I have a 2011 4x4 Ranger XLT with the 4.0 V6 engine, auto transmission and it has about 57k on it. I'd like to know what transmission is in it and what the recommended fluid change interval is for it. Local Ford dealer tells me the change interval is 30k but,the owners manual adds some confusion to that as,there seems there is more than one tranny in the 2011 Ranger. Also,when I inquired about how they change fluid, specifically, do they flush the tranny, their response was no, Ford doesn't recommend flushing the tranny, just drain and replace the fluid and I'm assuming, changing the filter too. My understanding is that when you simply drop the pan and drain, you're really only replacing about half of the fluid because, there a substantial amount of tranny fluid still in the torque converter. What should I insist the dealer do when I have them change the fluid? Is a simple pan drop, drain, new filter and refill adequate?
Thanks

 

I've been reading by many to install a drain plug in your pan to make this next step easier. They make pans with plugs already installed, but it's a simple procedure to get a cheap (5-12 bux...google transmission plug) one installed instead of paying 40-60 bux for a new pan with the plug already installed.

After your plug install, bolting back up to trans, filling to the proper level and running around for a few miles, take out the plug and drain the pan again, but this time, you won't have to worry about removing the pan; just the plug. Refill with right amount drained, run it again, and drain and fill again.

This should get most of the older fluid out, and it's at the discretion of the one doing this to continue spending 7-8 bucks a quart for trans fluid.

Me? I'm going to be that guy who overkills it

Hope this makes sense.