To service the transmission, or not service the transmission? That is the question.

[Big Kahuna]

My 2017 has 83k on it now. I have had it since 69k. It is driven about 4k a year and hauls nothing more than family, fishing rods and hunting rifles (I live on an island). I do not believe that the transmission has ever been serviced. It seems to be functioning perfectly. I loathe and detest automatic transmissions, but there is no alternative in this country. My question to the mechanics in the group is, Should I service this transmission? I have heard from many respected sources that it is a closed hydraulic system and tampering with it will cause more problems, than simply leaving it alone. In this forum and on other social media, one need not look far to find stories of folks that have serviced the transmission, only to have it fail a short while later. This is an automatic transmission, it will fail, but when it does, I don't want it to be my lack of care that can be blamed. Any advice or shared experiences are welcomed.

 

[99WhiteC5Coupe]

My 2017 has 83k on it now. I have had it since 69k. It is driven about 4k a year and hauls nothing more than family, fishing rods and hunting rifles (I live on an island). I do not believe that the transmission has ever been serviced. It seems to be functioning perfectly. I loathe and detest automatic transmissions, but there is no alternative in this country. My question to the mechanics in the group is, Should I service this transmission? I have heard from many respected sources that it is a closed hydraulic system and tampering with it will cause more problems, than simply leaving it alone. In this forum and on other social media, one need not look far to find stories of folks that have serviced the transmission, only to have it fail a short while later. This is an automatic transmission, it will fail, but when it does, I don't want it to be my lack of care that can be blamed. Any advice or shared experiences are welcomed.

Have the transmission fluid changed (not flushed) and the transmission filter changed - use the correct Motorcraft fluid and the correct Motorcraft filter.

 

[twodollars]

Your at a safe mileage to do what is mentioned above. Trans fluid is a wear item.

 

[JasonH]

Regular service is 150k, but if you feel the need to do some preventative maintenance you can drain and fill with 6 qts Motorcraft LV, plus change the filter. It's a DIY, but can be messy since the pan must dropped to get the fluid out. Or you can pump a substantial quantity out through the refill hole before dropping the pan. I did mine at 138k. It was still operating well when I changed it, but I had some towing miles on it.

 

[Herby]

I have 225k miles on my 2007 Expedition EL. Purchased used with 172k. I changed the fluid upon purchased and again at 40k afterward. Fluid change included filter. I tow often and like the idea of having the protection of fresh fluid. I recall, the interval change followed is recommended by the OEM.

 

[71Rcode]

Agree. I pulled the pan on mine and changed what was in the pan at 100k. The dipstick measuring procedure which you do underneath the vehicle was interesting but not a big deal. OEM Motorcraft fluid as well.

 

[Big Kahuna]

Thank you everyone. The feedback I am getting is suggesting that just pulling the pan and changing the filter is the best option. This only replaces about a third of the fluid, but makes perfect sense. It will be adding some fresh fluid, but not completely altering the dynamics of the fluid all at once. I'll put this on the maintenance schedule for every other year, approximately every 10k.

 

[99WhiteC5Coupe]

Thank you everyone. The feedback I am getting is suggesting that just pulling the pan and changing the filter is the best option. This only replaces about a third of the fluid, but makes perfect sense. It will be adding some fresh fluid, but not completely altering the dynamics of the fluid all at once. I'll put this on the maintenance schedule for every other year, approximately every 10k.

GM has issued a TSB advising technicians NOT to flush the automatic transmission, and this includes the 6-speed automatic co-developed with Ford (the TSB states it is okay to flush the transmission fluid cooler, to remove debris after a failure).

Many dealers sell a transmission flush which uses a machine and chemical cleaner sold by BG Products. Adding the cleaner is considered by GM to be adding a contaminant.

I realize the TSB is issued by GM - but I would never have a transmission flush done on my Ford.

 

[Motorcity muscle]

Good preventative maintenance to change fluid and filter, no to a power flush

 

[proftomda]

I am a ASE technician and the original owner of my 2001 Expedition XLT. My Expo has about 300,000 miles. I have performed a complete transmission fluid exchange (12-14 qts) with Valvoline Maxlife ATF and filter swap every 100,000 miles and getting ready to do the 3rd swap. Transmission operates and shifts like brand new. Do it.

 

[Caesar53]

Had my 2016 XLT with 60k miles to the dealer for service. Like every other dealer they come up with a list of suggested services. Most suggest the BG flush of whatever BG can flush which I never fall for. I requested a change of trans oil and filter. The service writer said they don’t call for it until over 100k miles and the price was exorbitant. I let him lnow that I was a mechanic and couldn’t see much value in flushing the trans without a new filter. They push this BG system because it’s easy compared to doing it the proper way and a way for them to make a quick buck. With a 100k extended warranty I guess I’ll wait. BTW every time I’ve had any of our vehicles in the dealer they always suggest a cabin filter no matter how low the mileage is. $50+ for a $10-15 part and two minutes of labor. Three minutes if you include the time it takes to empty my wife’s glove box. I called the Ford dealer’s bluff and asked them to show me where the filter is. 2016 XLT does not have one. Makes me wonder if I had told them to change it would they have charged me for one.

 

[cekkk]

I've owned four expeditions. A 97, a 2000, a 2004 and I bought my wife a 2013 King ranch, which has more features than my 2020 lincoln. My wife absolutely loves that car and I can't get her to consider trading it. So my question here is, since it is now 10 years old and only has 55,000 miles on it, most of which were accumulated when we lived in Colorado and it was a 50 mile round trip to do anything, gasoline, groceries etc., and in our new home she only drives it on Friday to the hairdresser which is less than a 5 mile round a trip. I don't see anything in reading the posts above regarding changing fluid based on age. I never flushed but I did do maintenance at 100,000. Ain't going to happen with this car. Any recommendations there? And I would not flush it.

 

[proftomda]

I've owned four expeditions. A 97, a 2000, a 2004 and I bought my wife a 2013 King ranch, which has more features than my 2020 lincoln. My wife absolutely loves that car and I can't get her to consider trading it. So my question here is, since it is now 10 years old and only has 55,000 miles on it, most of which were accumulated when we lived in Colorado and it was a 50 mile round trip to do anything, gasoline, groceries etc., and in our new home she only drives it on Friday to the hairdresser which is less than a 5 mile round a trip. I don't see anything in reading the posts above regarding changing fluid based on age. I never flushed but I did do maintenance at 100,000. Ain't going to happen with this car. Any recommendations there? And I would not flush it.

I would not be worried about the transmission fluid age at 10 years old and only 55,000 miles. Moving forward let the visible condition of the fluid be your guide but I would change at 100,000 if not done before. You can do a pan drop and fill which is about a 30% change. I do a complete exchange in which I disconnect a trans cooler line and pump thru 13 quarts. There are many ways to do it.

 

[cekkk]

I would not be worried about the transmission fluid age at 10 years old and only 55,000 miles. Moving forward let the visible condition of the fluid be your guide but I would change at 100,000 if not done before. You can do a pan drop and fill which is about a 30% change. I do a complete exchange in which I disconnect a trans cooler line and pump thru 13 quarts. There are many ways to do it.

That makes perfect sense to me. Thanks and I appreciate the direct answer.

 

[Drae]

If you're going to change the fluid and filter in a 6R80, I suggest changing the wiring harness connector sleeve while you're in there. I was one of the guys thinking I had a unicorn and it failed right before 150K miles (2010 Expedition). I changed the filter and OEM Motorcraft fluid and it took 9 quarts to fill it up so it was damn near a complete change. I was surprised at the amount to refill reading 7.5 quarts at the most while doing a filter and fluid change. I caught it as a small drip leak also so I repaired it within 2 days of the failure. For some reason as soon as I removed my dipstick and cap, the fluid started spilling out everywhere. Just make sure to fill the transmission at operating temp to the correct line on the dipstick and you should be fine. I just did this less than a month ago and it's been solid and shifts great without any slip or weird shifts.

 

[Yupster Dog]

" I suggest changing the wiring harness connector sleeve while you're in there."
This is good info right here...
Thank you @Drae nice catch.

 

[Motorcity muscle]

Just reviewed the transmission connector sealing, first I had heard of this, looks like a simple preventative repair.