tune up

[tuffy65]

Over the last couple of days I've been giving the 2001 a tune up and getting the check engine light off I've replaced the coil, wires, plugs, egr, dpfe sensor, idle air motor, pcv valve ,air filter, fuel filter,, changed oil and filter, new belt tensenior, struts and shocks. still need to get 2 02 sensors someone has cut the wires to them. and 2 new tires. does it sound like I missed any thing?

[wiswind]

See how it does with the new oxygen sensors.
I recommend getting OEM, not a "universal" kind.
There is Bosh "actual OE sensor" and Motorcraft brands.....both are inexpensive on Rockauto.

[tuffy65]

I will order the bosh today.

[phil-l]

tuffy65 -

That's a pretty complete Windstar servicing.

Since it sounds like you're looking to continue long-term service from your Windstar, I'd only recommend to add a couple of items to your project list: Replacing engine coolant and transmission fluid. I recommend Mobil 1 synthetic ATF for the transmission. My '00 is now within a few hundred miles of 200K, still on the original transmission, which has required no service except for filter and fluid changes.

[tuffy65]

How much tranny fluid will I need for a filter change?

[phil-l]

There are a few approaches to this.

I regularly do the "pump the fluid out through the cooler line". This is easy on my Windstar - because I added an external transmission cooler (for towing). I get about 4.5 quarts using this method.

The other approach is the "drop the pan" approach, which also allows you to replace the filter. This nets slightly more fluid; about 5 quarts, if I recall correctly.

Note that the transmission holds about 13 quarts; neither of the above methods circulates the fluid that's in the torque converter. There are ways to do this; I haven't done them, so I can't comment. I know it has been discussed elsewhere on this board.

[wiswind]

Shifting through the gears while draining through the cooler line helps.
HOWEVER you don't want to run without transmission fluid for long at all!!!!!
Changing the transmission fluid is SUPER important!!!
I also added a filter to the fluid cooler line going INTO the transmission.
I used a Magnefine brand filter.....often labeled "Raybestos"
THIS is the correct filter to use

https://www.amazon.com/Raybestos-515...+inline+filter

This filter has a big magnet inside to catch the fine metallic wear particles from the clutch plates, a pleated filter element and a pressure bypass in case the filter media becomes clogged.
Recommended change interval that I read was 15K miles.
I would change it at least once a year.

The correct transmission fluid is one that meets the Mercon V specification.
Carefully read the label on the fluid that you are buying to make sure that you get the correct fluid.
Mobil 1 maks one....
I have also used Redline D4 Transmission fluid.

Mobil 1 fluid that clearly states Mercon V
https://www.amazon.com/Mobil-Synthet...smission+fluid

Note that I have linked Amazon.....you may find it cheaper someplace else, I just wanted for you to see the product that I am talking about.

[tuffy65]

I will go ahead and get that filter but I can get the same fluid cheaper at auto zone. Does it matter what line I put it on?

[12Ounce]

I'm convinced that a faulty control harness damaged my first tranny on my '99 3.8. The pump shaft broke in two, and a Ford reman was installed @ 216K miles. At first, I was fairly religious about fluid changes. I would drop the pan, do a wipe-out and filter change every 30k miles or so. Each time I would add a pump flush . I even installed a pan drain plug to make it easier. Each fluid-change the magnets in the pan had less and less debris. The filter never had any build-up. I stopped changing filter.

I got lazy. I switched to only the pump flush method; not dropping the pan. It all begin to seem so unnecessary as the fluid remained pretty. Mind you, I do use Mobil1, and somewhere along the way I installed a auxiliary cooler. Now the reman tranny has over 250K miles and the fluid has been untouched for over 100K miles.

Ouch! I'm way behind! As soon as the weather warms the fluid will be changed.

[tuffy65]

I'm waiting for it to quit raining every 2 days I have a gravel drive way. Still which line do I put the filter on?

[12Ounce]

I doubt if it matters, both hoses are low pressure and low flow. Mind you, I don't personally use an after market tranny filter as mine has one inside that is accessible. Magnets can be added to the outside of the pan if one wishes, this would not restrict fluid flow.

[tuffy65]

Ok thanks. Good point on fluid restriction.