My 2004 Ford Explorer has 130,000 miles does it need the transmission fluid changed?
Mileage on 2004 Ford Explorer do I need the transmission fluid changed?
My car has an automatic transmission.
My car has an automatic transmission.
Experienced mechanics share their insights in answering this question :
The transmission on this vehicle should have the filter replaced every 30,000 miles. If the transmission has an external filter then only the filter needs replaced and fluid topped off. If filter is internal then the filter and fluid is replaced.
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The manufacturer`s maintenance schedule for many automatic transmissions doesn`t call for fresh fluid until 100,000 miles or, with some Ford transmissions, even 150,000 miles. A lot of mechanics say that is too long and that it should be done at least every 50,000 miles.
Good maintenance includes changing the fluids at the mileage intervals that the manufacturer recommends — no matter how old the car is.
2018 Ford Explorer Transmission Fluid
If you don`t routinely change your fluids at least every 30,000 miles or so, you may find that your 2018 Ford Explorer transmission will slip.
If your fluid has never been changed before, replacing it with new fluid can cause the transmission to start slipping, even if it wasn`t slipping before. This is because the old fluid will contain clutch material from being in there over time and can actually be helping the transmission to still shift gears.
Yes, you can change the transmission fluid after 200,000 miles. In fact, changing the transmission fluid at regular intervals is an important part of maintaining the health and longevity of your vehicle`s transmission.
For many Ford vehicles under normal use, the service interval is around 150k miles. However, there are reasons you may need to have your automatic transmission fluid changed sooner. If you tow regularly or if you drive in severe conditions, it`s prudent to have it changed based on condition, not mileage.
Transmission fluid does need to be changed from time to time, and the most accurate answer to the question is that the fluid will usually last between 30,000 and 60,000 miles. That said, if your vehicle sustains heavy use, you could have to change the transmission fluid in as few as 15,000 miles.
How often should I change my transmission fluid? We recommend at least every 50,000 miles for normal use.
Castrol Transmax ATF CVT Universal Transmission Fluid 1 Gallon.
A common, one-size-fits-all recommendation for when to change your transmission fluid is every 30,000-40,000 miles, or 5 years, based on normal, everyday driving. Truck owners who do frequent towing, or constant stop/start city drivers need to move this interval into the 20-25,000 range.
How long can a car run without transmission fluid is up to about 10 miles on low to no transmission fluid, but doing so would be extremely risky. Transmission fluid is essential for helping your car shift gears smoothly. Without it, gears are exposed to added friction and may not be able to move at all.
Your car`s transmission fluid is a critical part of the system. As it goes about its job of lubricating a vehicle`s transmission, it picks up grit and grime. It also starts to break down as it gets older. Old, dirty transmission fluid doesn`t flow properly, and this puts your transmission at risk.
Automatic transmissions often fail between 80,000 and 150,000 miles. Manual transmissions can fail even sooner than that, especially when routine maintenance is neglected.
If you drive manual, most manufacturers will recommend changing your transmission fluid every 30,000 to 60,000 miles. If you have automatic, you can typically boost that range up to 60,000 to 100,000 miles. There`s no harm in changing your fluid early.
Most car manufacturers recommend that you change the transmission filter every 30,000 miles or every two years–whichever comes first. When changing your transmission filter, you`ll change the transmission fluid and transmission pan gasket as well.
If you drive manual, most manufacturers will recommend changing your transmission fluid every 30,000 to 60,000 miles. If you have automatic, you can typically boost that range up to 60,000 to 100,000 miles. There`s no harm in changing your fluid early.
Change transmission fluid every 50,000 km. For optimal protection, change the Transmission Fluid and filter every 50,000 km or 100,000 km if the fluid is synthetic.
The lifespan of your transmission varies on how well you maintain your vehicle. With proper maintenance, transmissions can last up to 300,000 miles or more. This includes changing the fluid in your transmission system and regular checkups.
Relevant Questions and Answers :
the most relevant questions and answers related to your specific issue
My 2004 Ford Explorer has 130,000 miles does it need the transmission fluid changed?
ANSWER : The transmission on this vehicle should have the filter replaced every 30,000 miles. If the transmission has an external filter then only the filter needs replaced and fluid topped off. If filter is internal then the filter and fluid is replaced.
Do I need to get the transfer case fluid and transmission fluid changed?
ANSWER : Hi, thanks for writing in. I looked at your maintenance schedule for your vehicle and found that for up to 150,000 miles, it only says to inspect the fluid level and not change it. The fluids are special fluids and if you did need any work done (i.e. if there is a leak present or other mechanical problem) then make sure the correct Ford certified fluid is used.
When it is time for you to have your transmission fluid serviced, consider having a certified automotive technician from YourMechanic come to your home or office to perform the service for you.
Hope this helps and best of luck!
Does this transmission have a transmission filter that can or needs to be change at certain miles?
ANSWER : Most vehicles have an internal transmission filter that can be changed by removing the transmission pan. Some diesel trucks will have an external filter that can be changed just like an oil filter. The transmission filter is usually recommended to be replaced either when the transmission fluid is replaced or around 100,000 miles depending on the manufacturer’s recommendation.
As for which fluid to use, I would recommend looking in you owners manual. Your owners manual will list all fluid specifications that are required for your vehicle including capacity and type. I would always recommend using what the manufacturer recommends for the vehicle.
If you’d like to have your transmission fluid and filter serviced, consider YourMechanic, as one of our mobile technicians can come to your home or office to do so.
There is automatic transmission fluid in a manual transmission. Is it okay to leave or do I need manual transmission fluid?
ANSWER : This would depend on what the manufacturer recommends. Many manual transmissions do take automatic transmission fluid. If your transmission has ATF in it, it is very likely that it is supposed to have that in there. If not, it is likely that the transmission would not function properly with the wrong fluid. Many manual transmissions will also take engine oil as a lubricant. The best way to know for sure is to check your owner’s manual or call your local General Motors dealership to inquire.
Does my transmission fluid need to be changed?
ANSWER : The color of used transmission fluid is not particularly relevant in judging the remaining life of the fluid. If the fluid is visibly contaminated with particulate matter and/or the fluid has a burnt odor, as a consequence of overheating, those would be relevant inspection factors. Fluid with a burnt odor, for example, should be changed at once. There is no recommendation in your Ford manual to change the automatic transmission at any particular interval, assuming the vehicle is used in normal service. However, Ford does clearly state that if the Escape is used for trailer towing the fluid should be changed every 30,000 miles, that is frequently. As a compromise, even though Ford does NOT require it, it is definitely a good maintenance practice to change the fluid at least every 100,000 miles in normal service. As far as the mechanic’s remark that changing the fluid would cause problems, in YOUR circumstances, that is with a relatively new vehicle that has only moderate miles, that advice is technically incorrect and unwise. If you are curious, ask the mechanic to cite specific literature, journal articles, field test data, lab results or other actual, tangible, documentable evidence that there is potential harm. If he supplies such evidence, take it into consideration. If he supplies nothing, you can safely ignore the "advice" that he gave you. If you desire, YourMechanic does perform transmission fluid exchanges on a mobile basis. The service to request would be transmission fluid/filter change. If you have any further questions or concerns, do not hesitate to re-contact YourMechanic as we are always here to help you.
I have a 2008 Mitsubishi Outlander XLS V6 Automatic 6 Speed with a 105,000 miles. It has never had its transmission fluid changed.
ANSWER : Changing the oil will not hurt the transmission as long as the fluid is red in color. If the fluid has never been changed, I recommend replacing the oil pan gasket and transmission filter with servicing the oil from the transmission. Any location is good to change the oil as long as they have the equipment for flushing the transmission oil out. If you need further assistance with your transmission service, then seek out a professional, such as one from Your Mechanic, to help you.
Should I change the transmission fluid?
ANSWER : Generally, when the transmission fluid turns a brown color, it has been broken down and is no longer providing the protection needed for the transmission. As you know, the transmission fluid is designed to provide lubrication, protection and hydraulic pressure. As it breaks down over time, it may lose these qualities and lessen the effect on the transmission potentially resulting in transmission problems. I would recommend having a professional from YourMechanic come to your location to perform a transmission fluid service.
New cars don’t have transmission fluid dipsticks Transmission fluid changing
ANSWER : That’s a very good question. The reason they have gone with no dipsticks is because they don’t want people messing with transmissions other there at the dealership. Some cars went through that a couple of decades ago. They make it a very involved, convoluted process all through, in order to change the fluid on these modern cars. They have special adapters you have to put. Some of them have to have scan computers in order to read the data and what’s in there, and then be able to change it. A lot of these companies claim that this new fluid is the "lifetime" fluid.
Most new use synthetic fluid can last a long time but any fluid is going to get dirty and wear out over time. I would change it at least every 80,000 – 100,000 miles but if you’ve got one that is really hard to change, you are better off hiring a mechanic to do it.
On some of the cars, it would be too hard for the do-it-yourself because of all that equipment you need. The professional mechanics already have that. Just call any good mechanic, like one from YourMechanic, and they will be able to perform a transmission fluid service for you.
