I 'm coming up on 30,000 and was thinking about changing the ATF myself. What all is involved in this? Or should I just take it to the dealer I use and let them flush it?

Thanks,
Travis

 

A dealer flush is certainly a good deal with a coupon; providing that your dealer isn't ripping your off. Some dealerships charge an arm & a leg over what other mechanics charge. The advantage is that you get Ford trained techs, with all the current TSB information, Ford parts, and the dealerships work will not void your warranty.

I dropped the pan, replaced the filter, and then replaced the pan with a Mag-Hytec pan that has a magnetic drain plug. Now I can drain the pan as often as I want to keep a continuous supply of fresh fluid in my transmission.

As far as the mileage, check your maintenance schedule.

 

Flushing is bad for the trans. Changing the fluid yourself is simple. Start unbolting the pan til fluid begins to leak out. Get the pan to where about 2 bolts are left and let that drain out. Drop the pan and take the filter out and let the fluid drain for awhile. In the meantime clean the pan and the shavings on the magnet. Then clean the mounting surface on the pan and on the trans. Put rtv on the pan then put the new gasket on. Put the new trans filter in and bolt up the pan. Fill the trans with fluid and turn the truck on and drive where you can shift into every gear. Then check the fluid level and drive again and check the fluid. Keep doing this until it's full.

Not a hard job at all, but usually messy the first time. It'll take about an hour or two.

BTW it's time to change the diff's fluids, transfer case fluid, fuel filter, etc.

 

DO NOT PUT RTV ON THE PAN OR GASKET!!!!

 

Travis,

My maintenance schedule says 30K miles.

5150