So I just got my "new to me" 2009 ranger 2wd 2.3 automatic with 61,000 miles. It has meticulous service records for everything except the transmission. As far as I know the fluid has never been flushed, or the pan dropped & filter changed. It still shifts and drives fine but I feel like the fluid should should be changed. Im wondering if its recommended to take it in to have it flushed, or simply do a pan drop and filter change? My personal Idea was to do the pan drop and filter and weld in a drain plug while its apart so I can do small fluid changes every other oil change or so. What do you guys think?

if it matters I checked my fluid, it still smells sweet and not burnt with just some orange/brown coloration so Im assuming everything is still OK? I included a pic.

 

It should be red without any orange or brown. It is good that it does not smell burnt. You probably will get it changed out in time if you do it soon. If you plan on doing the service yourself the first time is messy until you can install a drain plug. There are also self tapping plugs. You will find a plastic plug in the bottom of the pan if it is the first tranny service - this the bottom of the dipstick plug left behind from production.

What I like to do is drop the pan for the first fluid change. Install a drain plug and change out the filter. You will end up putting about 5 to 6 quarts of fluid in. Put about 10k on the fluid and then do a fluid flush at the trans cooler lines. This gets all of the fluid out including what is in the torque converter. This will be about 12-15 quarts as I end up pumping some of the new fluid back out with the old.

 

Thanks a ton for your response. Im definetily gonna get out there and do the pan drop, filter, and drain plug install this weekend and then take your advice on the flush. Ive done a few filter changes before so I know how horribly messy they are. One of the main reasons Im gonna weld a drain in no matter what. Next filter change will be so much cleaner.

dumb question but, would putting the front of the vehical on ramps help to drain some extra fluid out of the converter during the filter change?

 

All it will do is make it easier to climb under. The pan is going to be full of fluid.

 

Roger that.

 

Assuming I did the fluid flush from the cooler lines directly at the radiator since they are way easier to access then at the trans itself, do you know which line (top or bottom) would be the pressure side?