Transmission problems after fluid change

[Bill Kemp]

I changed my tranny filter & fluid last week. I do it at least once a year 10 to 12K mi. Now at 102,000.
The next morning it didnt want to go into drive after backing out of the driveway. Also seemed to slip out of gear when I came to a stop. After it warmed up it was OK. I bought another filter and went to change it tonight. I found that the other "new" filter was hanging from the bolt. It was not connected to the pick up line. The o rings wernt holding. I took out the bolt that holds the filter in and put a washer on it that now securely holds the filter in place. Will let you all know in the AM if this corrects the problem but I feel sure it will.
I know this has been a worry in the past and I think this is the solution.
Hope so...

 

[88vert]

Any updates?

 

[Bill Kemp]

Two mornings in a row now and no problems what-so-ever. The loose filter was definetly the problem. Doesnt pick up the fluid for circulation without a secure fit.

 

[Blaine122300]

Sounds like this is my problem too. In the mornings when cold, it won't go into gear right away. I have a 91 with 137k on it, and this just started after my last off roading trip. I probably knocked my filter loose. I guess I have to put a new filter in eh?

I have never done this. Is this fairly easy? do I just need a new gasket and filter and some tranny fluid? All I'm afraid of is getting the fluid to not spill all over the place. What a mess!!

any help appreciated.

Andy

 

[88vert]

just drop one edge of the pan first and take your time I do mine about every 4 months on my ex and with each time I have gotten better my ex shifts alot better too

 

[Blaine122300]

Thanks. How much is a new filter, and HOW MUCH and WHAT KIND of tranny fluid do I replace it with. Like I said, I'm new to the tranny thing.
Thanks,

Andy

 

[88vert]

Tranny filter and fluid should be right around 20 bucks i just go to autozone and get everything you want dex 3 tranny fluid

 

[Opera House]

Filter might be more now

The A4LD for the 4X4 had a metal screen for higher flow rate (about $16)and the 2WD got a composite filter. SPX came out with a physically larger glass fiber filter that is also folded over internally for even more filter area. This filter fits the A4LD through 5R55E. You just have to figure out long (4WD) or short pickup. This new filter is 21.99 at Autozone (Taiwan) and a buck higher at Pep Boys. So they may not stock the old ones anymore. At bulkparts.com they have the American made SPX for about $10. Gasket is 70 cents extra. One big change is that no one supplies the O-rings any more. Last two filters at AZ didn't come with them. Buy 3 extra ceramic magnets at Radio Shack. I always put some extra in the pan.

 

[Blaine122300]

Originally posted by 88vert
Tranny filter and fluid should be right around 20 bucks i just go to autozone and get everything you want dex 3 tranny fluid

Great thanks for your help. But how much do I need. Like 3 qts or something?

Andy

 

[Bill Kemp]

I think yours takes four quarts. I used the Valvoline Max Life for older Vehs.
Spred uot a lot of news paper cause the drips come from all over when the pan is off.
If you plan on keeping the veh. you might want to install a drain plug in the pan to make the next change cleaner & easier. Haynes manual is a good investment also.
Later..

 

[88vert]

I would buy 5 quarts just in case then in about two months do it again and you should pretty much clean the whole system out Good luck

 

[Blaine122300]

You guys are awesome!! I am so glad I am a member of this site. Great advice and tech tips!!

Thanks again

Andy

 

[Snort]

If you've gone to all this work for the filter, I would recommend a complete transmission flush. I just did this for the first time ever, and it has given me much peace of mind. The basic process is to disconnect the return oil line at the cooler, hook up a length of hose to the nipple. Hold the end into a 5 gallon bucket, start the engine and run it in neutral until you start to see air bubbles then shut down. This will drain about 3 to 4 quarts. Repeat this process about 4 or 5 times, until the oil runs clean and red which should take about 16 quarts total. That's the total capacity of the tranny/converter so realistically you're getting probably 90 to 95% of everything in there replaced.

 

[ajevenson]

To clarify, you disconnect the left line (when you're underneath), hook up a 1 or 2 foot length of 5/16 hose to the nipple and let it fall down into a 5gallon bucket that you have marked off every half gallon so that you know how much is coming out and how much to put back in. Shut off immediately after you see the first bubbles!!! If you run it longer you run the risk of the tranny not cycling fluid. We did this the first time and after I had replaced the 4 litres that had come out I started the engine and I had no tranny for some time. I cycled through the gears with nothing happening and we got quite worried!! Eventually after shutting the truck off and restarting it several times it started to suck again and pump fluid out.

 

[Opera House]

This also works nice for changing the filter

Pump about two quarts out and there isn't as big a mess when you change the filter. I was going to weld in a plug but every hole is a potential disaster. I hate to recommend things like this because because someone always comes back and says their transmission blew up. You guys with an A4LD should be changing the O-rings on the reverse/low servo.

You can also add about 2 extra quarts to the pan when doing the flush. This lets you pump more out each time.

 

[dogfriend]

There was a thread on this not long ago: Dead Link Removed

I bought the filter for my 5R55E at the Ford dealer and it cost $38.20 but it included the o-rings and the pan gasket. The filter has the woven glass material.

I'm planning to add an external filter also, but I haven't found the time to install it yet.

I needed 4 qts to make up for the fluid lost dropping the pan. I used 11 qts total to flush most of the old out.

 

[Opera House]

Save $$$$$$$ online

The same filter is now used for the A4LD through the 5R55E and is only $10.35 at bulkparts.com. Even with $7.50 shipping it is less than the $21.99 + tax that Autozone charges for the Taiwan one. Other online places are cheaper but this is a really good filter. This filter is the glass filter Microfelt one from SPX/FILTRAN and is American made. This is the recomended replacement for the metal screen ones used in the older A4LD. Filter area is about tripple of the old style. They have the patent on the design and probably made the Ford one.