Hello People!

First I want to thank AJRagno, TallTomG and Talley for the information about everything on the '97 V6. Plenty of miles after changing the gaskets, still no problem. Thank you guys for helping me avoid a bent rod. I did the reports as AJ said with NHTSA.

I have 64,000 on the truck and have never changed the ATF & filter. How can I know when to change it, and how? The ATF color is still pretty red, not orange or brown or any other suspicious color.

I just want to prevent any sudden death...

Thanka again,

Robert

 

Today would not be too soon! This site gives some info for the doityourselfer.
http://members.shaw.ca/pferlow/transmission_oil.htm

 

You can also search the forums for transmission fluid change.

 

AJ Ragno also has a wonderful step-by-step guide for changing the ATF, filter and torque converter fluid. It helped me do it for the first time, flawlessly.

 

Yeah your fluid is red but when you compare it to some new fluid you will see the difference in shade of red. The old will be darker red.

If you can get a total fluid flush I wouldn't bother with the filter change at this point IMO.

PS - the fact that you haven't done the tranny you might also want to think about your differential. Do it with some royal purple and be done with it for another 50k. I got some 80/140 and a gasket at my local NAPA.

 

I'm not sure I understood that statement. Why would you not replace a $35 filter (that Ford says to replace @ 30,000 miles anyway) if you are spending the time, energy and money to replace all the fluid and do a flush? Are you talking about a different filter than I? Why would you want to run clean new fluid through an old filter?

robb5150 -

Replace the filter. Be sure to buy the drain plug kit from B&M or get a tranny pan with a drain plug. Next time you service, it will be a lot easier and a lot less messy...

While you are there, don't forget the TransGo and the aux. cooler !!

Just kiddin' about the TransGo, although I still say it was the best drivability mod I've done so far...

PS. When you drop your pan, don't freak out about the little plastic thing with the rubber o-ring on it. It's a plug for the dipstick tube hole that gets pushed into the pan when the truck is assembled.

 

Can you show me where you found that info? I've been trying to find a place where Ford states that the filter EVER needs to be changed. I have not found anything that says the filter needs changing at any mileage interval.

 

- surely there is no harm in replacing the filter? Right?

 

Dropping the pan and draining the converter does not change all the fluid.

It's your money

 

it doesn't change all the fluid...there is still some in the lines, but you will get 12 qrts out of the system. I think one should change the tranny filter while he/she has the pan off. Your there anyway, might as well change it. If Ford didn't want you changing the filter, they would have welded it on the truck. I change mine every 15,000 mi. along with all the fluid (once a year).

 

No, none at all. But if someone found a place the Ford recommends changing the filter I'd like to know where that information is located. I have not found anywhere that Ford ever recommends changing the transmission filter.

 

Mark~

I can't find any info on that either....pretty big thing for them to leave out! maybe they're hiring in their editorial dept. We should apply!

 

It's left out because there is no need to change the filter over the life of the transmission. It doesn't hurt to change it, but it isn't necessary.

And I don't want to write manuals. I contribute to them, but I don't write 'em. I do something much more interesting at Ford already.

 

No-service tranny filter?

 

Hi there!

Thank you for all the information. Can anybody post the link to AJ Ragno's step by step instructions?
BTW, I already did my differential...found it pretty easy.
Thanks again guys! People on this site are the best!

Robett