2006 F150 trans fluid 97k mi; change it?

[Watchthis2021]

I just purchased a 2006 F150 with only 97000 miles and its a V6 with the 4r70e trans. The trans fluid looks good and smells normal but could be 18 years old. My local mechanic said I may want to leave it alone because he's heard of issues with fords being unchanged that long causing trans failure when changed. The only other Ford I've had was a 2006 f250 6.0 diesel that lasted 23 months till it blew. So my question is What would you do??

 

[Kira]

I'd do a pan-drop with filter change.

We did a pan-drop on a '97 F-150 (4.6l, same trans.) about 10 years ago is about the same thing, except the '97 had only 50,000 miles, so I guess that makes me an aspiring expert.

Is a pan-drop with filter change what you're planning, or something more?

Our fluid was dirty but 'acceptable'.
I don't think changing out "half the fluid" (the result of most pan-drops) would harm any operating transmission.

We also did a 2005 Explorer (with your mileage) that day. That old fluid looked the same. We were glad to see what was being run.

Neither vehicle was damaged.

Q1: Does anyone know if your torque converter has a drain plug? Remember to rotate the engine to find it.
Q2: MerconV, right?

On several occasions I've had to look for MerconV.
Even though it's a popular fluid, there mightn't be enough do-it-yourselfers to see it on parts shop shelves consistently.

The last time I bought some, it was a 6-pack of Valvoline brand MerconV for a great price on Amazon.

 

[D60]

I'd put a Dorman pan on it with drain plug and use any MercV compatible fluid. Should take around 4.5 qts. You're not nearly replacing everything.

I daily an '07 4.6 that was maintained HORRIBLY before I got it. I did a spill 'n fill (plus filter while swapping pan) at 185k when I acquired it. I wouldn't be surprised if it was the first time the trans was ever serviced -- but I really have no way of knowing.

At 240k now. I think I've done one additional spill 'n fill in that time. It's easy with the drain plug.

Ditto for my wife's '08 4R75. We got that one at 88k and now at 160k. Using the Dorman pan I just drain every 8th or 10th (or whatever) oil change. I do 4-5k OCIs on the horrific 3V

 

[PontiacHO]

Do a topside evacuation of fluid. Gets the same amount out as a pan drop. Refill. Drive 10 miles. Do it again. Fresh and clean without the mess. If the filter is “clogged-restricted” , changing it ain’t helping….the damage is done anyway.

 

[D60]

Oh also if you find the little bob in the pan, it's likely the first service. It gets knocked out at the factory when the dipstick is inserted.

I honestly don't remember if I found it in my '07 the first time I removed the pan.

 

[cdlamb]

I replaced the transmission oil in a 2007 that I had.
It had around 180,000 kilometers.
There was a fair bit of sludge on the bottom of the pan.
I drove it until someone stole it from my driveway with about 380,000 km.

I am sure a flush at a dealer would have stirred up the sediment causing problems, if they didn't first remove the pan.

 

[redhat]

I’d drop the pan, replace the filter and put it back up. Either replace the pan with one that has a drain or add one to your pan.

I’d refill the pan with how much fluid I drained out of it, refill with that much + a quart or two. Then I’d disconnect a tranny cooler line and fill up a gallon milk jug. Then replace 4 quarts to the trans pan, pump a gallon out. I’d do that until the fluid color/condition was like new.

Then I’d fill it up/ top it off and set my final level.

 

[D60]

Also I use the Mahle W39141 gasket with the Dorman pan. Seems great. Presently $9 on Amazon

 

[Watchthis2021]

Thanks for all the advice and I think that having the filter and fluid changed is the way to go. I have done several my self in the past but at 70 years old I now rely on other mechanics.

 

[clinebarger]

My local mechanic said I may want to leave it alone because he's heard of issues with fords being unchanged that long causing trans failure when changed.

That's a Myth. Drop the pan, Clean it & the magnet...Swap out the filter.

 

[Watchthis2021]

That's a Myth. Drop the pan, Clean it & the magnet...Swap out the filter.

Does it make any difference what brand fluid I use or should I stay with Motorcraft Mercon V?

 

[D60]

And don't forget to transfer the magnet to your new pan with drain plug! I never have but always fear I will.

I believe the UltraPower pan is Dorman, but I don't have conclusive evidence.

 

[clinebarger]

Does it make any difference what brand fluid I use or should I stay with Motorcraft Mercon V?

I use Maxlife in 4R70W's often....Even fresh units I built without issue.

 

[Watchthis2021]

I was goin by the Ford dealer so decided to just get the factory Filter, Fluid and gasket. My service tech said it had never been changed and he was surprised how clean it was. Almost like it was changed 20000 miles ago. I cant tell any difference in shifting but hopefully the trans will last another 18 years

 

[wlk]

I used Mobil 1 ATF in my 04 Expedition and it was very smooth. Towed our campers 15k miles on it after changing the fluid from MerconV and still nice and bright. Also used it and Maxlife for the ps fluid, nice and quiet pump.
Don't listen to your mechanic, drop the pan and replace the filter, then just vacuum thru the dipstick for subsequent changes