transmission fluid change or flush?

2003 FORD CROWN VICTORIA
2,228 MILES • 4.6L • V8 • 2WD • AUTOMATIC
Avatar
CHRIS001
  • MEMBER
  • 44 POSTS
transmission fluid is really dirty and it's a little hesitant on stop and go I don't know when the fluid was changed but it looks like it has been a long time it's very dark brown time for a change. would it be recommended to flush or change the fluid and filter? Because I have heard some cases a flush actually cause the transmission to stop working because of possible debris being in the transmission. what would be the recommendation? it has got over 200,000 miles and I bought the vehicle used.
May 9, 2021 at 7:09 PM
Advertisement
Avatar
ASEMASTER6371
  • CERTIFIED EXPERT
  • 52,796 POSTS
Good evening,

I would change the fluid and filter. I would not do a flush at all. The chemical used for flushing has been known to damage the clutches in the transmission.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-service-an-automatic-transmission

Roy
Images (Click to enlarge)
Attached Media
Attached Media
Attached Media
Attached Media
Attached Media
May 9, 2021 at 8:18 PM
Avatar
CHRIS001
  • MEMBER
  • 44 POSTS
so the flushing is what could mess up the transmission but changing the fluid and filter should be fine ?
May 9, 2021 at 8:37 PM
Advertisement
Avatar
ASEMASTER6371
  • CERTIFIED EXPERT
  • 52,796 POSTS
Correct.

Roy
May 9, 2021 at 8:51 PM
Avatar
CHRIS001
  • MEMBER
  • 44 POSTS
good, because with all you hear about people getting their fluid change and the transmission not working again I was kind of wondering what to do. but now I know no flush just basic fluid and filter change. thank you
May 9, 2021 at 8:55 PM
Avatar
ASEMASTER6371
  • CERTIFIED EXPERT
  • 52,796 POSTS
That is correct. You may have to do it a couple of times to get the fluid nice and clean from the condition you described.

Roy
May 9, 2021 at 9:01 PM
Avatar
CHRIS001
  • MEMBER
  • 44 POSTS
yes because it has been sitting up and looks pretty nasty and it's showing in the shifting. so I'm going to change the fluid and not drive it very much like that because it is not good on it.
May 9, 2021 at 9:03 PM
Avatar
ASEMASTER6371
  • CERTIFIED EXPERT
  • 52,796 POSTS
Good idea. It may take a little time to return to normal but stay with it.

Roy
May 9, 2021 at 9:08 PM
Avatar
CHRIS001
  • MEMBER
  • 44 POSTS
so, i'm going to try to get it to a shop tomorrow so they can properly dispose of the old flush or change fluid. so when they do it this time i may need to take it back a few times?
May 9, 2021 at 9:10 PM
Avatar
ASEMASTER6371
  • CERTIFIED EXPERT
  • 52,796 POSTS
I would change it every 1,000 miles. Do it 2 times and see how the fluid looks.

Roy
May 9, 2021 at 9:12 PM
Avatar
CHRIS001
  • MEMBER
  • 44 POSTS
okay, and at least with the first change it will have fresh in there and start doing its job properly.
May 9, 2021 at 9:15 PM
Avatar
ASEMASTER6371
  • CERTIFIED EXPERT
  • 52,796 POSTS
Correct.

Roy
May 10, 2021 at 3:05 AM