Hello to all,
Sorry so slow in responding, I have not been allot lately, so busy at work and working on the money pit trailer we are restoring, this is the first time I have had to reply.
Okay, first to Handweaving, I apologize for this late reply, but as the saying goes better late than never. lol
Most vehicles recommended maintenance schedules state to change your transmission fluid at 30 thousand miles, but the best way to know is to look at your owners manual for the mileage recommended for your particular vehicle.
1996 Ford Escort Full Maintenance ScheduleEngine Displacement:1.9 L
Transmission:Automatic
Fuel:Gasoline
Cylinders:4
Driving Condition:Normal Condition
Mileage 30k 45k 60k 75k 90k 100k 105k 120k 135k 150k
Change engine oil and replace oil filter (up to 5 quarts of oil)
Perform multi-point inspection
Rotate and inspect tires; check wheel end play and turning noise
Inspect automatic transmission fluid level (if equipped with underhood dipstick) At 30k, 60k, 90k, 120, 150k Change automatic transmission fluid and oil filter ( up to 9 quarts of Transmission fluid if only filter is changed)
Inspect brake pads/shoes/rotors/drums, brake lines and hoses, and parking brake system
Inspect engine cooling system and hoses
Lubricate all hinges and latches, door locks and door weatherstrips
Replace crankcase emissions air filter
Inspect battery and clean terminals
Inspect complete exhaust system and heat shields
Replace engine air filter
Check idle speed and bolts and nuts on chassis and body
Replace fuel filter
Inspect and lubricate all non-sealed steering linkage, ball joints, suspension joints, half-shafts / drive-shafts, and u-joints
Change automatic transmission fluid
Change green engine coolant
Replace camshaft drive belt
Inspect accessory drive belts, fuel lines, evaporative hoses and tubes
Replace PCV valve; Ford-paid except CA
Replace PCV valve
Replace platinum spark plugs
EVERY
6,000
MILES Rotate and inspect tires; check wheel end play and turning noise
Perform multi-point inspection
http://www.genuineservice.com/genuinese ... CMFullView
This link will tell you all you need to know about when your services are due and what type is considered normal at that mileage.
If you have never serviced the transmission and have owned it since it was new then I would highly recommend doing so at your earliest convenience.
I would change the filter and gasket and fluid, then have the system flushed all at the same time, this not only cleans out the torque converter but it also cleans out the trans cooler lines and the radiator cooler tanks.
This ensures your entire system is completely clean. The fluid in your transmission unlike the fluid in your engine can last longer because it is not just a means to provide lubrication for all moving parts but it is also a detergent that keeps the inside clean. The inside of most transmissions not used for heavy hauling is much cleaner after 30 thousand miles than most engines are after only 10 thousand. The fact that there is no combustion taking place also prevents the fluid from turning black as does with engine oil.
It is important to ensure that the fluid is changed on a maintenance schedule to prevent the fluid braking down over time due to normal wear and tear and the heat of normal operation that can cause wear to the clutches as they are not all made of metal and are subject to breaking down from heat or contaminated fluid that has lost it's ability to transfer the heat properly.
So, yes it is Very Important to change and maintain ALL your fluids, most people do not realize that every fluid on your vehicle needs to be changed periodically. Transmission fluid, coolant, brake fluid, power steering, front and rear differential fluid, manual transmission gear oil, and adding a partial oil charge and leak dye to your A/C system once a year, and cleaning the Evaporator to prevent growth of bacteria, this is most common after running your A/C system during those hot months then when you shut it off, the run off from the evaporator core sits inside the evaporator case and bacteria grows, this is then noticed when you start the vehicle and you smell a musty or mildew smell. You can fix this yourself by using a small amount of bleach outside under the hood closest to the windshield there are some fresh air vents pour a small amount of bleach like a cap or two in, then rinse thoroughly with a hose for about 3-5 minutes. Then in an hour when dry, sprinkle baby powder into the same vents and run the vehicle with the blower fan on low.
Okay, sorry, I am rambling.
I hope this helps. Good luck.
Tim