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

[Bucko]

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.



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

I'm careful to imply or state directly in words that my experiences are evidence that fluid changes are more appropriate than other folks schedules, or the manufacturers. I do some research, I examine my driving characteristics, and how I use the vehicle. For example, I pulled a camper at one time with the current F-150, and that is harder on the engine and transmission than just daily type driving. I installed an engine oil cooler, plus an automatic transmission oil cooler. Both are not standard issue on my model F-150, but do IMO help with the vehicles mechanics longer life. I'm not a successful gambler, so I usually do not go by manufacturers recommendations with so called "life time" fluid when they write that in a manual.

My engine oil changes are much the same. I follow the recommended intervals when using semi-synthetic, but extend that interval when using full synthetics, as I take full advantage of the properties of full synthetic oils. IMO, its a waste of money to use full synthetic and change it earlier than the oils recommendation.

My Ford dealership is currently changing the engine oil in the BS, as I received 4 free changes with its purchase. They use semi-synthetic, no issues with that. When it comes time for me to do the changes, it will switch to full synthetic, and longer change intervals.. If I keep the BS longer than 30K, I'll decide if it should have a transmission fluid change, or gamble that it is fine. More than likely it will be traded in on our next vehicle adventure.

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[Mark S.]

so I usually do not go by manufacturers recommendations with so called "life time" fluid when they write that in a manual.

I wish I knew where that term came from: I cannot find anywhere in my manual (2021 MY) where it says the transmission fluid is a "life time" fluid. Perhaps this is something salespeople started, but I don't believe Ford markets any of its cars as having life time transmission fluid. Here's what I see in my manual:

I don't see "life time" anywhere. It's seems clear to me that Ford expects owners to have the transmission fluid inspected at each oil change, and to replace it at 150K unless inspection reveals an issue, or the vehicle is operated under any of the special conditions noted.

As to the reason there's no dipstick, who knows? I suspect it's a combination of things. A lot of people who use quick lube joints for oil changes were getting scammed into unnecessary transmission fluid replacement. In addition, many owners didn't really understand that their car required a specific type of transmission fluid, that it may only be checked when it's hot, and that overfilling the reservoir is a big no-no. And even if an owner did know how to check the level they may not know what to look for to determine fluid degradation. Using the wrong fluid and/or overfilling the reservoir can cause serious damage to an automatic transmission.

Perhaps Ford's solution to all these problems was to eliminate the dipstick and require owners to have the fluid checked and serviced by a Ford mechanic. Again, I don't know—this is all speculation on my part.

Whatever the reason, Ford (as far as I can tell) does not market or expect the fluid in your Bronco Sport to be a life time fluid.

 

[gatornek]

I think we're all in agreeance that the fluid should be changed. I think we're getting lost in the minutia here.

To each, his own.

 

[Bucko]

Lifetime fluid was in reference to the 2007 Ford F-150 transmission. I'm thinking they removed the term from newer vehicles and recommendations.

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