Transmission Service Question

[SJB]

I have a 2002 F250, and I just had a shop do a transmission flush on my truck this weekend. Total cost was about $120, and I think they just used standard tranny fluid, and I think added in some stuff called Lube Guard.

So I was talking to a co-worker who has a stock 2004 Powerstroke. I was talking to him about a tranny service and he was telling me his service is like $250 because his takes "special fluid and additives". He is basically saying his requires it, not that he just runs the expensive fluid.

I thought that my tranny and his were supposed to be pretty similar, but I could be wrong. So my question is, did my transmission not get sufficient service or is somebody feeding him a line of bull and really overcharging him?

[dusted4eva]

Well if he is getting a full 17-20 quarts of synthetic then that sounds correct for time and product.

[SJB]

Originally Posted by dusted4eva

Well if he is getting a full 17-20 quarts of synthetic then that sounds correct for time and product.

I understand that, but I don't think that is the case in this situation. This doesn't sound like a case where he just prefers or chooses to run the high $$$ stuff. He was saying his "requires special fluid" with special additives, and none of the local tranny shops will do it. So he "has" to take it to the dealer to have it done. Somehow, I don't think the dealer is really installing high dollar fluid like Amsoil or others. It just sounds a little odd to me.

[dusted4eva]

Originally Posted by SJB

I understand that, but I don't think that is the case in this situation. This doesn't sound like a case where he just prefers or chooses to run the high $$$ stuff. He was saying his "requires special fluid" with special additives, and none of the local tranny shops will do it. So he "has" to take it to the dealer to have it done. Somehow, I don't think the dealer is really installing high dollar fluid like Amsoil or others. It just sounds a little odd to me.

He doesn't need special fluid. It's all Ford Mercon if he is going to the dealer. So he is pulling your leg big time.

[symbols]

He has a different trans than you. His does technically take the expensive fluid but I know of several people running regular ATF and it works just fine.

[SJB]

Originally Posted by dusted4eva

He doesn't need special fluid. It's all Ford Mercon if he is going to the dealer. So he is pulling your leg big time.

He seriously "believes" his takes special fluid. He isn't pulling my leg. Someone is pulling his, and apparently he believes it. I didn't believe that there was really anything different required between our two trannies. So if he wants to go and pay $250 for probably the same service that I paid $120, then more power to him.

[SJB]

Originally Posted by symbols

He has a different trans than you. His does technically take the expensive fluid but I know of several people running regular ATF and it works just fine.

What fluid does his require? Does it just recommend the synthetic of the same type of fluid that mine recommends?

[symbols]

Originally Posted by SJB

He seriously "believes" his takes special fluid. He isn't pulling my leg. Someone is pulling his, and apparently he believes it. I didn't believe that there was really anything different required between our two trannies. So if he wants to go and pay $250 for probably the same service that I paid $120, then more power to him.

Look in his service manual and look in yours. They technically require 2 different fluids. You have a 4r100 and he has a 5r110

[symbols]

Originally Posted by symbols

Look in his service manual and look in yours. They technically require 2 different fluids. You have a 4r100 and he has a 5r110

I think it's mercon sp but I don't remember for sure and when I was looking for it, it was a dealer only item

[SJB]

Originally Posted by symbols

I think it's mercon sp but I don't remember for sure and when I was looking for it, it was a dealer only item

Thanks for the info. I was just curious. I didn't realize that our trannies were different. I thought they were still the same 4R100. So I was just wondering if my tranny service was done wrong.