I have a 1995 front wheel drive Ford Taurus. Is it better to take the pan off, change the gasket, filter and fluid in the transmission, or have a newer method where the old fluid iis recycled through a machine and reuse it?
2007-04-13 06:47:41 · 5 answers · asked by rixter 1 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Car Makes ➔ Ford
If you are planning to do it your self then yes taking the pan off, changing the gasket, new filter, putting new fluid in is the your best bet. However, I don't believe that you can recycle ATF. It would be best to buy new fluid.
Some tips to follow when performing this job yourself. On most vehicles, the fluid level should be checked when the fluid is hot with the engine idling, the parking brake set and the transmission in Park. If fluid is needed, add only enough ATF to bring the level up to the full mark. Do not overfill because doing so can cause the fluid to become aerated, which may affect transmission operation. You should also check the condition of the fluid. Some discoloration and darkening is normal as the fluid ages, but if the ATF is brown or has a burnt smell, it is badly oxidized and needs to be changed. Varnish on the dipstick is another indication of worn-out fluid.
You can also do a "blotter test" to check for worn-out fluid. Place a few drops of ATF on a paper towel and wait 30 seconds. If the spot is widely dispersed and red or light brown in color, the fluid is in satisfactory condition. But if the spot does not spread out and is dark in color, the ATF is oxidized and should be changed.
When adding ATF, MAKE SURE use the type specified by the vehicle manufacturer. Honda, Mercedes-Benz, Ford and others all have their own specs for ATF. There’s no such thing as a "universal" ATF that works in all transmissions. Some fluids meet a variety of specifications but cannot meet them all because of the different friction additives that are required.
If you decide to take it to a shop, ask them if they perform BG transmission service. Make sure it is a reputable shop and that they have ASE certifictions. Anyway, what the BG transmission service does is flushes your old fluid and exchange it for new fluid and at the same time dissolves and removes harmful deposits from critical transmission components in the exact specifications required by the car manufacturer in about 5–7 minutes. I believe that this is the best way to replace your fluid because it flushes every fluid in your transmission. So if you want to flush your fluid professionaly then this is the best way!
2007-04-13 07:41:28 · answer #1 · answered by aplatero1984 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
the best way is to do a flush with a machine but don't mistake this for recycling the fluid, it is not. the fluid used in this process is new fluid the machine captures the old fluid as it pumps in the new fluid. most of these machines are able to tell if the filter is restricted so if it is then you would have to do the pan gasket and filter as well.
2007-04-13 07:14:23 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋
we use fords for our asphalt bussniss there is only 1 real way to do this right take pan off remove filter and replace pan with new gasket and filter clean pan out it will be dirty im sure when putting new gasket on pan go to auto parts store and get a sealant to hold gasket in place on pan if you dont this will be a pain job.
2007-04-13 07:04:28 · answer #3 · answered by mike73 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
the torque converter holds most of the fluid. Going to a shop with a power flush equipment will remove all of the old fluid and replace it wit hnew stuff. the only way to go, unless you want to drain the torque converter too.
2007-04-13 09:22:42 · answer #4 · answered by Fordman 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
it is actually not recycled. the machine pumps out the old fluid and pumps in new. in this case tho, if the filter has not been changes, i would recommend going that route
2007-04-13 06:54:38 · answer #5 · answered by malemute1 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋