transmission flush???

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Handweaving

Hi Tim/Greg or anyone,
The last time I got my oil changed (a month ago) the kid said I needed a transmission flush. I have a 1996 Ford Escort Wagon. The mileage is about 95,000 and I do have the oil changed frequently, and always before a trip) because I want it to last longer.
I recently (after recent oil change) drove to Minnesota to visit son and family and now am leaving to travel 2,600 miles on a visiting trip.
Is this something I need to have done before I leave this wednesday?
They want $100 of my travel money.
I have not noticed anything amiss with the transmission. Can I wait until I return from my trip or at least half way?
Thanks for any words of adivce.
Juli
You don't happen to live near Champaign, Illinois do you? he he he
Last edited by Handweaving on Sun Apr 29, 2007 6:12 pm, edited 1 time in total.
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Harry
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Hi

Why did the kid say it needed to be flushed?

If the trans fluid and filter has never been changed then yes you need a trans service.

Harry
Aside from the roof leak, soft floors, rats, mice and bursted plumbing ........ how do you like it?
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Yanita
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Hi,

If you have an automatic transmission pull the dipstick for the transmission fluid, wipe with clean rag, reinsert stick and then check the color and level of the fluid. If the fluid is pinkish/red you are fine. If you are low, then add some.

I noticed that the headline for this topic was a radiator flush, but the content is a transmission fluid change, which do you need?

~Yanita~
The difference between success and failure is who gives up first!
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Greg
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Tranny flush would not hurt, but is it really necessary? there are a few thoughts about them, first as Yanita said, if the fluid looks ok and smells ok then I would put it on the back burner for now. Now I would guess that either they were having a special or they are on a commission for what they sell.
A flush would not hurt, but I find it strange that for many years you just dropped the transmission pan, replaced the filter and refilled it. Now most of the "flush jobs" don't even mention a filter, is it magically cleaned by flushing the system?? Maybe I'm old school, but I know what has worked for a lot of years. Greg
"If I can't fix it, I can screw it up so bad no one else can either."
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JD
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I agree with Yanita and Greg. If the fluid is still bright and transparent with no burnt smell, your trip should not effect anything. I think the Escort is supposed to have scheduled trans fluid change at 90K, which is probably why your guy mentioned it.

I have worked on a couple of vehicles that did not have drain plugs on the torque converter. So the mechanic would certainly recommend a flush, but they should still install a new filter and gasket.

JD
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Handweaving

Hey all,
You're right Yanita I meant to say transmission flush.

So this morning I went to a regular mechanic (older guys and established) they checked the fluid, I had enough, it didn't smell burned and it had nice color. They said oh maybe later but no problem for a 2500 mile trip!

So, then I went back to the original place to have my oil changed before I go on my trip and when I paid the bill NO ONE said anything about the fact that I needed a transmission flush!!! Like they did the last two times I was there.

More still.........when I went inside to wait I heard a lady on her cell phone telling someone that "well, they said the transmission fluid was dirty and needed to be flushed. So, I told them go ahead because it seemed it really needed it."

I wanted to say something (cause that's the kind of gal I am) so instead I walked around outside for a bit and watched them while they put a new filter and oil in my car.

Think I'll find another place to go. But, gee, they do give me a $3.00 senior discount!!! grrrrrrrrrrrrrrr

Thanks to each who responded. I really appreciate it because it made me take different actions instead of going ahead with it. AND you all saved me $92.99!!!!!!!!!!
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Harry
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Hi

You are welcome.

As far as scheduled maintenance goes I always follow the manufacturers maintenance schedule usually located in the Operators Manual. Transmission maintenance is lots less expensive than an overhaul.

Rip-off garages....we got em too.

Have a safe trip.

Harry
Aside from the roof leak, soft floors, rats, mice and bursted plumbing ........ how do you like it?
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Greg
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Juli, I have been turnig wrenches for over 30 years, as I said I may be old school, but I do know what works. I am not saying that new methods do not work, but I know the old ones do. Greg
"If I can't fix it, I can screw it up so bad no one else can either."
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Jim from Canada
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Regular scheduled maintenance never hurts. That being said, my trans has 160,000k on it without service. That is not recommended, even by me, lol!
There are 2 ways to do it. Some just drop the pan, replace the filter, put it all back with new fluid. The torque converter will still have the old fluid in it. The second way is to pump it out and it drains the converter. Always a new filter!!!! This is better.
Next, Oil change places are trying to sell services, weather you need them or not. I use them as they are convienient. I get done what I want (budget, lol) and that's it. If I need transmission service, I go to the transmission shop. Not usually a chain, I look for a shop that does "performance" mods too. I figure, if they can build one that can go behind 400-600 hp, they ought to be good.

Jim
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Yanita
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Hi Handweaving,

As sad as it is to say many garages looked forward to naive women coming into their shops for service.

Do yourself a favor, go to a local auto parts store and buy a cheap manuel for your car...you will be surprised how much info these 15.00 books can give you. I have bought one for every vehicle I have ever owned.

Even if you do not totally understand all that you read you can still use enough words to let them know you are not totally without knowledge.

LOL, my Hubby has nothing to do with the servicing of my car, this one or any other that we have owned in 17 years.

I question everything, and when I doubt I go looking for answers.

Thankfully we have several men on this site that will gladly help you along in any questions you might have!

Keep asking and keep learning!

Have a greart night,

~Yanita~
The difference between success and failure is who gives up first!
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Maureen
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I gotta agree with everyone else here!

I also have to agree with Yanita! I've always done the same thing. Cheap manual, and I have a good idea about what my car needs. My motto is a little education goes a long way! Just make sure that you are educated and know what you're talking about.

Even then, you can get sucked in! I bought a new 4 wheel drive 3 years ago. Hadn't owned once that you didn't have to manually turn the hubs LOL! I got sucked in to have the tranny serviced, because it was 'new' to me. That was a $200 lesson!

Maureen 8)
Never discourage anyone...who continually makes progress, no matter how slow.
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flgmtech

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
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BIG O
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Hi Tim, Great job weed hopper! You are so thorough I didn't have to post a reply!! :D
IT'S BIG O BABY!!
PennylessZ28

Ditto to above. They usually try to pull one over on anyone who looks like they don't have a clue.


Reason #977745659115117994 not to go to any juffy tune it up places:

http://vids.myspace.com/index.cfm?fusea ... 2026007857
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Yanita
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LOL, funny clip, but there are a few peices missing around that oil lube pit.

~Yanita~
The difference between success and failure is who gives up first!
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