Does my transmission fluid need to be changed?
I took my 2008 Ford Escape to get and oil change and they did an inspection. They said my transmission fluid was turning dark and was due to be changed at 100,000 miles. My car was at 98,000 miles. It is now at 106,000 miles. I called a mechanic to get it changed and they said changing it would probably cause problems. Should I get it changed?
My car has 106000 miles.
My car has an automatic transmission.
Experienced mechanics share their insights in answering this question :
The color of used transmission fluid is not particularly relevant in judging the remaining life of the fluid. If the fluid is visibly contaminated with particulate matter and/or the fluid has a burnt odor, as a consequence of overheating, those would be relevant inspection factors. Fluid with a burnt odor, for example, should be changed at once. There is no recommendation in your Ford manual to change the automatic transmission at any particular interval, assuming the vehicle is used in normal service. However, Ford does clearly state that if the Escape is used for trailer towing the fluid should be changed every 30,000 miles, that is frequently. As a compromise, even though Ford does NOT require it, it is definitely a good maintenance practice to change the fluid at least every 100,000 miles in normal service. As far as the mechanic’s remark that changing the fluid would cause problems, in YOUR circumstances, that is with a relatively new vehicle that has only moderate miles, that advice is technically incorrect and unwise. If you are curious, ask the mechanic to cite specific literature, journal articles, field test data, lab results or other actual, tangible, documentable evidence that there is potential harm. If he supplies such evidence, take it into consideration. If he supplies nothing, you can safely ignore the "advice" that he gave you. If you desire, YourMechanic does perform transmission fluid exchanges on a mobile basis. The service to request would be transmission fluid/filter change. If you have any further questions or concerns, do not hesitate to re-contact YourMechanic as we are always here to help you.
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Ford Escape Transmission Fluid
If you don`t routinely change your fluids at least every 30,000 miles or so, you may find that your Ford Escape transmission will slip.
Automatic: Every 60,000 to 100,000 miles
If you drive manual, most manufacturers will recommend changing your transmission fluid every 30,000 to 60,000 miles. If you have automatic, you can typically boost that range up to 60,000 to 100,000 miles. There`s no harm in changing your fluid early.
For many Ford vehicles under normal use, the service interval is around 150k miles. However, there are reasons you may need to have your automatic transmission fluid changed sooner. If you tow regularly or if you drive in severe conditions, it`s prudent to have it changed based on condition, not mileage.
Reinsert the dipstick, then remove the dipstick again to check the fluid level. If you need to top it off, be sure to use the recommended transmission fluid. If the fluid is particularly low, you might have a leak and should get it checked out.
If you use a manual transmission, the interval is a bit tighter. Most manufacturers recommend that a fluid change be performed every 30,000 to 60,000 miles for manual transmissions.
In automatic transmissions/transaxles, the recommended service interval is about every 30,000 miles or 30 months. (Check your owner`s manual or service manual for your car`s specifics.) The automatic transmission fluid (ATF) should be changed sooner if its dipstick reveals dark or burnt-smelling fluid.
If you don`t replace your transmission fluid, it will break down much like engine oil and lose its lubricating and cleaning properties. This leads to high temperatures, sludge buildup, and excess friction, which can damage the internal clutches that shift the gears.
Good maintenance includes changing the fluids at the mileage intervals that the manufacturer recommends — no matter how old the car is.
With your engine running and parking brake engaged, leave the gearshift in park or neutral. The engine should be warm when you take the dipstick out of your transmission.
The 2008 Escape is prone to a wide variety of transmission issues, with users on forums such as carcomplaints.com and Reddit reporting a bevy of problems ranging from complete failure to lurching into gear and hunting for gears on the road.
Automatic Transmission Fluid
Capacity: 9.0 quarts (8.5L).
This is precisely the reason most specialist, independent workshops strongly recommend you replace the transmission fluid regularly in cars that come with a “lifetime” fluid. Prevention is better than cure, so keep the fluids fresh before they degrade to the point that the transmission experiences catastrophic failure.
Yes, you can change the transmission fluid after 200,000 miles. In fact, changing the transmission fluid at regular intervals is an important part of maintaining the health and longevity of your vehicle`s transmission.
And like engine oil, transmission fluid (also known as transmission oil or automatic transmission fluid/ATF) can simply go bad over time. Even if you have a full fluid level, the fluid itself may be burnt, cloudy, dirty or full of contaminants that build up through time and use.
It`s recommended to get your transmission fluid changed once every 30,000 to 60,000 miles-or, once every two to four years. However, this is just the suggestion for the average driver.
As a result, there`s not really much maintenance to perform. Still, most owner`s manuals will recommend changing the transmission fluid every 90,000 miles or so.
Relevant Questions and Answers :
the most relevant questions and answers related to your specific issue
Do I need to get the transfer case fluid and transmission fluid changed?
ANSWER : Hi, thanks for writing in. I looked at your maintenance schedule for your vehicle and found that for up to 150,000 miles, it only says to inspect the fluid level and not change it. The fluids are special fluids and if you did need any work done (i.e. if there is a leak present or other mechanical problem) then make sure the correct Ford certified fluid is used.
When it is time for you to have your transmission fluid serviced, consider having a certified automotive technician from YourMechanic come to your home or office to perform the service for you.
Hope this helps and best of luck!
Read Full Q/A … : Does my transmission fluid need to be changed?
There is automatic transmission fluid in a manual transmission. Is it okay to leave or do I need manual transmission fluid?
ANSWER : This would depend on what the manufacturer recommends. Many manual transmissions do take automatic transmission fluid. If your transmission has ATF in it, it is very likely that it is supposed to have that in there. If not, it is likely that the transmission would not function properly with the wrong fluid. Many manual transmissions will also take engine oil as a lubricant. The best way to know for sure is to check your owner’s manual or call your local General Motors dealership to inquire.
Read Full Q/A … : Does my transmission fluid need to be changed?
New cars don’t have transmission fluid dipsticks Transmission fluid changing
ANSWER : That’s a very good question. The reason they have gone with no dipsticks is because they don’t want people messing with transmissions other there at the dealership. Some cars went through that a couple of decades ago. They make it a very involved, convoluted process all through, in order to change the fluid on these modern cars. They have special adapters you have to put. Some of them have to have scan computers in order to read the data and what’s in there, and then be able to change it. A lot of these companies claim that this new fluid is the "lifetime" fluid.
Most new use synthetic fluid can last a long time but any fluid is going to get dirty and wear out over time. I would change it at least every 80,000 – 100,000 miles but if you’ve got one that is really hard to change, you are better off hiring a mechanic to do it.
On some of the cars, it would be too hard for the do-it-yourself because of all that equipment you need. The professional mechanics already have that. Just call any good mechanic, like one from YourMechanic, and they will be able to perform a transmission fluid service for you.
Read Full Q/A … : Does my transmission fluid need to be changed?
Does this transmission have a transmission filter that can or needs to be change at certain miles?
ANSWER : Most vehicles have an internal transmission filter that can be changed by removing the transmission pan. Some diesel trucks will have an external filter that can be changed just like an oil filter. The transmission filter is usually recommended to be replaced either when the transmission fluid is replaced or around 100,000 miles depending on the manufacturer’s recommendation.
As for which fluid to use, I would recommend looking in you owners manual. Your owners manual will list all fluid specifications that are required for your vehicle including capacity and type. I would always recommend using what the manufacturer recommends for the vehicle.
If you’d like to have your transmission fluid and filter serviced, consider YourMechanic, as one of our mobile technicians can come to your home or office to do so.
Read Full Q/A … : Does my transmission fluid need to be changed?
is it safe to change Transmission Fluid. Hasn’t been changed in a long time. Currently the Transmission is working fine; no slip
ANSWER : I agree with the other mechanic. If the fluid looks dirty then this means the transmission was not serviced for a long time and if you service it then the new fluid will wash out all the clutch material that is being held together by the old fluid. You would be taking a big chance that the transmission will start slipping within a week after you service it.
A 75-point safety inspection is a good idea after long-term storage, and a qualified technician from YourMechanic can perform this for you at your home or office.
Read Full Q/A … : Does my transmission fluid need to be changed?
Can I use alternative Transmission fluid to the quotes recommended fluid if i’m bringing my own parts?
ANSWER : I would recommend buying the correct fluid. The reason is because I want to make sure your car is taken care of and is running as long as possible. You wouldn’t want to put something foreign in your car that it may not accept unless you’re willing to accept risks. Different fluids have different chemicals in it. It may cost more right now, but you won’t have to spend money buying a new transmission or having one rebuilt.
Read Full Q/A … : Does my transmission fluid need to be changed?
Does my transmission fluid need to be changed?
ANSWER : The color of used transmission fluid is not particularly relevant in judging the remaining life of the fluid. If the fluid is visibly contaminated with particulate matter and/or the fluid has a burnt odor, as a consequence of overheating, those would be relevant inspection factors. Fluid with a burnt odor, for example, should be changed at once. There is no recommendation in your Ford manual to change the automatic transmission at any particular interval, assuming the vehicle is used in normal service. However, Ford does clearly state that if the Escape is used for trailer towing the fluid should be changed every 30,000 miles, that is frequently. As a compromise, even though Ford does NOT require it, it is definitely a good maintenance practice to change the fluid at least every 100,000 miles in normal service. As far as the mechanic’s remark that changing the fluid would cause problems, in YOUR circumstances, that is with a relatively new vehicle that has only moderate miles, that advice is technically incorrect and unwise. If you are curious, ask the mechanic to cite specific literature, journal articles, field test data, lab results or other actual, tangible, documentable evidence that there is potential harm. If he supplies such evidence, take it into consideration. If he supplies nothing, you can safely ignore the "advice" that he gave you. If you desire, YourMechanic does perform transmission fluid exchanges on a mobile basis. The service to request would be transmission fluid/filter change. If you have any further questions or concerns, do not hesitate to re-contact YourMechanic as we are always here to help you.
Read Full Q/A … : Does my transmission fluid need to be changed?
My car is leaking transmission fluid – I can’t diagnose the leak
ANSWER : Based on the NHTSA database covering consumer complaints, as well as government mandated recalls and factory service bulletins, for your specific year, make and model, I do not see evidence of widespread complaints about transmission fluid leaks. Such leaks are, in fact, common in transmissions made by any car company, particularly if the transmission is older than say 10 years. There is a manual shaft seal, oil pan gasket, output shaft seals, case seals, torque converter seal (inaccessible) and so forth all of which are potential leak points on your transmission.
If you want to identify and resolve these leaks, certainly a certified Mechanic from YourMechanic could come out and perform a transmission leak inspection and let you know where the leak points are and what it will cost to resolve them.
Read Full Q/A … : Does my transmission fluid need to be changed?
