Transmission Flush

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GP-TJ

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I bought my Expedition with 40k miles on it. It now has 60k on it. I checked the transmission fluid when I got it and it didn't seem burnt. It still looks red and doesn't smell. I want to do the flush that I've read about online. It involves draining the pan, removing the pan, replacing filter, and then flushing. They say remove the return from the cooler and pump it out and refill as you go. I think it says run it until you see some air bubbles. Another said he did 5 quarts at a time. I was thinking of doing 2 or 3 quarts then stop and replace it. I guess it takes about 16 to 18 to do it. I would buy 20 quarts.

Trans is 4r100. 2000 EB 5.4l. Anyone done this? It looks pretty easy. I am a little nervous about dropping the pan and doing the filter. I don't have any bad symptoms right now. This is just preventive. Any other tricks? I looks like Ford is now saying to use the Mercon/Mercon V fluid instead of just Mercon in this transmisssion. What would you use? I don't know if regular Mercon is readily available...

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Grasshopper

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I don't know which is easier, but another way to almost completely flush the system is to drop the pan (take a red bath!) and then drain the torque converter. I have the same setup you do and mine has a TC drain plug. It takes a while to drain but it might be easier for you to do it that way instead of how you described. It's up to you.

Note on draining the TC: There's the little rubber plug in the bell housing where the drain plug (11mm) will show up. You have to turn the engine/crankshaft bolt (18mm) manually to get the drain plug to line up to drain. It's probably best if you have a helper here. Make sure and turn it clockwise...very important! Don't turn it backward.

I have a drain plug that I'm going to install in the tranny pan to make the next change MUCH easier. ;)

Mercon V??? I don't believe that's the case (unless they've changed the recommendation recently). I've only have Mercon in the 4R100 in mine per Ford's recommendation.

Yeah, it takes a LOT of miles to dirty up these modern tranny's. I went about 45K once on ours (just flat forgot) and when I dropped the pan, the fluid looked new.
 
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GP-TJ

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I thought about doing the TC drain. How do you fill it back up? Do you just run the truck and then stop it?

Here is a note from another site:

Mercon V Use in Mercon Transmissions:
Effective 6-29-4, Ford is discontinuing Mercon ATF licensing and manufacturing. Mercon V is now approved for use in all transmissions specifying Mercon. This includes both the E4OD and 4R100 automatics and the ZF six-speed manual, as well as the transfer cases. Once exsisting stocks of Mercon is depleted it will no longer be available. Transmissions that specify Mercon V should still use only that fluid. The ZF five-speed will still use synthetic Mercon. TSB 06-14-4.

What do you think?
GP
 
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GP-TJ

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Just called the dealership. They get 149.95 for a "flush". I asked what a "Transmission Service" involved and he explained to me the benefits of the flush and that you don't have to drop the pan and open it up. I asked if I would need a filter change and he said it is not necessary. The flush is better.

I can only assume that they will use the right fluid. That is the only benefit over doing it at a "Quickie Lube".
 

Grasshopper

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Thanks for the info on Mercon/Mercon V. I have about 18-20 quarts of Mercon in my garage, so I'll be using that the next time a fluid change is in order...which should be soon. (Don the hazmat suit!!!!)

I forgot...What I do when it's all empty is fill it with about 6 quarts. Turn on the car and, with the brake on, shift the tranny thru all the gears once. Add another 6 quarts and repeat. Keep it running and do the shifting a couple of times. Then fill the tranny up to the proper level by the dipstick with the truck running, just like you'd check the level any other time. This process also fills the TC. Others may vary the routine but it works for me.

I don't know about not changing the filter....yeah, the fluid doesn't get that dirty but that seems like a risk to me. I'd get "wet" once and put a drain plug in the pan so that you can drop the pan and change the filter relatively cleanly from then on.

Oh, and the pan gasket is reusable.

I just can't take what the dealership says without a grain of salt. They are WAY too motivated (management-wise) to get your money, more than they are to help you.
 
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trdragons44

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I just did this in my dads 2002 f250 with the 5.4L, the tc took 30 minutes to drain(damn That was a lot of red) i think it held like 13 quarts of fluid. All we did was drop the pan and took the return off of the cooler and blew compressed air into the line.
Originally posted by tbird9768
I forgot...What I do when it's all empty is fill it with about 6 quarts. Turn on the car and, with the brake on, shift the tranny thru all the gears once. Add another 6 quarts and repeat. Keep it running and do the shifting a couple of times. Then fill the tranny up to the proper level by the dipstick with the truck running, just like you'd check the level any other time. This process also fills the TC. Others may vary the routine but it works for me.

I don't know about not changing the filter....yeah, the fluid doesn't get that dirty but that seems like a risk to me. I'd get "wet" once and put a drain plug in the pan so that you can drop the pan and change the filter relatively cleanly from then on.

Oh, and the pan gasket is reusable.

I just can't take what the dealership says without a grain of salt. They are WAY too motivated (management-wise) to get your money, more than they are to help you.
 
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GP-TJ

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Well I finally did it. I bought the new Mercon V from the ford dealer that is licensed as both Mercon and Mercon V. I also got a filter from the dealer. Total Price $102. Not too bad. The new Mercon V is supposed to be compatible and is synthetic blend. I also did the flush like I've seen online disconnecting the cooling line and letting it pump out. I used 191/2 quarts total. I pumped into the empty gallon jugs it came in. I bought 4 gallons and 4 quarts.

When I took the pan off, I was looking for that yellow plug that is reported to be in there from the factory. I didn't find it but found a bolt. I found where it went and put it back in. Anyone ever hear of bolts falling out of the transmission? It was on the drivers side where what looks like an actuator passes through the case. Possible around the park lock area. I am not a transmission specialist obviously but looking at diagrams, this is what I am guessing.

I am glad I took it apart and did the filter. The dealer said it was just a screen but there was filter material in there. I plan to cut the old one apart to see what is in there.

GP
 

ASIANREDNECK

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Well I finally did it. I bought the new Mercon V from the ford dealer that is licensed as both Mercon and Mercon V. I also got a filter from the dealer. Total Price $102. Not too bad. The new Mercon V is supposed to be compatible and is synthetic blend. I also did the flush like I've seen online disconnecting the cooling line and letting it pump out. I used 191/2 quarts total. I pumped into the empty gallon jugs it came in. I bought 4 gallons and 4 quarts.

When I took the pan off, I was looking for that yellow plug that is reported to be in there from the factory. I didn't find it but found a bolt. I found where it went and put it back in. Anyone ever hear of bolts falling out of the transmission? It was on the drivers side where what looks like an actuator passes through the case. Possible around the park lock area. I am not a transmission specialist obviously but looking at diagrams, this is what I am guessing.

I am glad I took it apart and did the filter. The dealer said it was just a screen but there was filter material in there. I plan to cut the old one apart to see what is in there.

GP

your expy took 19 1/2 quarts?
 
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