I've heard it both ways so I thought I'd ask the mechanics on the board
42k miles 2010 Fusion if that helps...
42k miles 2010 Fusion if that helps...
Transmission fluid: Change or don't change?
- Thread starter Blueathletics
- Start date
I would follow the maintenance schedule in your owner's manual. Those are usually written by the engineers that designed the car. I may do it sooner than recommended if you constantly tow something or use the car as a taxi cab.
Just off the top of my head, 42k seems a bit early.
Just off the top of my head, 42k seems a bit early.
Truth. I did it because I needed to add a cooler for towing. Chrysler auto + internal filter = finished around midnight because I had to have it to get to work the next morning.
Depends. If you plan to get rid of the car around 100-130k miles then don't bother. The car should be able to get there without a transmission issue. If you plan to keep the car forever then follow the manufacturer's maintenance plan.
42000 miles seems a little early, seems like 60-65k is when most manufacturers recommend. It's not that bad of a job, just a little messy, as most transmissions don't have a drain plug. Have to crack the seal on the pan and let it drain.
alot of different opinions on it.
the 2002 thru 200? Ford Explorer didn't even have a dipstick or a drain plug. It was built to never need changing (and of course, they failed at alarming rates)
I would change the fluid regularly and if I towed with the car/truck, I'd change it even more than the manufacturers recommendations - if I had a new/newer car.
while I don't claim to be an expert, I've heard more than one person tell me to never flush (different than change) the transmission fluid on a high mileage car if the fluid hasn't been changed regularly.
If I was worried about transmission failure down the road, I'd also consider an external filter and/or a transmission cooler
Heat kills transmissions
This post was edited on 2/18 7:08 PM by TankedCat
the 2002 thru 200? Ford Explorer didn't even have a dipstick or a drain plug. It was built to never need changing (and of course, they failed at alarming rates)
I would change the fluid regularly and if I towed with the car/truck, I'd change it even more than the manufacturers recommendations - if I had a new/newer car.
while I don't claim to be an expert, I've heard more than one person tell me to never flush (different than change) the transmission fluid on a high mileage car if the fluid hasn't been changed regularly.
If I was worried about transmission failure down the road, I'd also consider an external filter and/or a transmission cooler
Heat kills transmissions
This post was edited on 2/18 7:08 PM by TankedCat
Was my Mom's car, who died...So I took it off my dad's hands to help him out during a tough timeOriginally posted by Willy4UK:
OP's car is Ford Fusion.
I think you and I have talked about this before but I'd do some research on your model. There's a pretty strong contingent out there that MB has been full of crap on their "sealed for life transmissions" and has zero qualms about folks having to replace failed units for *lots* of money.
I'd check out the MB World forums regarding yours, one of the better car forums I've come across, just food for thought and a very interesting place. I've had two AMG models and had both transmissions serviced at Tafel (something they have no problem doing bc they know their claim is bunk)....full dropping and wiping of the pan, each time the fluid was dirty and metal shavings in the pan. Id look into it, just saying.
Never heard of a seal being a reason not change the oil. If you're going to do it do it now and not later. Dirty oil pulls better in an older transmission.
Dammit Blueathletics, you go bringing up sentimental objects and making me feel guilty.Originally posted by Blueathletics:
Was my Mom's car, who died...So I took it off my dad's hands to help him out during a tough timeOriginally posted by Willy4UK:
OP's car is Ford Fusion.
Just getting you back for us having to endure your snot-shot sigOriginally posted by Willy4UK:
Dammit Blueathletics, you go bringing up sentimental objects and making me feel guilty.Originally posted by Blueathletics:
Was my Mom's car, who died...So I took it off my dad's hands to help him out during a tough timeOriginally posted by Willy4UK:
OP's car is Ford Fusion.
I work at a training school for auto repair.
We have 8, UAW, ASE master mechanics teachers.
I ask this same question about changing the trans fluid in my Honda Accord.
It has 208 thousand miles on it now.
I was told that if you had changed the fluid on schedule for the life of the car, then continue to.
But if you had not DO NOT change it now at 208 thousand.
Without a doubt, changing on schedule will substantially increase the life of your transmission.
This post was edited on 2/19 7:55 PM by BlueTick2
We have 8, UAW, ASE master mechanics teachers.
I ask this same question about changing the trans fluid in my Honda Accord.
It has 208 thousand miles on it now.
I was told that if you had changed the fluid on schedule for the life of the car, then continue to.
But if you had not DO NOT change it now at 208 thousand.
Without a doubt, changing on schedule will substantially increase the life of your transmission.
This post was edited on 2/19 7:55 PM by BlueTick2
It took me less than one minute to find this after I saw your post:
Ford 2010 Fusion I4
TSB 09-18-3
* 6F35 - HARSH 3-1 OR 2-1 ROLLING STOP DOWNSHIFT - HESITATION DURING LOW SPEED MANEUVERS - 2-3 OR 3-4 UPSHIFT FLARE COLD STARTS - NO DTCS
Learn research.
Again OP, if your transmission isn't giving you any problems, leave it alone.
Reminds me... One of my most favorite bosses of my life... WWII USMC guy, Pacific Theater....
When involved in a discussion similar to this one, concerning crankcase oil changes... Said.
"It says ADD!!! Not _ _ _ _ ing change!!!"
No one argued with Tall Man..........
When involved in a discussion similar to this one, concerning crankcase oil changes... Said.
"It says ADD!!! Not _ _ _ _ ing change!!!"
No one argued with Tall Man..........
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