Importance of "TRANNY" fluid changing??

[Yamaholic]

Ok... We all know how important it is that we change the oil every 2500-3000 miles or so, but in all honesty how important is changing the "TRANNY" fluid?? Is it necessary, or will the tranny be fine for a while with the original fluid?? Also, when is it recommended mileage wise to change if it "IS" important??

 

[heath94]

MTX OR ATX???

 

[Yamaholic]

ATX... Rebuilt 16,000 miles ago (Original fluid still in tranny)

 

[MattyMac1]

HMM... Should you replace the manual fluid??And where and how???? I've never done so and prob should???????THANXXXX.

 

[F-22 Raptor SHO]

Seeing how u just got it rebuilt, I would start on the right foot and change your automatic tranny fluid every 30,000 to 40,000 miles. I use Mobil 1 synthetic. 14 quarts at 4.99 + the new filter and gasket: less than $100.00.

Its Cheap tranny insurance and will keep her happy.

 

[shocrates]

Honestly, I think changing the fluid and filter are important. IMO the recommended service interval of 30k miles is for the interest of the manufacturer's planned obsolescence rather than the owner's interest in the trans lasting as long as it can.
I drop the pan to change the filter every 15k miles and every month I disconnect the fluid cooler line and use the converter to pump out 4 quarts of fluid. Since doing the frequent fluid changes there has been a noticeable improvement in the shift quality and general operation of the trans.
I've been thinking about getting one of these, http://www.emergingent.com/subpage1Magnefine.htm , although I'm not sure if I need it.

<small>[ April 14, 2003, 07:56 PM: Message edited by: shocrates ]</small>

 

[sdpatt]

Interestingly, regarding the fluid in the MTX, there is no change interval recommended in the Ford owner's manual. Since there is not a path for entry of foreign debris into the case and the fluid shouldn't ever get too hot since there is little friction in the gear train, the fluid should last indefinitely. After seeing the immaculate interior of my MTX after 271,000 miles of use, I realize that it stays very clean. In the real world though, a change, a change, will do you good.

 

[olympic]

Regular fluid changes are VERY important on automatics. They create alot of heat which breaks down the oil. Since you have a recently rebuilt ATX, consider installing an aftermarket tranny cooler to help keep the oil temperatures in check.

There are 2 things that usually destroy automatics: heat and dirt. Regular fluid changes and a cooler will eliminate those factors.

 

[Tommy's SHO]

ATX:
I change my tranny fluid and filter every 12k-15k miles and have used Mobil ATF non-synthetic.
At my next change, which is in 2k miles, I will use Castrol's ATF fluid (Dextron/Mercon) since I can't get Mobil's ATF fluid anywhere up here in Montreal. squint

 

[masho95]

Changing the fluid can be just as important in an MTX. Some people tend to like to switch to a synthetic fluid for higher mileage trannys. Draining the fluid can be done by removing the gear selector interlock retaining pin with a 13mm wrench. Just be sure not to move the shifter or any part of the tranny while the fluid drains out.. As soon as it's done draining immediately replace the bolt. Then remove the fill plug with a 3/8" ratchet end and fill with your preference of fluid. The tranny holds just under 3 quarts if completely bone dry. But if you drain it in this method you'll only get a significant amount less out.