Changing transmission fluid

[02FocusZX5]

I have an 02 Focus with 58k miles. I don't have much mechanical knowledge so I have some questions so i'll know what to ask for when getting it serviced.

do i need to by a filter kit?

I don't know what kind of fluid is in there. would it be ok to drain and refill with amsoil atf? that would be mixing fluids, correct? i was reading the amsoil instructions on a transmission fluid change and it involved disconnecting a cooler line and draining/replacing the fluid completely.

if the fluid is still red does that mean it doesn't need to be changed? i think i had the fluid changed around 35k-40k. when should i change it again?

 

[obbop]

I ain't got no idea what the heck I'm talking about but that has NEVER stopped a decrepit shanty dweller from chiming in.

First, yah' gotta' settle down and ponder a bit. Drink a beer or eat a Butterfinger. Perhaps a Twinkie. Stay away from those DevilDogs, they got hub caps in 'em.

Now, look at your owner's manual. I'd follow those recommndations at the minimum.

Simplest way to amass info would be to call the Ford dealership. I wouldn't accept their word as gospel truth but knowledge is POWER and power is better than no power.

Coot assumes thou has one of them new-fangled shifts itself transmissions.

Geberally, red is best. That's what Mao said, anyway. Appears the yellow running dog imperialists have adopted the belief but if it works.... what the heck!!!!

Some alternate a machine flush keeping the filter in then next change dropping the pan and replacing the filter, foregoing the flush.

Some do it differently and some apparently sell off their cars quick enough they don't bother with it.

Lots of variables, huh?

Read of one human who changes every 30,000 miles. A filter change and partial refill with new since fluid is trapped within the transmission.

You may wanna' get the shop manual, I did. Thousands of pages in 6 thick volumes. Good for 8 years of bathroom reading.

For specifics on your vehicle you may want to seek a Focus-oriented message board for all the intimate details about your machine.

Old Coot tired. Need a nap.

 

[ConfederateTyrant]

Check your owner's manual for fluid type, and if there is a serviceable filter. If it says to use Mercon V, then you can use Amsoil ATF and it won't harm anything with mixing the two. Color doesn't let you know if it has excessive wear metals in it or not, and changing it now won't hurt anything.

To get the full benefits of the Amsoil ATF then a full flush, which is accomplished by disconnecting the cooler lines as described in the instructions, is best.

However, if you are not comfortable with that, then do three drain and fills, with a week of driving in between each one, with Amsoil ATF. After that, do one drain and refill every 20,000 miles with Amsoil ATF. If you have a serviceable filter, then replace it every 50,000 miles.

 

[unDummy]

If you want to change the filter, buy the filter kit.

You can mix any fluids you want.

Color has nothing to do with fluid condition. I recommend full flushes every 30k, or partial changes every 10-15k miles!

A pan only drop is a partial change.
A machine or cooler line method are full flushes.

 

[02FocusZX5]

thanks

 

[Squishy]

The pan bolts should be tightened to 7 N.m, and my shop manual says the gasket is not reusable. The filter kit should come with a new gasket, or you could get some Loctite 5699. Make sure you remove all traces of the old gasket from the sealing surfaces.

 

[Doc8404]

Napa carries a universal transmission drain plug kit....less than $8....well worth it.