torqueshift fluid change

[redbandit98]

well, Its time to do my 30k tranny fluid service. Actually its 4k past due. I have been trying to decide which route I want to go in having it done. Initially I just thought Id take it to the dealer and let them hook it to their machine and do the fluid exchange. I know the tranny has a thermostatically operated valve in it and in order to get all the fluid out the transmission has to be hot. I know a flush machine could take care of this but I have never been a fan of flush machines. Its not so much the "flush", its the machine itself and the many cars before me that have waited until their tranny was toast and then flushed. Im sure the machines have filters and what not on them but it just scares me. My transmission shifts fine now. I have saw a partial write up about unhooking a cooler line while the truck is running to drain the converter after refilling the pan. I have also saw where people drain the pan, refill, then let it run and drain and refill again. Sometimes another time. I'm not sure how much of the old fluid would be left if I did it this way. The cost would be about the same either way. The dealer quoted me like 150 for the flush plus tax. By the time I buy enough mercon LV to fill the pan 3 times (~21 quarts I think) it would be about the same money. Its not about whats cheaper, its about what is the "best" way to do it. I dont mind getting dirty and doing it myself, I just worry with no converter drain and the tranny having to be hot, my ability to do a proper fluid change on it in my driveway.

[RollinEarly99]

In my opinion if you are changing your tranny fluid every 30k or once a year, then I wouldn't worry about that 20% of the oil you aren't getting to. Just my 2 cents

[redbandit98]

not once a year, just doing the recommended service. I dont drive very much per year. I bought the truck with 32k on it. Its an 07. It now has 34k on it. Its now 5 years old with the factory fluid in it. Your're supposed to change the tranny fluid at 30k. Im just trying to do my part to keep it healthy. I always try to do at least the minimum recommended service on all my vehicles.

[smokersteve]

Look at my sig.

[Mr. Black]

Ford doesn't expect you to "flush" the transmission with the Torqshift.

Just do as they say and you will be fine. It really is hard to argue with the engineers and the guys that wrote the maintenance intervals in the owners manual.

I don't know why some folks are so paranoid about this transmissions fluid changes and how often this comes up.

[ralderman]

The flush machine at the dealer is not a heated flush machine, it will not get all your fluid out. Do it yourself, drain the pan, refill it. Drive around for 20 minutes or so and repeat. Then do it one more time. You will be good.

[njmudrat]

When you say drain the pan should you drop the pan and change filter or just drain the pan and refill?

[ralderman]

I changed the filter, but since these have an external filter I'm not sure if it is required or not. I think it is a good idea to since you are already there. It's a good time to make sure there aren't any problems, and to clean the pan.

[Mr. Black]

Originally Posted by njmudrat

When you say drain the pan should you drop the pan and change filter or just drain the pan and refill?

Your manual states when the pan filter/screen needs to be changed.

I think it is every other trans oil change, but I can't remember the interval off the top of my head.

[Evil Eye]

Originally Posted by Mr. Black

Your manual states when the pan filter/screen needs to be changed.

I think it is every other trans oil change, but I can't remember the interval off the top of my head.

I'm pretty sure it is every 15k miles for the external transmission filter. I believe it is every 60k miles for the pan filter.