Forum Discussion

dlt123me's avatar
dlt123me
Explorer
Aug 04, 2014

How often or should you change out Tranny fluid

Hi, I have a general question about transmission fluid changes... I remember many years ago, I had the transmission fluid changed in a Toyota Celica manual transmission I owned, and it wasn't too long afterwards my transmission failed.

I have since been gun shy about having my tranny fluid changed and have never done so since in any vehicle I've owned.

I took my MH into have an oil change after I bought it, and Jiffy Lube suggested I consider changing my tranny fluid. My MH only has 36,900 miles on it.

What are most of you doing when it comes to your trannies. Are you having the fluids changed or are you just leaving them alone. Like I mentioned, I am leary of changing it because of an isolated incident. It may have been a fluke, but still it makes me leary.

What advice does anyone have concerning when/if one changes their tranny fluid? Yeah, Nay, Maybe???

Thanks,
Dennis
Class C
  • Trackrig's avatar
    Trackrig
    Explorer II
    Aug 04, 2014
    I usually change mine at about 50,000 miles to synthetic and never bothered with it again. I'll take that back, I did change my Jeep Wrangler again at 150,000 miles. I've never overheated a transmission.

    Bill
  • tatest's avatar
    tatest
    Explorer II
    Aug 04, 2014
    I changed mine just over 30,000 miles, 2003 E-450 with 4R100. It needed changing, was getting pretty burnt looking. Ford dealer used a new spec Mercon. Per manual, 30k was change interval for that model year, that application.

    I changed it about same mileage on a 2001 Ranger with M5OD manual. Change interval was supposed to be 50,000, but the synchronizers were starting to be stiff. Ford dealer replaced the Mercon with a new synthetic gear oil, told me they don't put Mercon in that manual transmission any longer. Shifting slick, better than my Honda Fit.
  • wcjeep's avatar
    wcjeep
    Explorer
    Aug 04, 2014
    New fluid in a neglected transmission is bad. New fluid has fresh detergent for cleaning. The new fluid can not absorb enough built up dirt particles. New fluid can easily break a neglected transmission. New fluid in a consistently serviced transmission will extend the life.

    If your transmission ever gets hot. Change fluid immediately regardless of date of previous change. I think the magic number is 250deg? Above that temp immediate change required.
  • dlt123me's avatar
    dlt123me
    Explorer
    Aug 04, 2014
    wolfe10 wrote:
    What chassis do you have? What year? How many miles? Any smell/change in color to the fluid?

    What is your chassis manufacturer's recommendation?

    Some transmission manufacturers, including Allison specifically recommend AGAINST flushing.


    I guess I should have mentioned that. I have a 95 Jamboree Rallye MH with a Ford 460 engine. Not sure what kind of tranny. I have nothing that is wrong with my tranny, no smell, no discolor, just wondering if I should ever change my tranny oil.
  • wolfe10's avatar
    wolfe10
    Explorer
    Aug 04, 2014
    What chassis do you have? What year? How many miles? Any smell/change in color to the fluid?

    What is your chassis manufacturer's recommendation?

    Some transmission manufacturers, including Allison specifically recommend AGAINST flushing.

About Motorhome Group

38,709 PostsLatest Activity: Mar 12, 2025