I wanted to get a price from the dealer to do a trans fluid and filter change and they tell me the filter is "internal and does not need changing", is this true?

 

They just don't want to drop the pan and change it. The dealer doesn't do a pan drop any more, they use an exchange machine.

http://www.rockauto.com/catalog/more...195&cc=1444700

 

Whats the point if you don't change out the filter when replacing the dirty fluid with clean fluid??
So if I drop the pan and replace the filter how do I get the balance of old fluid out?

 

You need a machine on the new trannies. There isn't a conventional dipstick. I wouldn't worry about the filter, just get it exchanged with a machine. It's not like an oil filter, it doesn't hold and trap fluid. Mercon LV is the new spec, not Mercon V.

 

I've seen tranny filters (as I'm sure most here have also) and they can get filthy looking regardless if they can hold and trap the fluid.

 

The transmission would need to be flushed after the pan-drop drain-and-fill to replace all of the fluid. *Ya I know ... But I just put 5quarts of new fluid in.

IF the transmission is properly maintained and not abused, the flush (without the pan-drop) is now SOP.

My 1st pan-drop/filter-change will probably be at 100,000 miles. Anything before that will be a flush.
.

 

Bottom-side of 6R80 transmission, filter, standard pan and deep pan ...

 

Unless you have been doing some heavy towing/hauling, you shouldn't need a trans or differential service before 50,000 miles.

A trans flush is the preferred method for dealerships. It is much easier and cleaner, to perform a flush vs. dropping the pan and replacing the filter. It also allows the technician to work on two vehicles at the same time. The trans flush machine is running, and will beep when the flush is complete, allowing the technician the freedom to work on a vehicle in the neighboring bay at the same time.

 

According to the "Scheduled Maintenance Validation Record-Normal Maintenance Schedule" it reads as follows:

96,000km and 192,000km Service - 'Change automatic transmission fluid (required only on TorqShift transmissions)'

TorqShift trans? Is that what our 6 speed trans are called?

240,000km Service - 'Change automatic transmission fluid and filter (filter not required on AWF-21, 6F35, 6F50 and FNR5)'

How do I confirm my trans is or is not any of the 4 listed above?

 

No, the TorqShift (5R110) is the Super Duty transmission. You have a 6R80.

If you want to change your fluid, go get it exchanged with a machine, don't worry about the filter till you have at least 100k miles.

 

Hi.

You have a 6R80 - just like the one in good ol' Joe's pitcher. ( BTW - thanks fer that, Joe! ). There is no other trans available for a 2010 5.4L. (Torqshift is the trans in SD's)

And those are only Ford TCO-driven service recommendations.

You can either follow them, ignore them, or exceed them.

Personally, I proceed on the premise that all of my vehicles' usage is in the 'extreme service' category and maintain accordingly.

Call me old-school, but I do not believe in 'lifetime' anything, or 100K spark plugs, magical fluids that never wear out, or any other TCO-related BS.

MGD

 

MGDfan,
I'm in the same camp, no lifetime anything but right at approx. 90,000km (54,000mi) I'm just trying to decide on fluid change with or without filter change?
Forgot to note the truck has never been used to toe with, yet.

 

54k miles? As I said, get a simple exchange, filter not required this time.

 

Agreed. Us dang Canucks and the Metric system

MGD

 

Exchange it is, thank you all for the feedback.