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  • 2005 - 2014 S-197 Mustang -General/Talk-
  • 2005 - 2009 Specific Tech

Tranny fluid change?

  • Thread starter Thread starter 06GTWhiteHorse
  • Start date Start date Oct 16, 2010

06GTWhiteHorse

Member
Feb 13, 2009
60
0
6
Oct 16, 2010
#1
  • Oct 16, 2010
  • #1
I have never changed my tranny fluid in any of my previous cars. Is it hard to do? I know this is kinda a noob question. I just am a little nervous about attempting this myself. Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks
 

SpartaPerformance

10 Year Member
Nov 5, 2006
2,517
61
89
Long Island NY
Oct 17, 2010
#2
  • Oct 17, 2010
  • #2
Not very difficult, just time consuming and a bit messy when changing the filters.
 

Spikely15

New Member
Oct 28, 2006
29
0
2
Salisbury, MD
Dec 3, 2010
#3
  • Dec 3, 2010
  • #3
Just to tack onto his question - is there a specific brand/grade of tranny fluid that people in the know use? Is it a different case w/ a manual vs. automatic? Man...horrible noob questions, I apologize!

Thanks!
 

OHHitsKB

New Member
Jul 5, 2010
29
0
2
Norman, OK
Dec 3, 2010
#4
  • Dec 3, 2010
  • #4
I'd honestly like some info on this topic myself. Also, how often/ what are some signs that I should change my tyranny fluid?
 
R

Red Pony

Member
Dec 22, 2004
92
0
7
Chicago Area
Dec 14, 2010
#5
  • Dec 14, 2010
  • #5
Another interested party

Wondering if we are talking about manual or auto, I was always under the impression that manual transmissions rarely required fluid change, I am probably not up on newer technology but I am still running my original fluid in my manual trans since 11/04. Any info would be appreciated.
 

Spikely15

New Member
Oct 28, 2006
29
0
2
Salisbury, MD
Dec 15, 2010
#6
  • Dec 15, 2010
  • #6
bump

bump! Anybody have some good advice to share?

Thanks!
 
J

jamesfs912

Member
Nov 1, 2009
30
0
6
Dec 15, 2010
#7
  • Dec 15, 2010
  • #7
Hard miles 30k - easy miles 60k. Royal purple is my personal favorite.
 
J

jamesfs912

Member
Nov 1, 2009
30
0
6
Dec 15, 2010
#8
  • Dec 15, 2010
  • #8
Red Pony said:
Wondering if we are talking about manual or auto, I was always under the impression that manual transmissions rarely required fluid change, I am probably not up on newer technology but I am still running my original fluid in my manual trans since 11/04. Any info would be appreciated.
Click to expand...

You actually have that a little backwards. Automatic transmissions nowadays almost never need their fluids changed.
 

Ken04

New Member
May 24, 2007
235
0
0
Vancouver Washington
Dec 16, 2010
#9
  • Dec 16, 2010
  • #9
the TR3650 5 speed manual takes ATF, just like an automatic.

To change;

pull the shift boot and knob off, since it's much easier to fill from above. Under the car on the bottom of the trans you'll see a plug with a square hole in it. This is the one you use to drain. I use a ratchet and unscrew it. When it's empty replace the plug.

Along the drivers side on the trans you'll see another plug, just like the drain plug. But this is a fill plug. Undo it and remove. It takes a little over 3 quarts of Mercon III (or Mercon V since the III is out of date) to fill the trans. I sit in the drivers seat and fill. With a funnel and a piece of hose inside the fill tube put in about 2.5 quarts.

I use a zip tie bent at a right angle to check the level. I bent it about 5/8" inch long so I could fill the trans to within 1/2" of the fill tube. Add fluid slowly until you get 1/8" on the dipstick you made from the zip tie.

As for which brand of ATF, I won't go into. There's a hundred people with 100opinions. I drag race, autocross and track day my car. So I change it often, once a year at least.
 

anthony05gt

Active Member
Mar 18, 2006
1,262
1
37
Maryland
Dec 20, 2010
#10
  • Dec 20, 2010
  • #10
jamesfs912 said:
You actually have that a little backwards. Automatic transmissions nowadays almost never need their fluids changed.
Click to expand...

I'm a firm believer in regular filter and fluid changes in anything automatic from experience with our fleet of Ford trucks. I know that manufacturers switching to synthetic fluids has helped a lot, but that doesn't mean you should stop doing regular maintenance.

Ken04 is right on the mark, but I think the fill plug is on the passenger's side.
 
J

jamesfs912

Member
Nov 1, 2009
30
0
6
Dec 20, 2010
#11
  • Dec 20, 2010
  • #11
anthony05gt said:
I'm a firm believer in regular filter and fluid changes in anything automatic from experience with our fleet of Ford trucks. I know that manufacturers switching to synthetic fluids has helped a lot, but that doesn't mean you should stop doing regular maintenance.

Ken04 is right on the mark, but I think the fill plug is on the passenger's side.
Click to expand...

That's why I said ALMOST never.
 
J

jamesfs912

Member
Nov 1, 2009
30
0
6
Dec 20, 2010
#12
  • Dec 20, 2010
  • #12
anthony05gt said:
I'm a firm believer in regular filter and fluid changes in anything automatic from experience with our fleet of Ford trucks.
Click to expand...

How often do you guys change the fluid in those trucks?
 

GTJeff

New Member
Jan 15, 2007
8
0
1
Jan 5, 2011
#13
  • Jan 5, 2011
  • #13
I just found this:

2005-10 Mustang Transmission Pan & Dipstick Kit For 5R55s at LRS - Same Day Shipping!

This would make it easier to refill vs. pumping the fluid back in through the drain plug.

Anyone have this ?
 
A

AngelaS

New Member
Dec 29, 2010
31
0
0
Seattle, WA
Jan 5, 2011
#14
  • Jan 5, 2011
  • #14
Don't forget to warm up the transmission by driving for about 10-15 minutes before emptying, it will make the oil run out easier and possibly loosen any gunk.
 
R

Red Pony

Member
Dec 22, 2004
92
0
7
Chicago Area
Jan 20, 2011
#15
  • Jan 20, 2011
  • #15
Thanks for the info everyone, sounds like I am way overdue for a fluid change.
 
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