Transmission : service writer said he wasn't going to change the filter??? Is this how ford rolls?

Disclaimer: Links on this page pointing to Amazon, eBay and other sites may include affiliate code. If you click them and make a purchase, we may earn a small commission.

StangGT5

FRF Supporting Member
Supporting Member
Joined
Jul 17, 2023
Posts
59
Reaction score
63
Location
Atlanta, GA
I guess reversing the fluid flow may somewhat help to clean the filter of particulates, but I am not crazy about putting that clutch material and debris into the rest of the system. Obvious its gets circulated and most comes out, but using the filter like a quarantine box to be disposed of is the better approach. Edit to add, this is why I prefer to replace the filter, refill the transmission, then do a subsequent drain and fill a few hundred miles later. I have always felt that is the gentler way of getting fluid out of the torque converter.

Maybe I am too accustomed to European cars, but $700 for a filter and fluid change is not bad for dealer rates.
 

FordTechOne

FRF Supporting Member
Supporting Member
Joined
Jul 29, 2019
Posts
6,672
Reaction score
13,068
Location
Detroit
2020 Serviced at 50 and 100k now have an issue with 8th gear. Temp climbs to 221-222 degrees and pukes a little out the vent. Loss of power, hunting for a gear. Happens when in a prolonged climb under 6-7 lbs of boost. All other gears normal operation and operating temp. Long warranty trying to follow manual. 2018 Expedition didn't touch it no issues through the 100k we had it. Curse of service it or don't service it.
An overheat condition with fluid venting is a good indication the transmission was overfilled during the last service. The fluid becomes aerated, which then causes shifting issues/loss of clutch holding capacity.

The fluid level requires a scan tool and patience to set properly. The TFT needs to be at a specific temperature and the dipstick markings need to be referenced in the Workshop Manual, as the dipstick is used across multiple applications.
 

Oldfart

FRF Addict
Joined
Oct 21, 2017
Posts
6,020
Reaction score
14,931
Location
Saggy Balls Division of PA Trump Army
An overheat condition with fluid venting is a good indication the transmission was overfilled during the last service. The fluid becomes aerated, which then causes shifting issues/loss of clutch holding capacity.

The fluid level requires a scan tool and patience to set properly. The TFT needs to be at a specific temperature and the dipstick markings need to be referenced in the Workshop Manual, as the dipstick is used across multiple applications.
Sometimes it almost seems like you actually know stuff! :angels2:
 

GordoJay

FRF Addict
Joined
Feb 8, 2020
Posts
7,646
Reaction score
16,662
Location
Colorado
Service writers are generally on commission. The more they sell you, the more they make. The best ones turn lying into an art form. The worst ones care about the customer and don't last long. The only way I would let a Ford service department do any non-warranty work is if an independent shop that I trusted told me to go there because specialized equipment. Ford gave me free oil changes and I spend my own money on oil and filters and roll around on the garage floor instead.
 
OP
OP
thatJeepguy

thatJeepguy

FRF Supporting Member
Supporting Member
Joined
Nov 28, 2021
Posts
2,494
Reaction score
3,713
Location
GA
I’m going to see if i can keep the streak going. Ill call 2 others tomorrow. Then perhaps ill use a local indy guy I trust.
 

Ruger

FRF Addict
Joined
May 16, 2011
Posts
9,555
Reaction score
8,514
Location
Northern Nevada
Just called second dealer. They said the exact same thing. Flush only “ the fluid flush cleans the filter.
I know why. They don't want to burn their knuckles. The factory dipstick (I call it a dip toothpick) is about an inch to an inch and a quarter from the catalytic converter. The fill procedure is in two steps, first a cold fill with intentionally less fluid than was drained. Then you drive it and bring the transmission up to full temp. And then you burn your knuckles because the second step is done with the engine and transmission at full temp, engine running, and you manipulating that dip toothpick lying under the truck. The first time I did it the burns took three weeks to heal. The second time I wore mechanic's gloves with five layers of duct tape across the knuckles. I still got burned, but a lot less severely. (The vaunted Ford automotive engineers evidently don't know much about Workman's Compensation.) The problem is that the dip toothpick must be carefully manipulated to get a good reading, and it's hard to do that with heavy gloves on. So maybe a glove with the thumb, forefinger, and middle fingertips cut off and extra protection across the knuckles. (All this pertains to 6.2L GEN1 Raptors, BTW. I know nothing about working on EB GEN2s and GEN3s.)
 

Oldfart

FRF Addict
Joined
Oct 21, 2017
Posts
6,020
Reaction score
14,931
Location
Saggy Balls Division of PA Trump Army
Service writers are generally on commission. The more they sell you, the more they make. The best ones turn lying into an art form. The worst ones care about the customer and don't last long. The only way I would let a Ford service department do any non-warranty work is if an independent shop that I trusted told me to go there because specialized equipment. Ford gave me free oil changes and I spend my own money on oil and filters and roll around on the garage floor instead.
:gr_grin: I did the same thing. The dealer did a few pretty crappy things on my delivery, so they ended up offering me free lifetime oil changes. I told them I'll do it myself. I have to say that the mechanics doing the warranty work there are good and I do trust them. I've gotten to be really friendly with the service writer and my truck always goes to their top tech because they know I'm an annal, picky old man. (I know I spelled annal wrong, but it gets blocked!) I'm also sure they don't have their top techs doing oil changes. I also like that when I change the oil I can take a hard look underneath and keep an eye on things.
 
Top