automatic transmission flush

I always do a fluid exchange. I get all the fluid out and change the filters. Actually is a fairly easy job.

Would you change 1/3 of your engine oil?

I had a '98 Dodge Dakota that started to hang in 2nd gear all the way up to 50mph, especially when cold. This was with ~70k miles. I had the transmission flushed (which is really a non-pressurized fluid exchange) and it was cured. It's still going many years later.

Two other friends with similar Dodge vehicles had the same issue and the flush fixed both of theirs too. One is well past 150k now.

So for those with 44RE transmissions it can be effective.

gkainz wrote:
transmission experts I know say "DO NOT FLUSH!" ... drain the pan, change the filter. If you want the TC fluid changed, remove the output line to the trans cooler and idle the engine. As the old fluid pumps out, add the same amount into the fill port. Once you have clean fluid pumping out, stop, shut down, reconnect, restart, check and set proper fluid levels.

That's what I do. I use a bucket with quart markings and pour at the same rate of pumping. With the ATF+4 that I use it doesn't change color or gets that normal burnt smell. So I just buy enough fluid for the listed capacity and run it all through.

Simple drain and refill is sufficient enough. My ford tranny has a drain plug, which makes it an easy task. There's no reason to drop the pan unless you're changing the filter. At 90K miles, there's no need to change the filter. Drain into a bucket with graduated markings on it, then replace whatever drained out. You won't get fluid from the tourgqe converter or the cooler (if you have one), so repeat the process again in 25K miles, and make that your normal fluid change interval. For me, that's about once a year in my HD truck, which is not burdensome at all. Trans fluid is the lifeblood of tranny, and it ought to be respected.

On a different note, unless Ford has changed their tune, they used to recommend never changing the rear differential fluid. I think that's quite foolish, but still, with synthetic fluid in the differential, you should be good for 200K miles.

With my past vehicles I'd do the "recommended" flush at 50K to keep the warranty gods happy. After that it's just drain/fill. The longer it's been since a service and/or the older the vehicle the less likely I am to do a flush. I've personally had two trannies die shortly after flushing. One was a previously wrecked truck that was run dry and driven for an unknown period and the flush put it over the edge. The other was a truck with no previous problems. "Power Flushed" it at 90K and within a day it began slipping and clunking. I took it back to the dealer that did the service twice and ended up just trading it in (and I'm sure they disclosed the problem to the new buyer :))

My bottom line is unless it's to satisfy a warranty I'd NEVER "power-flush" a tranny. Drain/fills and filter changes are the best maintenance IMO.

wintersun wrote:
At least with GM they recommend against the flush as it can damage the seals in the transmission.

There are also different change intervals for ATF depending upon whether it is the TES 389 that the dealer probably uses, or TES 295.
With my truck the TES 389 needs to be changed every 50,000 miles or every 24 months whichever comes sooner. With TES 295 ATF should be changed every 150,000 miles or 48 months, whichever comes first.
The change interval is reduced with heavy use as with towing.

Um, the OP has a Ford, not a GM product. No TES fluid I believe.

At least with GM they recommend against the flush as it can damage the seals in the transmission.

There are also different change intervals for ATF depending upon whether it is the TES 389 that the dealer probably uses, or TES 295.
With my truck the TES 389 needs to be changed every 50,000 miles or every 24 months whichever comes sooner. With TES 295 ATF should be changed every 150,000 miles or 48 months, whichever comes first.

The change interval is reduced with heavy use as with towing.

Don't do it

Have you had the trans oil changed before this service or is this the first service? if the first service I would not do it,

I would just ask for a drain and refill with the proper transmission fluid. just my 2 cents.

my old dodge requires, if using it to tow, which most of us do, to change it around 35K intervals.

I have done that, they adjusted the bands on the second oil change and she runs and drives and shifts great.

I will change it again around 110K.

however your maintenance schedule may be different.
most will change the motor oil but forget about the hard working transmission and differential.

My old PU wasn't shifting and slipping. National tranny repair business said I needed a new tranny. Went to a local guy who flushed, new filter and fluid and drove the truck aother 100k miles. Felt like new tranny again. If you tow you should do something.