sort of what confuses me. If the fluid is still a nice red color with no burnt odor, doesn't that indicate the fluid is still OK? Why change it? Is it just an opportunity to look inside, and replace the filter?

 

[decipha]

trans fluid breaks down as with any type of lubricant, it doesn't contain additives nor detergents so its not typically going to be discolored unless its overheated or picking up excess friction material.

im sure someone can give you a better answer but me personally, if the fluid is in like new condition don't mess with it, if its beginning to discolor then go ahead and swap it out, ideally just like engine oil you want to replace it before its burnt