transmision oil change

[JC1933]

Hi everyone,<br /><br /> I have a 1996 Ford Torus it has 145000Km on it i have never changed oil, this converts to 90103 miles. The oil is clean looks like new oil,smels like new oil, is it OK or should it be changed?---J.C.

 

[ZmOz]

Re: transmision oil change

Should have been changed about 60,000 miles ago.

 

[KRS]

Re: transmision oil change

change it!!! Be sure to clean the pan magnet and replace it.

 

[JC1933]

Re: transmision oil change

Thanks Guys.<br /><br /> We shal do that,--J,C,--

 

[magster65]

Re: transmision oil change

Must be a really good filter in there.

 

[deputydawg]

Re: transmision oil change

To do this right you should drain the torque converter too. It is kind of expensive (around $110) but have a mechanic back flush the system. <br /><br />I have found that every 40,000 to 60,000 miles is a good range to change this, depending on use. <br /><br />If you don't empty the torque converter then the old fluid in there will contaminate the new fluid.

 

[Manipulator]

Re: transmision oil change

If you were to do this yourself, how hard is it to drain the torque converter? I have a Ford Expedition.

 

[Friz]

Re: transmision oil change

manipulator, jct, don't try to backflush it yourself. Let someone else do it. I have seen a guy run a 5 gal bucket of tranny fluid to the pump intake to flush out all the old oil, but he still had to change the filter. What a mess.<br />I have my tranny in my one ton truck serviced every 25k miles. It's worth the $80 to have it done right and ensure that I won't have to buy a $3000 transmission.

 

[Moody Blue]

Re: transmision oil change

Porbably a good idea to change the oil BUT here's what happened to me. Had a 1990 Safari van that had 346,800KM (208,000miles) without a single transmission oil change. Still ran strong when I sold it but the body rotted off it. My next van, a 1996 Safari, had the oil & filter changed every two years as part of an 'improved' maintenance regiment. At 203,000KM the tranny went for a cr@p. Litterally chunks of gears in the pan. Preventative maintenance is always a good thing but, I think if it is going to go, it is going to go regardless.

 

[deputydawg]

Re: transmision oil change

Older cars had a drain on the torque converter. Remobe the access plate at the bottom of the bell housing and pull the plug.<br /><br />New ones don't have this. It is well worth the money to have someone else do it. It is messy and takes a lot of patience and time. You'll end up running a quart of oil onto the ground, getting the stuff in your hair and down the back of your shirt. Just not worth it unless you have a lift.<br /><br />Oh, I almost forgot. Have to drain the tranny cooler out in front by the radiator.

 

[DJ]

Re: transmision oil change

The Taurus does not have a converter drain. A "flush" is the only method that will do any good.<br /><br />MAKE ABSOLUTELY SURE that the service facility puts the right fluid back in. Check your owners manual.