Transmission fluid change questions

[Crashingken]

I'm looking at all the information on transmission fluid changes and it seems very involved and not as easy as the differentials or transfer case fluid changes. How many of you are actually draining the trans fluid and filling at the break in point and how many of you are waiting until the recommended mileage in the service manual, 30k 150k?
If doing it early, are you taking it somewhere or doing it yourself?

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[userdude]

Search for "change driveline fluids" and you'll see a detailed thread from @CarbonSteel.

 

[Roger123]

Where are you seeing a 30K transmission fluid change interval? My manual shows 150K for that service (pg 464), that may be a bit extreme but curious why 30K?

 

[Crashingken]

Where are you seeing a 30K transmission fluid change interval? My manual shows 150K for that service (pg 464), that may be a bit extreme but curious why 30K?

Oh you know what, I think I was getting 30k mixed up with the transfer case change.

 

[Roger123]

I'm not suggesting 150K is a good idea..........

 

[Crashingken]

I'm not suggesting 150K is a good idea..........

oh wow, ok. DOn't know where I was getting 30k from then. That is a wild interval

 

[CarbonSteel]

I'm looking at all the information on transmission fluid changes and it seems very involved and not as easy as the differentials or transfer case fluid changes. How many of you are actually draining the trans fluid and filling at the break in point and how many of you are waiting until the recommended mileage in the service manual, 30k 150k?
If doing it early, are you taking it somewhere or doing it yourself?

In about 1500 miles, I will be performing a transmission fluid and filter change (10K mile mark) and will be installing a PPE deep aluminum transmission pan at the same time. I will probably dump the fluid a couple more times after that to replace as much of the original fluid as possible and then settle into a 50K oil change interval.

The process is not overly complicated, but you do need something to reinstall the fluid. I have this Mityvac with the Ford "nozzle" (the metal candy cane) that I bought to do the work.

I plan to create a video of the work and will share it.

 

[Crashingken]

In about 1500 miles, I will be performing a transmission fluid and filter change (10K mile mark) and will be installing a PPE deep aluminum transmission pan at the same time. I will probably dump the fluid a couple more times after that to replace as much of the original fluid as possible and then settle into a 50K oil change interval.

The process is not overly complicated, but you do need something to reinstall the fluid. I have this Mityvac with the Ford "nozzle" (the metal candy cane) that I bought to do the work.

I plan to create a video of the work and will share it.

Perfect, thanks for that and I look forward to watching your process

 

[Felix808]

Something to think about on extended service intervals on your auto transmission. The higher temps degrade the fluid faster & will not last those extended intervals in providing the protection it needs. So always take into account how you are using your vehicle & plan maintenance accordingly.

$.02

 

[redone17]

It was pretty dang easy on the manual transmission...not sure what you have.

I should probably drain and fill it again...

 

[CarbonSteel]

Something to think about on extended service intervals on your auto transmission. The higher temps degrade the fluid faster & will not last those extended intervals in providing the protection it needs. So always take into account how you are using your vehicle & plan maintenance accordingly.

$.02

Agree. In addition, transmissions contain more plastics and electronic components than they ever have and therefore it is more important than ever to have clean and stable fluid.

I cannot help but laugh when I read or hear lifetime fill. What does that even mean? Until the device fails which signifies its end of life?

 

[CarbonSteel]

It was pretty dang easy on the manual transmission...not sure what you have.

I should probably drain and fill it again...

Automagic...lol

 

[Onestepmore]

I'm looking at all the information on transmission fluid changes and it seems very involved and not as easy as the differentials or transfer case fluid changes. How many of you are actually draining the trans fluid and filling at the break in point and how many of you are waiting until the recommended mileage in the service manual, 30k 150k?
If doing it early, are you taking it somewhere or doing it yourself?

I'm going to do my transmission and transfer case at 30k...I change oil every 5k and rotate the tires. I did get the extended warranty (150k or 10years) so I'm going to take it to the dealer for changes so there is no dispute over negligence. Just a thought...

 

[JT58Bronc]

I will watch Carbon Steel's video and will most likely change the fluid myself. I will buy what I need. The Ford dealer service is pretty good in town although I prefer to change my own fluids. No way will I wait until 150K miles. At that point changing old dirty fluid will do more harm than good. Probably do it at 50K or so.

 

[Crashingken]

After reading carbonsteel's response I think I'm going to do what he does and replace the pan with the aluminum pan which has a nice drain plug on it.
So I'll change mine out once I watch the master do it

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