I just had a Power Flush done on my '97 F-150 4X4 4.6L. They put in Mercon V. What a difference!! It shifts VERY smoothly, has more power, and is not running near as high RPM's as before. So my problem: It appears that I'm burning more fuel than before. I've been very conscious about being easy on the gas, but I can almost watch the needle drop. Does it take awhile for the computer to adjust to the new fluid, or do I need to remove the battery cable and let the computer reset itself? Thanks!

 

Because the transmission has a lot of electronics in it, it is possible the computer needs to re-adjust. I would remove the battery cable for 1/2 hour just to see what happens.

What was your mileage at when you changed the fluid? How much did it cost? I've got to do one of those flushes in a few months.

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1998 F-150 XLT 4x4 SC/SB 4.6L, Auto., 3.55LS, TTP, blah, blah, blah
All the info is at http://www.fordf150.net
Now with How-To Articles!

 

Kelly:
I removed the cable and let it sit for awhile. Sure does take some time for it to reset itself, eh?
It cost $80 at a local shop, and they let me hang around and watch them do it. Neat process! I barked the tires pulling out of the shop!
My mileage was running about 12 mpg, and I'm still running my first full tank after resetting everything, so I'll let you know how it goes. It still seems to be dropping faster than I like.

 

I had my trany flushed at jiffy lube. My local ford dealer gave me a price of 150.00 to have it done. I found a coupon on the internet for a jiffy lube some where is kansas and my local jiffy lube took it for 10.00 off the price which made it 69.00.
they put in mercon v and it has ran very well since. I have 40,000 on the truck now.
my gas milage has been as high as 17 and 99% of the time it is 15 mpg.

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1997 f150 xlt black extended cab 4.6, 4x2
mercon v, k&n filter
load lok liner.
future plans--- 17 inch rims and tires

 

Too lazy to do a search so I'll throw this out and get hollered at if necessary:

Question: I just had my wife's 98 Cherokee serviced and this included the transmission. My two options were the $70 drop the pan and change "disposable" filter and then refill with fluid. Service guy said it's about a 1/3rd fluid change. Other choice was the $150 "Granetizeellerie" (have no idea what he said) flush that changes all the fluid and "cleans" the filter by backflushing the fluid through it. I told them IK wanted all new fluid and a filter. He said get both then. They didn't have an option for all fluid and filter. You would think the optimum service would be both new filter and all new fluid but barring that what's the better of the other two and why? I imagine I may run into this on the new Ford.. Never had to worry about it on the old Ford as the dealer said they completely serviced it when they rebuilt it due tranny problems (Service guy said rebuilt valve body, invoice said cause was "burned direct clutch" whatever that is). Irrelevant cause I traded that one in. Anyway. Thanks for any info you can provide.

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2000 F-150 Lariat S/C 4x4 ORP 5.4L Bright Red/gold

 

ransome123,
Here's what I was told by the only transmission shop in my area to rebuild a transmission for me CORRECTLY, I've had several rebuilt. The owner was at one time one of the auto mechanics instructors at the local technical institute. I asked what they thought about transmission "flushing" as opposed to the standard service, dropping the pan and changing filter, etc. They said they do not flush transmissions because doing so floats trapped particals out of the filter (that doesn't get changed) and circulates them throughout the transmission, possibly getting trapped in the valving and small passages increasing the chance of stuck valves and such (your transmission may have more problems after flushing than before). On our trucks we have the option of draining the torque converter also. Doing so will get the majority of the old fluid out. You also get a fresh filter. This method works just fine and is what I'll do when the time comes. At least you don't run the risk of the above scenario. There's my .02 for what it's worth.

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98 F-150 XLT 4X4 ORP Super Cab Short Bed, 4.6, Auto. Superchip, Gibson sing. cat-back, Airaid, 80/100w German head lamps. Warn HS9500i winch with semi hidden mount. Wrangler dual battery kit with red & yellow top Optima batteries. Torsion bars cranked up 2 turns. Needs one more door and a lot more power. I think I need to talk to Mr. Whipple.

 

ransome123,
I think if I just couldn't resist doing the flush, I would do a standard service on the tranny first. I would make sure the tranny was up to operating temp., drop the pan, change filter, drain converter, then flush it. At least that way whatever is trapped in the filter won't make it's way back into your tranny.

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98 F-150 XLT 4X4 ORP Super Cab Short Bed, 4.6, Auto. Superchip, Gibson sing. cat-back, Airaid, 80/100w German head lamps. Warn HS9500i winch with semi hidden mount. Wrangler dual battery kit with red & yellow top Optima batteries. Torsion bars cranked up 2 turns. Needs one more door and a lot more power. I think I need to talk to Mr. Whipple.

 

98fword: Thanks for the info. I had the flush done on the Jeep at the time of service because that's what both Jeep dealers in my area recommended. I have been uncomfortable with the decision since doing it two weeks ago. Couldn't really understand not changing both the filter and ALL the fluid. I figured I have the extended so if anything goes wrong at least they'll have to fix it. I got a coupon in the mail a few days ago for a trans filter and refill so will take it in and have that done. Hopefully anything left in the trans after the flush is back in the filter after the few weeks of running since the flush. Knew I shoulda just sucked it up and done it myself but got lazy... Thanks again.

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2000 F-150 Lariat S/C 4x4 ORP 5.4L Bright Red/gold

 

What a bunch of misinformation!!!!!!!!!!

There is no such thing as a "transmission flush." There is a way to change about 90-95% of the fluid that many people are calling a flush.

The way these machines work is that they are connected in a cooler line. As the transmission pumps out the old fluid, new fluid is pumped back into the other end of the cooler line. The fluid flows in the same direction as when the transmission is operating. Nothing is loosened from the filter. No other particles are sent through the transmission. All that happens is the old fluid is replaced with new fluid.

Ever taken apart a high mileage transmission filter? I have. There was almost nothing in there. If there is enough stuff to reduce the flow, the transmission is already history. Changing the filter won't help it.

Mark

 

Hi there, Mark!

Welcome to the board! I was curious. How long have you been rebuilding transmissions? I personally don't have the knowledge or equipment to perform anything more than a fluid and filter change. That's why I went to someone who has been doing transmission rebuilds and repairs for more of his life than he hasn't. I thought you might be able to enlighten us as to why he would be so dead set against performing a, how should I put this, "fluid exchange?" Or for that matter, why someone else might be all for it?

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98 F-150 XLT 4X4 ORP Super Cab Short Bed, 4.6, Auto. Superchip, Gibson sing. cat-back, Airaid, 80/100w German head lamps. Warn HS9500i winch with semi hidden mount. Wrangler dual battery kit with red & yellow top Optima batteries. Torsion bars cranked up 2 turns. Needs one more door and a lot more power. I think I need to talk to Mr. Whipple.

 

Many people are against the flush because it's new technology. For years the normal service was to drop the pan, change the filter, and refill.

Depending on the transmission that would change anywhere from 30% to 60% of the fluid. The new machines change about 90% to 95% of the fluid.

I don't have a problem with changing the filter, but I don't think it is necessary.

Mark