I got my 04 ranger when it had about 90xxx. Since then I have been giving it regular oil changes. It is now at 128xxx and it runs like a champ. I realized though that I have never changed the tranny oil. I checked it and it is nice and red and does not smell burnt or anything. I would change it but I have heard horror stories of transmissions goin bad after changing the oil with such mileage. My question is should I change it or should I leave it?

 

Trans fliud can go 100k before needing to be replaced. I don't think it would hurt to do it now. If anything it will help.

 

Auto or manual? Auto I'd say leave it, manual is as easy to change as the diff fluid, so there's not really anything that can be messed up there as long as you fill it till it spills out

 

Auto is pretty simple too, Just drop the pan, change the filter and fill.

 

I have an automatic. I'm just paranoid that if I change the fluid it will just push my transmission to failure. Lol

 

If the fluid is nice and red, then you should be fine.

I have a manual tranny. I changed my fluid the other week, and it was horrible looking. Worse than used motor oil lol.

 

Go ahead and change it. Those stories are from decades ago before newer technologies for transmissions and fluids were available.
In the 60's and 70's an engine was considered "shot" at 100K miles and many auto transmissions were done also.
Many times now days, if the previous owner abused the transmission , then changed the fluid just before selling, the new owner already has a hidden problem when they change the fluid again.

 

I change mine once a year if it needs it or not...

 

my hayes book and ford says mine never has to be changed..... im not to sure about that

 

06Rangerguy, If your tranny fluid hasn't bee changed since '06, I think it's about time, might be just gunk in there.....Just kidding, but it wouldn't hurt.

 

yeah i need to do it soon.

 

I think I'm going to go ahead and do it. Not a flush with a machine or anything but a simple oil change ad filter change.

 

What weight is the newer Trans oil ?

Do you need to warm up the tranny first ?

We used to test the oil by smelling it, it is smelt burnt then it was time for a change.

 

I dropped the pan today and changed the filter. Wasn't that bad to do. I read somewhere that if ou only drop the pan tha you only have to add 4 or 5 quarts back in. Does anyone know for sure how many I have to add?

 

Scrambler82, I do believe that you'll need to change at least the same time you change your engine oil just to be on the safe side, I've never owned an automatic in my life, but that's what I'd do. With my 5sp I change it once a year if it needs it or not. Every March when I drain the tranny fluid comes out dark. And it takes Automatic tranny fluid also. The drain plug has a magnetic pick up on it, and it just has a metallic film on it. So the wear and tear is at a minimum. I'm sure it'll need a rebuild here soon.

d1zturbe3d, I'd look it up, or call a dealership to verify the amount needed, 4 quarts does sound right, too low just add....

 

Did you end up changing it and if so, any problems? My '99 2wd 3.0l flex just turned 140k last weekend and I'be been worried about changing mine too for fear that it could cause problems. As far as I know it has never been changed. For the past couple years it seems like it doesn't always shift into first when I take off. My father in law says change the fluid and filter and it should be OK but I too have the fear that changing it will invite disaster.