DEALER Transmission Fluid Exchange Experience (For What I's Worth...)

[FirstFord]

For what it's worth.....

I took my truck to the dealer to have the Max Tow axle shafts replaced as per the recall. Since it was there - and had just shy of 30,000 miles, I decided to have the transmission fluid exchange performed (I tow a fair amount, off and on).

Fortunately, I could watch the process through a window, and was able to speak with the tech afterwards. Replacing the axle shafts was (to me) surprisingly quick and straight forward. Regarding the transmission, this is my report:

- I don't know the statistical level of complaints against the 10R80, but there are plenty of them on the forum. I guess I am lucky, because I have suffered none of the maladies, failures or complaints reported (yet).
- NOT towing, my transmission ran (I think) a little on the cool side - typically between 195 and 208.
- The process of the "fluid exchange" (as per discussion with the service tech afterwards) was a two-part process: 1) vacuum the fluid out of the trans pan, and replace it. 2) With the engine running, vacuum fluid out while simultaneously (coordinated) replacing the fluid, in an effort to address the fluid in the torque converter.
- Unfortunately, the tech burned the hell out of his arm on the exhaust pipe during this process. I told him that I had read that people use welding gloves to perform this task, and he acknowledged that that was the usual process, but he thought he could sneak by it. WRONG! I felt bad for the guy....
- On the drive home, the trans temp was pretty well planted at 208 degrees.
- I had no complaints of the trans before the service, but after the service, it shifts melted butter smooth! I'm very pleased! (I'm curious how things will feel when I tow next time.)
- Interestingly (VERY interestingly!) the Service Consultant thought that the dealership's $100 labor rate for the transmission fluid exchange was too high, and reduced it to $75. Yoohoo!

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[Xman]

Thanks for sharing. I remember most transmission fluid replacement was recommended at 75K and only to be done once. I used to connect into the transmission cooler, pump the old fluid out and suck the new fluid in until the old ran clear.

 

[Fredm2002]

Thanks for sharing your experience.

 

[FaaWrenchBndr]

Just for those wanting to try this, buy some Kevlar heat resistant sleeves.

https://www.amazon.com/Mechanix-Wea...qid=1748911900&sprefix=kevlar+,aps,164&sr=8-4

 

[Tone]

Performed the swap at 35K. Transmission had been trouble-free to that point, but the swap smoothed it out even more. Cost $200 OTD. Well worth it as a preventative measure.

 

[Kurt V]

Heading to Canada next month for a 6-week vacation pulling mt travel trailer. Currently have 35,000 miles. I plan to get this done before I head out.

 

[D-BO]

Performed the swap at 35K. Transmission had been trouble-free to that point, but the swap smoothed it out even more. Cost $200 OTD. Well worth it as a preventative measure.

Was this $200 OTD at a ford dealership?? I asked the dealership (where i bought my '23' F150 XLT sport with 20K miles recently) about having the trans pan removed and a fluid and filter change done. The service rep stated that to drop the pan and do a filter and fluid would be "VERY EXPENSIVE" and she recommended that I just have it "flushed". About that time the transmission specialist tech happened to walk by and he said that with the "new style" filters in the trans, that a flush was all that was needed and he did NOT recommend to drop the pan and replace the filter. Then the service rep quoted me $300 plus the cost of the fluids to do a "flush" on the trans. I feel like that price is extremely high? Should I be calling other dealerships in the area to get a price on a trans flush? The service rep then proceeded to tell me how she recommend a fuel additive system to clean out carbon deposits in the motor that was also $300!!!!

I feel like this dealer is preying on unknowing people in the metro detroit area... WTF???

 

[Buyer2021]

Should I be calling other dealerships in the area to get a price on a trans flush?

IMO it's always prudent to 'shop' for services such as this and given it's not a warranty item include reputable non-dealers in the process. Maintenance does not need to be done by a Ford dealer to protect your warranty.

Just be careful to ensure the service quoted is apples-to-apples when 'shopping' (i.e. the procedure and fluids used).

 

[Tone]

Request for filter and fluid change at 35K here from two dealerships was eye-opening.

Dealer One: $1000. They're known to be greedy scumbags and were more than happy to perform this service.

Dealer Two: $700, but service agent questioned why I would perform it at this mileage and recommended the swap instead which they did for the $200.

Needless to say, Dealer Two does all my service.

 

[D-BO]

Am I allowed to state the area I live in and ask about specific dealerships on this forum?

 

[roadPilot]

Am I allowed to state the area I live in and ask about specific dealerships on this forum?

Well, you already did that, Mr. Macomb, MI (I used to live in Macomb Twp).

Dorian Ford: Avoid like the plague. Russ Milne Ford or Suburban Ford of Sterling Heights: Nothing horribly bad about these two; bought my '24 Dark Horse from the latter, but never had service there.

 

[D-BO]

Well, you already did that, Mr. Macomb, MI (I used to live in Macomb Twp).

Dorian Ford: Avoid like the plague. Russ Milne Ford or Suburban Ford of Sterling Heights: Nothing horribly bad about these two; bought my '24 Dark Horse from the latter, but never had service there.

Too Funny,
That ridiculous price was from Dorian. I will look into the other 2 dealers. Do you use any other reputable shops in the area?

 

[JCsTruck]

I thought this was going to be a negative rant about a bad experience but it was not so. Good to see you had a good experience and thanks for sharing.

 

[roadPilot]

Too Funny,
That ridiculous price was from Dorian. I will look into the other 2 dealers. Do you use any other reputable shops in the area?

I no longer live on the east side. I've been out in the Brighton/Howell area since '2001.

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