All,

I was just reading the maintenance schedule for my 2002 FX4, 5.4L, 4r70w tranny and nowhere does it say to change the tranny fluid. Covers everything else. No way will I not change my fluid every 30K miles. Wassup?

Pete

 

peterbilt - My 2002 Sport 4x4 5.4L doesn't mention it either, but I will change mine at most every 30K, maybe 20K.

 

2002 F150 Fx4 4X4,

Just looked at the PM manual. It lays it all out for you. It's not in the regular OM. You should have got another thinner booklet that lays out the recommended service intervals.

CHANGE AUTO TRANS FLUID EVERY 30K!

 

Go ahead and change it every 30k miles.

 

I remember an article I read a couple of years ago that said ford was going to go with a sealed system on it auto transmissions. They felt that synthetic fluids would last more then?200,000 miles and talk was of removing the dip stick and sealing the transmission against parasitic loss. Does your trans have a fill spout.

 

I had 88,000 on my '97 when I traded it in and never changed the fluid. (yes I bought it new) Never had a singel days probelm out of it. My dad had a '98 with about the same and also no problems. Don't know. I'll admit I don't tow or haul alot and maybe I was just lucky, but...I'll admit that I don't plan on doing this with my new one. I'm gonna go with Amsoil at 20-30 but then after that, who knows?

Kind of on the same subject but my Lexus owners/maintenance manual actually says in there DO NOT change the fluid unless there is a problem or maintenance is performed which opens up the trans... Go figure...

 

Minnstar,

I looked in the thinner book with schedules. It only states to change the fluid in the 4r100 tranny at 30K with Mercon. Nothing for the 4r70. Anyway, I usually change to full synthetic before 20K miles and do routine changes every 20 to 30K. I'm hoping Mobil1 will come out with a Mercon V version. Amsoil is too expensive, but if I have to I will. I typically do my own 100% flushes through the cooler lines. I guess it will work on the Fords this way.

Thanks
Pete

 

I dump the torque converter and pan every 15,000 mi. ( city driving). Recommended is 15,000-30,000 mi. (according to Ford).
If you use a synthetic like Redline the change interv. will be 50,000 mi.

 

i have 214k and still using the original fluid, no problems. new motor at 212k though



97 f150 4x4

 

The new sealed units are out. Not sure if they are on the 150's, but my Sister-in-laws new Mountaineer has no trans dipstick. Crawled under it and looked....there is no way to change the fluid...it is sealed.

Progess ???

-jeff b.

 

There are two ways to change the fluid in the Mountaneer. The most obvious one is to remove the drain plug in the bottom of the transmission pan!

The second, and better, way is to remove a cooler line and let the transmission pump force out the old fluid while connected to a fluid exchange machine. That will force new fluid in to replace the old fluid.

 

Mark Kovalsky,
How would you check the fluid level?

 

It's done similar to a manual. There is a fill plug at the correct level. When fluid stops coming out of the fill, it's full.