Hello All,

I am thinking about having the transmission fluid replaced now that I'm at 30,000 miles.

I don't tow so it doesn't get abused or worked hard, but I still think it'd be a good idea.

Here are my options:

1. Valvoline Quick Stop:
$89.99
Drop the pan, run a cleaner through and replace the fluids


2. Dealership:
$150
Hook something inline on the system, don't drop the pan so as to not break that seal at only 30,000 miles, run cleaner through and replace fluids


The dealership said it won't price match Valvoline or come down on their price. They said it's better to not have the pan dropped and to have an experienced "journey" technician do the work instead of going to valvoline or even the dealerships quick lane.

What do you guys think? Is breaking the seal on the pan that bad at low mileage? Is there work really going to be worth the extra $60? $150 sounds pretty steep.

Thanks,

Duke

 

I think the going price for a 'flush' is $130-$160. I just had it done at 30,000 miles by the dealership, and I think they carged me about $140. They just did the flush, no filter change.

Is it worth it? That's up to you. Do you want a complete transmission flush? If so, then $150 is about right. I'm sure that the price that Valvoline quoted you is just to drop the pan, change the filter, and put some new fluid in. The problem with that is that a pan drop only gets about 1/2 of the fluid out (if that).

For me (towing a heavy travel trailer), paying an extra $60 is worth it every 30,000 miles. But for you not towing or abusing it, then I'd think that a standard fluid change (not flush) would be sufficient. JMHO.

 

Break the seal?

The pan reads that the gasket is reusable. I bought an extra one just in case since I'll be doing it myself.

I think I paid 30 for the Motorcraft filter + 16 for the gasket + whatever the fluid will be

 

I don't trust any quick lube joints to check the air in my tires, much less lay a wrench on anything.

The flush is the best option, since you'll still be leaving 4-5 quarts of dirty fluid and cleaner in the torque converter by just pulling the pan.

 

Having my 30,000 mile service done s I type. Going with flush from the dealer, and at 50,000 I will drop the pan myself and replace filter. Did this on my 97 and when I traded it in last November with 103,000 and I got $6500 because my truck was in such good shape. I do tow an enclosed trailer with full size motorcycles, but not on a weekly basis.

Dealer did try to get me to bite on a power steering flush, and I could not even find it on any of the recommended service procedures up the 100,000 mile service. Never done it before but with rack & pinion steering I may consider after doing some research...

 

Just called the Valvoline instant oil change and actually they don't drop the pan drain the fluid and run a cleaner.

They do the same thing as the dealer by hooking up to the system which goes inline, pulls out the old transmission fluid, runs a cleaner through, and then puts in new fluid.

They said it's a 99% replacement. This sounds like exactly what the dealer is describing, just $60 cheaper.

Sure there is a difference in how some people are trained and theorhetically the dealer should have more trained techs, but this is the same dealership that has screwed up before too. Basically saying that nothing will be perfect as there is always the human involvement. I'm not going to debate how there are degrees to which you can hook up the transmission fluid change system.

Duke

 

Are there different types of fluid or filters?

Duke

 

Hi.

Point taken, but the dealer is less likely to put in the wrong ATF

And you are less likely to have a claims issue if your tranny grenades later, if a Ford dealer did the work.

BTW - ask each of them approx how long it takes to perform the service - just curious to see if the times are similar.

Fluids - oh, yeah. Filter, don't know.

Just my 'Twoonie's worth.


Cheers
Bubba

 

Dropping the pan only removes 5qts of the total 13.9qts the system holds.

 

I had my my trusted mech flush my tranny for $75. Dealership wanted $160.

Both do the same thing.

At 70k miles, I'll change the filter + flush.

 

Dealer quotes 40 minutes and the quick lube said 30 minutes.

Neither are replacing the filter since they don't drop the pan.

Since I don't have an extended warranty and the powertrain is up in 6,000 miles; even if I did have a laundry list of work done all by a Ford dealership, if it goes at 40,000 miles, they're not going to cover it.

Though I will still keep all my reciepts tracking maintainence just for the vehicles record.

I spoke to the guy who actually does the work at the quick lube and he said he's hunting buddies with "John" (some tech at the dealership. We're talking about a small town and these two places are maybe a block away) and he said they both do the same thing. The only difference is the dealership values his labor at a higher rate then valvoline values his labor.

Sorry in a hurry so I'm not sure if anything I just typed made any sense at all.

Duke

 

My truck has 42,500 on it and I gave in and let the dealer rape me. Trans flush, tire roto, and an earl change for $220. I usually do my own oil change but this weather is just too darn cold. I also asked the service dudes about the spark plug issue and they were straight up and told me that last week they had an 05 FX4 50,000mi and snapped 4 of them. Then they asked if i wanted my plugs changed, powersteering flushed, t-case flushed and front brake pads for the cheap price of $700 I think ill take my chance doin my brakes and plugs myself. And a powersteering flush for $70 are they crazy? ive never change the PS fluid let alone flush it what kind of scam is that. Anyways imo get the trans flushed at ford sometime before 50,000.

 

Did this mechanic say "why" he was changing the plugs on a 50K mile truck that is recommended to be changed until 100k? Unless the guy's truck was skipping, etc., most dealers I've been told won't attempt any warranty work on them including removal to see if they come out.
I have 30k on mine and plan to wait until the recommended 100k before plug changeout. I will then take it to the Ford Service Department and tell them upfront(and get in writing), if they break it, they buy it. If they snap a plug and refuse to pay for it, FMC is going to have hell coming to their front door. After all the discussion and TSBs listed covering this problem(and being by the time 100k is here, it's gonna be another 4-5 years), they had better fix the problem or pay for damages done by their "representative" service departments. I can't wait to chew on a Ford service center who refuses to change my plugs b/c they're scared they are going to snap a plug and have to be responsible. Otherwise FMC needs to put "REPLACE HEADS" as part of their 100k mile maintenance.
Sorry I vented a little. Whenever I hear "Sparkplugs", I get all worked up(being I own a 5.4 3v engine)

 

What about cleaning the magnet in the transmission pan?

 

You also have to be sure and remagnetize it. Not many people do this and end up hurting their transmissions in the end. J/K