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SUVRider101
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May 26, 2009, 4:56 PM
Post #1 of 11
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Transmission Fluid
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2001 Ford Explorer Sport 2DR
4.0 V6 SOHC
89,806 miles
Well when I got my car inspected by the local Ford Dealership (back in January), they mentioned that my transmission fluid was "contaminated". They recommended getting a transmission flush/fluid change; I am curious whether this is something important or high priority. I'm on somewhat of a tight budget so I've been only getting a thing or two repaired with my vehicle at a time. Recently someone told me that dirty transmission fluid could be fatal to the transmission and cause it to fail. I would appreciate if someone could give me rundown on what transmission fluid is and its purpose.
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Hammer Time
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
May 26, 2009, 4:59 PM
Post #2 of 11
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Re: Transmission Fluid
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The trans fluid is rather important. Neglecting that can cost you thousands in the end.
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We offer help in answering questions, clarifying things or giving advice but we are not a substitute for an on-site inspection by a professional.
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Loren Champlain Sr
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May 26, 2009, 5:40 PM
Post #3 of 11
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Re: Transmission Fluid
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Agree with Hammer; Trans. fluid should be changed at 30K mile intervals. If cost is a concern, you can shop around. Most shops, now, have MotorVac transmission flush machines (state of the art). Expect about $140.00.
Loren
SW Washington
(This post was edited by Loren Champlain Sr on May 26, 2009, 5:42 PM)
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SUVRider101
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May 26, 2009, 5:48 PM
Post #4 of 11
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Re: Transmission Fluid
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Thanks for the replies guys, I had no clue this was supposed to be changed every 30k (I'm at almost 90k and I don't think its ever been changed). 
What exactly is the transmission fluid used for?
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Loren Champlain Sr
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May 26, 2009, 5:56 PM
Post #5 of 11
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Re: Transmission Fluid
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Transmission fluid is used in the automatic transmissions as a hydraulic lubricant and under high pressure. Just like engine oil, it gets dirty and it's lubricating qualities, just plain, wear out. Power steering and brake fluid are another couple of fluids that get overlooked.
Loren
SW Washington
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SUVRider101
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Jun 25, 2009, 12:45 PM
Post #6 of 11
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Re: Transmission Fluid
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Just to follow up on this topic.
I brought my vehicle to a Ford Dealership and asked them about the transmission fluid. A worker there (I kind of know) told me some further details regarding my transmission fluid. He said changing the transmission fluid at 90k miles would probably destroy the transmission since it's never been done before. I was told that the way the transmission naturally breaks down, having it flushed would mess it up. I have most of my services records for my vehicle but there isn't anything regarding the transmission. Just wanted to hear further input on this since I don't ever want to neglect my transmission. I keep up on everything else but this is the only thing that has some grey area for me.
I appreciate anyone who can explain this further.
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Loren Champlain Sr
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Jun 25, 2009, 1:08 PM
Post #7 of 11
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Re: Transmission Fluid
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SUV; Any lubricant, over time, gets contaminated and just plain wears out. There is a filter inside that will catch particles of clutch material and metallic pieces, just like the oil filter on your engine. Transmission fluid, by nature, is high in detergent type properties, and when you change the fluid, the new stuff will 'wash' the gum and varnish deposits away. It's a catch-22. If you don't change the fluid, you are looking at trans. problems. If you do change it, you may be looking at a problem. I have always changed my fluid and filter every 30K miles and have (knock on wood) never had a transmission fail. Good luck.
Loren
SW Washington
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Hammer Time
Ultimate Carjunky
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Jun 25, 2009, 1:09 PM
Post #8 of 11
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Re: Transmission Fluid
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That only applies after the fluid is totally burnt and sludged up. At that point the trans is already damaged and the sludge is helping seal the pressure in. At 90K, yours should have been no where near that point. Not changing it now is what will lead to that in the end. Smell the fluid and if it's not brown and burnt smelling, it's OK to change and that will prevent damage.
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We offer help in answering questions, clarifying things or giving advice but we are not a substitute for an on-site inspection by a professional.
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SUVRider101
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Jun 27, 2009, 6:56 AM
Post #9 of 11
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Re: Transmission Fluid
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Thanks for the replies guys. I personally don't want to touch the transmission fluid stick (afraid I may mess something up). I talked to someone at a different Ford Dealership and he said to bring it back on Monday when the transmission specialist is there. Apparently he will take my vehicle for a spin and check the condition of the transmission & its fluid. This has had me worried because I’ve been noticing the gear shift and gears acting funky lately. I worry if I don't do something about it now that in the near future I made need a new transmission (which I was told was around $4000.00). Hopefully everything isn't in too bad shape and can be worked with.
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SUVRider101
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Jun 29, 2009, 9:02 AM
Post #10 of 11
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Re: Transmission Fluid
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Okay I brought it in today. They told me the fluid was burnt and smelled, they said it would be a gamble changing it. If I change it now, it could kill the transmission on the spot and if I don't, the transmission will fail either way (within time). Which chance do you guys think I should take? The truck has 91,270 on it and has never had the transmission flushed out. The guy at the desk said the transmissions in the Explorers were pretty strong and may be able to handle it. Let me know how you guys feel about this.
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Hammer Time
Ultimate Carjunky
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Jun 29, 2009, 9:33 AM
Post #11 of 11
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Re: Transmission Fluid
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As we suspected, you already have a transmission problem. Flushing the fluid isn't going to make the problem go away. You need to have the trans rebuilt and your on borrowed time now. Continuing to drive it now could make the problem more expensive than it is already. You just need to bite the bullet and have it fixed.
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We offer help in answering questions, clarifying things or giving advice but we are not a substitute for an on-site inspection by a professional.
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