SPONSORED LINKS

Transmission fluid change or flush?

Tiny
CHRIS001
  • MEMBER
  • 2003 FORD CROWN VICTORIA
  • 4.6L
  • V8
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 2,228 MILES
Transmission fluid is really dirty and it's a little hesitant on stop and go I don't know when the fluid was changed but it looks like it has been a long time it's very dark brown time for a change. Would it be recommended to flush or change the fluid and filter? Because I have heard some cases a flush actually cause the transmission to stop working because of possible debris being in the transmission. What would be the recommendation? It has got over 200,000 miles and I bought the vehicle used.
SPONSORED LINKS
Sunday, May 9th, 2021 AT 7:09 PM

11 Replies

Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
  • 52,797 POSTS
Good evening,

I would change the fluid and filter. I would not do a flush at all. The chemical used for flushing has been known to damage the clutches in the transmission.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-service-an-automatic-transmission

Roy
Images (Click to make bigger)
Thumb
Thumb
Thumb
Thumb
Thumb
SPONSORED LINKS
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Sunday, May 9th, 2021 AT 8:18 PM
Tiny
CHRIS001
  • MEMBER
  • 44 POSTS
So the flushing is what could mess up the transmission but changing the fluid and filter should be fine?
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Sunday, May 9th, 2021 AT 8:37 PM
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
  • 52,797 POSTS
Correct.

Roy
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Sunday, May 9th, 2021 AT 8:51 PM
Tiny
CHRIS001
  • MEMBER
  • 44 POSTS
Good, because with all you hear about people getting their fluid change and the transmission not working again I was kind of wondering what to do. But now I know no flush just basic fluid and filter change. Thank you
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Sunday, May 9th, 2021 AT 8:55 PM
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
  • 52,797 POSTS
That is correct. You may have to do it a couple of times to get the fluid nice and clean from the condition you described.

Roy
SPONSORED LINKS
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Sunday, May 9th, 2021 AT 9:01 PM
Tiny
CHRIS001
  • MEMBER
  • 44 POSTS
Yes because it has been sitting up and looks pretty nasty and it's showing in the shifting. So I'm going to change the fluid and not drive it very much like that because it is not good on it.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Sunday, May 9th, 2021 AT 9:03 PM
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
  • 52,797 POSTS
Good idea. It may take a little time to return to normal but stay with it.

Roy
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Sunday, May 9th, 2021 AT 9:08 PM
Tiny
CHRIS001
  • MEMBER
  • 44 POSTS
So, i'm going to try to get it to a shop tomorrow so they can properly dispose of the old flush or change fluid. So when they do it this time I may need to take it back a few times?
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Sunday, May 9th, 2021 AT 9:10 PM
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
  • 52,797 POSTS
I would change it every 1,000 miles. Do it 2 times and see how the fluid looks.

Roy
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Sunday, May 9th, 2021 AT 9:12 PM
Tiny
CHRIS001
  • MEMBER
  • 44 POSTS
Okay, and at least with the first change it will have fresh in there and start doing its job properly.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Sunday, May 9th, 2021 AT 9:15 PM
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
  • 52,797 POSTS
Correct.

Roy
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
+1
Monday, May 10th, 2021 AT 3:05 AM

Please login or register to post a reply.

Related Transmission Service Content

Transmission Service Ford F-150 2011-2014
VIDEO
Transmission Service Ford F-150 2011-2014
Instructional repair video
Transmission Service - Manual
GUIDE
Transmission Service - Manual
We are a team of ASE certified mechanics that have created this guide to help you save money while doing the job yourself, or at least see what you are paying for when...
VIEW MORE

Sponsored links