Changing Tranny Fluid...

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2014RubyRed

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Mostly. I seams to be starting to shift a little different maybe starting to slightly slip when cold. Maybe just my brain playing tricks on me tho now that I'm worried about it.

I get it. If you are having issues, maybe it would be best to have it flushed at the dealership.....
 

Ratpatator

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Mostly. I seams to be starting to shift a little different maybe starting to slightly slip when cold. Maybe just my brain playing tricks on me tho now that I'm worried about it.

What worries me I had a 2004 6.0 powerstroke that had about 140k had grease monkey flush it and lost the trans with in 10k with no warning tranny was fine before flush

---------- Post added at 02:09 AM ---------- Previous post was at 02:03 AM ----------

I get it. If you are having issues, maybe it would be best to have it flushed at the dealership.....

The one closest to me at the moment is the one that said not to touch it. Especially if I have problems. Said the viscosity change with the new fluid would provoke any problems. Not sure if I trust him they know that if it goes out that they will most likely be the ones to put a new one in...
 

BigTang

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My experience is that the flush is a quick fix but the real issue is the filter. It's still 100k miles old.
I bought a jeep with 120k miles on it and was told the trans was dead. $40 later I had changed the fluid and filter and it was good as new.
There's a few guys(builders and ford techs) on other ford forums that really push changing filter.


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CarmanKyle

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So I need some tranny advice. I screwed up and got wrong information about when to flush the trans and didn't realize it...long story short I have 110k on the truck and have not changed the fluid. Do I dare change without flushing just new oil/filter or just new filter or should I even touch it and start saving for a new one? One Ford mechanic said not to touch it it's to late to do anything but I don't know if I trust him. It was another Ford mechanic that told me it didn't need it until 100k. Who do I trust any input on what I should do?

According to Ford the trans is filled for life. If you feel like doing it, then drop the pan, change filter and fluid. The trans is thermostatically controlled, there have been issues with flushing machines.
 

Vash

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Unless you're wanting to get ALL of the old fluid out for the purpose of switching to some sort of synthetic alternative, there's no need to do a full flush. I did a pan drop and filter change at about 50k miles and plan to do just a pan drop (actually drain plug on my aftermarket pan) at 60k and then a pan drop and filter change every 60k thereafter. The main reason I will be doing regular changes rather than subscribing to the OEM lifetime fill suggestion is that the transmission contains an expensive valve body with many very sensitive electronic solenoids. Over time, the small metallic particles circulating in your fluid (filter doesn't catch everything) will collect on the electrical terminals of those solenoids which can potentially necessitate the need to replace them prematurely. Replacing the amount of fluid equivalent to a pan drop should provide enough of a fluid swap and refresh that it illeviates the potential for the shift selenoids to short out due to contamination on the electrical contacts. Otherwise, the 6r80 appears to be a fairly reliable transmission as long as you do a little preventative maintenance.
 

farman

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Hey y'all I just changed my fluid and filter and just thought I would share a few things about it. First The truck had been sitting for 5 days and I did not warm it up before hand and got 8 1/4 quarts out of it with the help of this LiquiVac - Do It Yourself Oil Change System, Oil Change Pump/Vacuum it is very handy for this kind of stuff. I have also used it for the front diff,transfer case, power steering, and will probably use it to change the oil on my Polaris ranger. Next I noticed the fluid and thought it was pretty dark looking and burnt smelling for only having 52,000 miles on the truck. But anyways I buttoned everything back up and started to refill and was only able to put in 5 quarts before it started to come out of the hole, I moved the truck back and forth a few times and was able to get another 2 quarts in it. I then drove it around the block, and when I got back the rest of the 1 1/4 quarts went in with out a problem. I have since checked it at operating temp and it reads to the top of the B hash mark, I will now try to take it easy with the truck for a few miles and see how it goes. Will report back if anything bad happens.
 

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Vash

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@farman I can't speak to the burned smell, but my research indicates that Motorcraft Mercon LV darkens up pretty quickly in comparison to other types. I think I recall even seeing a TSB indicating such after many complaints of "new" fluid or fluid that was changed before the recommended service interval not being cherry red. I'd think it would be fine as long as it doesn't smell burnt.

I changed mine at 50k and it was dark with a slight red tint, but didn't smell burnt. Regardless, it's rated for high mileage assuming no other transmission issues. Although, I do still plan to change mine regularly.
 

RyanFelish

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Check the level for starters. But for sure it's time to service it.
I just made mine. Did film some pointers, I need to upload the video.
 
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