Forum Discussion

brooks379's avatar
brooks379
Explorer
Aug 20, 2015

6.7 with Ford 6R140 transmission

Can you change the fluid in this tranny DIY like you could the old 5R by draining the pan then disconnecting the cooler lines, starting the truck and drain and fill at the same time to remove the rest of the fluid as it fills with new ? I hear there is a thermostat in the 6R and you need to hot flush it ? Any info ?

10 Replies

  • Clarification...

    If the transmission has less than 10k miles on it or one of the internal clutch packs, it requires a {Ford} friction modifier. After that point, it does not.
  • The older trans....you could buy a 5 gal bucket of fluid for $40 and about 30 minutes you were done with the fluid change but if the 6R needs to be hot flushed $159 at the dealer will have to do. I thought the dealer would probably want about $400.
  • philh wrote:
    brooks379 wrote:
    Thanks for the info.....Hot Flush.

    I always understood Ford recommended to never add anything to the 6R140 transmission except Mercon LV...... No friction modifier... No additives ?

    I could have sworn Ford required a friction modifier additive during a trans fluid change. I don't have access to the service manual, but check with a dealer.

    You may be thinking of the limited slip axle. It is added to the gear oil.
  • I just paid $159 at my ford dealer...to me it wasn't worth the hassle of doing it myself...
  • brooks379 wrote:
    Thanks for the info.....Hot Flush.

    I always understood Ford recommended to never add anything to the 6R140 transmission except Mercon LV...... No friction modifier... No additives ?

    I could have sworn Ford required a friction modifier additive during a trans fluid change. I don't have access to the service manual, but check with a dealer.
  • Do not add any additives to the LV transmission fluid. Also Ford recommends the transmission fluid to be changed at 150k miles.

    I plan on having mine chaged at around 100k miles.
  • Thanks for the info.....Hot Flush.

    I always understood Ford recommended to never add anything to the 6R140 transmission except Mercon LV...... No friction modifier... No additives ?
  • spud1957 wrote:


    To "properly" flush and replace the 17 qts of fluid, a hot flush is required.


    Correct for both the 5R and 6R transmission
  • make sure you also put in the friction modifier additive when refilling
  • brooks379 wrote:
    Can you change the fluid in this tranny DIY like you could the old 5R by draining the pan then disconnecting the cooler lines, starting the truck and drain and fill at the same time to remove the rest of the fluid as it fills with new ? I hear there is a thermostat in the 6R and you need to hot flush it ? Any info ?


    To "properly" flush and replace the 17 qts of fluid, a hot flush is required.