I was wondering if any of you guys could guide me on getting my trans fluid flushed. I just purchased my truck (a 2000 model ranger xlt 4x2 with 3.0 and auto trans) several months ago and I am not sure when, if ever, the transmission fluid has been changed in it. The truck has around 84,000 miles on it. I called my local ford dealership and they wanted around 150.00 to flush the transmission and refill with fluid. Does that seem high or is that about right? Also I have noticed that if you get on the truck when you first take off that it kind of hesitates or slips as it shifts into the next gear. It does not do this if you take off normally. Does this have anything to do with old fluid or is it signs of something more?

 

I go ahead and do it at the ford dealership. Sounds a lil high....but Ford usually is good on their maintenance procedures. Don't go to jiffy lube....I just have a hardtime bring my truck to ANY oil change place.

What color is the fluid?? Is it pinkish....or does it have a brown color to it??

 

That price isn't too bad, and since it's Ford I'd do it there.

 

I had my '99 flushed at a Ford dealership a few months ago. Ask them if that price includes a filter change, becuse if it doesn't $150 seems a little high.

It sounds like the problem your describing is a shift flare. This is often caused by a busted valve body gasket. Replace the gasket. But if your transmission is truly slipping in the classic sense, a flush won't make the problem go away.

 

Thanks for the responses. I will check and make sure that that price includes the filter as well. The fluid has a brown tint to it and also has a very slight burnt smell to it.

This shift flare that is talked about, would that only happen gonig from first to second or in all gears as my problem only seems to be present at take off from first to second? Also if this is the case how hard is the valve body gasket to change or should I take it and have it done?

 

I'm not positive because this was never an issue with my transmission, but I believe the shift flare was problematic between gears 2-3.

If your transmission is slipping and the fluid smells burnt, a rebuild might be in your future. How long, who knows?

Also, you are about to get into a huge debate whether flushing a transmission that's questionable will help or hurt it.

Do a little searching about the vaalve body gasket. I can't help you too much with what's involved. Obviously a gasket

 

Yeah I have already had the local Ford Dealership tell me that if I had them to flush my transmission that they would not guarantee me that it would not hurt it by doing this. My problem is knowing that the transmission fluid needs changed I would have a hard time just leaving it alone neglecting it until one day it just go caboom. On the other hand if I flush the fluid then have to do a transmission rebuild because of it them I am screwed as well. Danged if you do and danged if you dont.

 

If your tranny is "classic" slipped, a fluid change has the potential to make it worse. I've had it happen more than once. When u get ride of the old fluid that has all the wonderful particles floating around to help the clutches grip, and go with new tranny fluid that has less for the clutches to grab onto.

Valve body gaskets can be a little tricky if u haven't removed a valve body before. There are alot of components that have to line up, and it all must be retorque to spec to work properly.

Also the way i've always understood tranny flushing is do it regularly from the start or don't do it at all. Just my 2 cents 4 ya.

 

Thanks for that info My91Ranger. I am sure that if the valve body gasket did need replaced that I would be better off leaving it to someone with some experience ( ie. not me ).

From the sounds of it I am just the lucky sole that happened to buy a used ranger that the previous owner didnt service as it should have been. From the great info I am getting from you guys it is sounding more and more like I should probably just leave the trans alone for now as I do not have the money to do a rebuild if changing the fluid caused any more problems then I already have.

 

I would suggest going to a local shop that works on transmissions. If you have the ability to get a local reference then that would be best. I had the tranny fluid on both my rangers changed for $45 each.