Well- 123,000 miles and it finally happened… transmission issue

[gatornek]

The transmission fluid should be inspected at every oil change

Is there a good way to 'inspect' the fluid that isn't draining it??

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[Mark S.]

I have yet to ever have a transmission failure with this schedule.

Did you have a transmission failure on a vehicle after following the manufacturer's recommended maintenance schedule? If not, your experience doesn't really tell us anything. I contend that manufacturer testing verified the recommended schedule.

It costs me right at $200.00 to have this done; beats a breakdown and/or transmission failure at a much higher cost.

Maybe that's why those guys are still in business!

 

[Mark S.]

Is there a good way to 'inspect' the fluid that isn't draining it??

I'm sure a service shop could answer that question for you. I don't know that your average shade-tree mechanic would have the necessary equipment to test the fluid after getting a sample, so I would just take it to a competent shop.

 

[gatornek]

I'm sure a service shop could answer that question for you. I don't know that your average shade-tree mechanic would have the necessary equipment to test the fluid after getting a sample, so I would just take it to a competent shop.

Gotcha. I think, for me, if the tranny fluid change involved dropping the pan, actually swapping the filter, and even using a special tool to flush the torque converter (as @Bucko mentioned), then that would be the VERY INTRUSIVE maintenance that you're referring to....that would necessitate me thinking twice about willy nilly just 'changing it for the sake of changing it'.

But if the process is as easy as drain and fill as @FB71 noted in another post.....its fairly difficult to screw that up. Although Murphys Law always remains a constant, I guess. ?‍

I'm with you on your reasoning, if it was a pan drop.

 

[Mark S.]

But if the process is as easy as drain and fill as @FB71 noted in another post.....its fairly difficult to screw that up. Although Murphys Law always remains a constant, I guess. ?‍

There's a bit more to it than that. You can view a good video on the procedure here:

 

[Dude]

There's a bit more to it than that. You can view a good video …

Excellent video.. thank you for posting!

 

[gatornek]

There's a bit more to it than that. You can view a good video on the procedure here:

Ahhhh gotcha. There's a leveling you have to do at a certain temp.

But also sir. He literally says in the video to go ahead and change every 30K miles regardless. Mentions it on multiple occasions.

 

[Mark S.]

Ahhhh gotcha. There's a leveling you have to do at a certain temp.

But also sir. He literally says in the video to go ahead and change every 30K miles regardless. Mentions it on multiple occasions.

Coming from a mechanic who gets paid to work on cars, whether or not that work is necessary. ?

 

[gatornek]

Coming from a mechanic who gets paid to work on cars, whether or not that work is necessary. ?

Touché ?

 

[Bucko]

Did you have a transmission failure on a vehicle after following the manufacturer's recommended maintenance schedule? If not, your experience doesn't really tell us anything. I contend that manufacturer testing verified the recommended schedule.



Maybe that's why those guys are still in business!

Never had a transmission failure in following the manufactures transmission schedule, because due to my decision of changing transmission fluid every 30K, I never followed the manufactures suggestion. I treat my transmission and differential in a similar fashion as engine oil; it gets changed over time because it looses its additives (transmission oil). Only way to replenish this is to change the oil, or add additives. I choose changing the fluid.

The transmission shop is still in business because they service fleet vehicles and large trucks along with my measly F-150; I'm sure though that my $200.00 charge buys them some eggs and coffee for a day or so, or perhaps helps pay their electric bill for 5 minutes of use.

 

[Bucko]

Coming from a mechanic who gets paid to work on cars, whether or not that work is necessary. ?

For some or large percentage of the masses, this can be a valid statement. However in my case, I know I have never had a transmission failure. And like most others, I don't trade in a vehicle every 3 to 5 years; I drive them in excess of 200K miles or more.

I will only trade vehicles in when my wife decides its time to do so. She lets me know that by putting a paper bag over her head when entering the vehicle because she is embarrassed to drive in it.

 

[Bluebaru]

There's a bit more to it than that. You can view a good video on the procedure here:

While you are doing that, you might as well knock out the PTU fluid change as well. The same guy, recommends that every 20-30K. Has anyone here done either of these, themselves or had a non Ford tech do it?

 

[Dude]

While you are doing that, you might as well knock out the PTU fluid change as well.

A different take on the PTU fluid change, same guy

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[Dude]

There's a bit more to it than that. You can view a good video on the procedure here:

Good video. DIY people may want to also look over FB71s transmission service posts … https://www.broncosportforum.com/forum/threads/something-i-feel-i-have-to-clear-up-about-transmission-servicing.10701/

 

[Mark S.]

Never had a transmission failure in following the manufactures transmission schedule, because due to my decision of changing transmission fluid every 30K, I never followed the manufactures suggestion.

I understood what you were saying. My point is your experience is not evidence that 30K transmission fluid changes are more appropriate than the manufacturer's recommendation. For all you know your cars would have lasted just as long if you had followed manufacturer recommendations.

I treat my transmission and differential in a similar fashion as engine oil; it gets changed over time because it looses its additives (transmission oil).

Again, I think most people understand the need for fluid changes. The question is how often?

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