How often to change transmission fluid?

[Davidg]

For the newer Ford diesels with the 6 speed auto transmission that is used 75% towing heavy fiver, when should transmission fluid be changed? The Ford maintenance guide only says to change it at 150,000 miles. It does not differentiate between towing or not. I've always believed that when towing heavy, transmission fluid life is shortened due mostly to higher operating temperatures, and oil shear. So, what are others doing?

[doc73]

Does the manual address tough service? My Chevy manual give general service and rough service recommendations.

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[youroo]

Unless your a Very Lucky person I would change before 150.000 miles! Youroo!! Most MFG have a "Severe Use" section,which Heavy Towing falls under!

[doc73]

I just looked at mine for comparison.. 97,500(odd number) for standard duty, 45,000 for severe duty.. Again on a Chevy diesel, but I'd guess for cannot be to do far off. Odd part, my gas Manuel said nothing about transmission fluid changes on standard use, only severe usage at 45,000 as well.

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[Fairenatic]

Originally Posted by doc73

I just looked at mine for comparison.. 97,500(odd number) for standard duty, 45,000 for severe duty.. Again on a Chevy diesel, but I'd guess for cannot be to do far off. Odd part, my gas Manuel said nothing about transmission fluid changes on standard use, only severe usage at 45,000 as well.

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Even if you change your transmission fluid every 40-45K miles like I do, you still will not get much more than 400K out of your auto transmission.

Take care of your transmission. It is the weak link in the drive train.

[doc73]

Originally Posted by Fairenatic

Even if you change your transmission fluid every 40-45K miles like I do, you will not get much more than 400K out of your auto transmission.

Take care of your transmission. It is the weak link in the drive train.

Ok, thanks, I guess

400k miles ain't half bad in my book.. I'll be happy if I make it to that...

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[Fairenatic]

Originally Posted by doc73

Ok, thanks, I guess

400k miles ain't half bad in my book.. I'll be happy if I make it to that...

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I have never found anyone to rebuild an Aisin transmission. They run around $7000 new.

[youroo]

Originally Posted by Fairenatic

Even if you change your transmission fluid every 40-45K miles like I do, you still will not get much more than 400K out of your auto transmission.

Take care of your transmission. It is the weak link in the drive train.

How many RV tow vehicles have you had for you to have Data that "400.000 Miles"? Youroo!!

[Fairenatic]

Originally Posted by youroo

How many RV tow vehicles have you had for you to have Data that "400.000 Miles"? Youroo!!

Let me see, I buy a new one about every 5 years and I have been towing trailers for over 25 years, so that makes about 5 or 6.

[youroo]

Originally Posted by Fairenatic

Let me see, I buy a new one about every 5 years and I have been towing trailers for over 25 years, so that makes about 5 or 6.

Oh I see you are a Transporter that puts 400.000 miles on your Truck in 5 years! Boy not much time to Camp! Youroo!!

[Fairenatic]

Originally Posted by youroo

Oh I see you are a Transporter that puts 400.000 miles on your Truck in 5 years! Boy not much time to Camp! Youroo!!

I am a Turbo Machinery expert and control systems engineer. I travel to all the plants across the country for start ups, repairs, process automation, instrumentation upgrades, and safety system audits.

Yes, lots of miles. But I always make time to see the sites along the way. Been in every state except Hawaii, at least once.

[doc73]

We are WAY OFF TOPIC HERE... But you said Aisin trans, that's Dodge (I think not a ram guy) my guess was you meant Allison(chevy trans)?

[Lefty59]

I agree the owner's manual calls for a transmission fluid change at 150k miles regardless of vehicle use. The new transmission does use a synthetic transmission fluid so I'd expect some extended life but 150k seems like a lot considering that on my F250 the specified interval when towing was 30k.

50k would seem more reasonable to me, but maybe synthetic tranny fluid is that good?

Since I typically follow the maintenance requirements as called out in the owner's manuals, I'll likely just keep an eye on the fluid level & condition and make my decision as the fluid ages. However, I'm sure the local Ford dealership will press for a fluid change long before we reach 150k.

[spock123]

My GM dealer said 45,000 miles since I tow a heavy trailer, I think they wanted to make some money off me. They changed the fluid in everything but the oil, they won't do that again.


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[Jim34RL]

I do the full monty on my truck; I change the differential oil front and rear along with the transmission every 40,000 miles. Using Amsoil 75W-90 synthetic EP Gear oil and Royal Purple for the transmission. Both filters are changed in the transmission every time I change the fluid. Oil is cheap and it is good to get the debris and contaminates out of the transmission and differential every so often.


Remember maintenance schedules published by the manufactures is the minimum requirement need.

[gfarmcafe]

Originally Posted by Jim34RL

I do the full monty on my truck; I change the differential oil front and rear along with the transmission every 40,000 miles. Using Amsoil 75W-90 synthetic EP Gear oil and Royal Purple for the transmission. Both filters are changed in the transmission every time I change the fluid. Oil is cheap and it is good to get the debris and contaminates out of the transmission and differential every so often.


Remember maintenance schedules published by the manufactures is the minimum requirement need.

Agree 100%.

[Total Loss]

15k in my tow rigs/motorhome
30-40 in the car.
50 with manual.

I have seen my share of 100k recommended trans fluid change interval vehicles with transmissions that give up the ghost at 105 or so. (insurance inspector)

It's not just mileage- but age also.
If you are driving 100 k a year- it will last longer than someone driving 100k in 10.

[doc73]

That would be my luck... I'd wait until 150k and the day after I hit the 5 year 100k warranty... at 100,001 miles the trans would drop out the back end!, along with some fresh water tanks!

[CaptnJohn]

I'll trade trucks first. On 3 I changed trans fluid/filter at under 100K and had problems with all 3 afterward.

[doc73]

I had heard that... My mechanic advised against a trans oil change on my wife's Trailblazer. He said it can either be a good thing or the car will never be right again.