> I want to change the trans fluid and filter on the F150. I have done
> tranny fluid in other vehicles but not this one. Now, I am not sure if
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>
> Stephen N. 99 F150 XLT 4X4 4.6, SC SB
>> I want to change the trans fluid and filter on the F150. I have done
>> tranny fluid in other vehicles but not this one. Now, I am not sure
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> They stopped putting the plug in the TC with the 02 model year. To
> change all the fluid after that you are kinda stuck with a flush type.
Thanks for the tip on locating the TC plug. I have wondered about the
flush procedure. Some places are flushing without changing the filter.
They say their machine senses the filter quality and flushes it
backward to clean it. Flushing would have the advantage of exchanging
all of the fluid including the cooler and lines but I'm not sure leaving
the old filter in is the best thing.
Stephen N.
Marlin Singer - 27 Apr 2006 00:41 GMT
>>> I want to change the trans fluid and filter on the F150. I have done
>>> tranny fluid in other vehicles but not this one. Now, I am not sure
[quoted text clipped - 22 lines]
>
> Stephen N.
Well, to be sure you could do both. Drop the pan, replace the filter and
drained fluid then have a flush done. You will use extra fluid, but if
you want to make sure the filter is changed without the hassle of
draining the TC, it might be worth it. TCs are slow to drain.
On your truck, I assume you have the 4R70W transmission. You should use
Mercon V fluid. If it currently has Mercon 3, make sure you drain it all
and replace with the V. Don't mix them.
My 04 can really only be flushed, although the pan can be dropped to
change the filter.
Stephen N. - 27 Apr 2006 00:50 GMT
>> Thanks for the tip on locating the TC plug. I have wondered about the
>> flush procedure. Some places are flushing without changing the
[quoted text clipped - 14 lines]
> My 04 can really only be flushed, although the pan can be dropped to
> change the filter.
Yes, it is a 4R70W. I believe the dipstick specifies Mercon V so I will
go with that. I don't mind if it takes a while to drain, I can do it at
work and just go into the office for a while and get stuff done while I
wait. I think I'll just drain the system as best I can, clean the pan
out and replace filter and fluid. Thanks again,
Stephen N.
Stephen H - 27 Apr 2006 03:36 GMT
>> They say their machine senses the filter quality and flushes it
> backward to clean it. Flushing would have the advantage of exchanging all
> of the fluid including the cooler and lines but I'm not sure leaving the
> old filter in is the best thing.
>
> Stephen N.
None of the flush machines I have used ever flushed backwards- it's
important to verify the direction of flow to perform the procedure
correctly.
In my dad's F-250, (and on most vehicles I maintain) I change the filter
first, add new fluid then do the flush at least once, then after that I
generally flush them only about once a year.

Signature
Stephen W. Hansen
ASE Certified Master Automobile Technician
ASE Automobile Advanced Engine Performance
ASE Undercar Specialist
http://autorepair.about.com/cs/troubleshooting/l/bl_obd_main.htm
http://www.troublecodes.net/technical/
>They stopped putting the plug in the TC with the 02 model year. To
>change all the fluid after that you are kinda stuck with a flush type.
I have never flushed a tranny in my life and I am not about to now.
With a refresh and pan capacity and a new filter you are good to go
unless fluid is badly contaminated and then you might consider a
flush.
-----------------
The SnoMan
www.thesnoman.com