Transmission fluid change

My 2000 SE has 77K mile. I have never serviced the trany. It was recommended that I not change the fluid due to the mileage. I'm confused. To change it or not to change it.....that is the question.

the possibility for causing damage does exist. however i've known people that have changed it after 80,000 mi. and had no problems what so ever. either way you go you kinda take a chance with it. so weigh both sides, and then decide.
and yeah the general recommendation is to not change it after its gone that far.

If you forgot to change engine oil for 77,000 miles would you continue to leave the old oil in? Dropping the transmission pan, changing the filter, cleaning and putting the pan back with new Mercon V is better than not. I recently did mine and it took 7 1/2 qts to refill. After 30K miles was only a thin film of sludge in the bottom but the magnet was loaded with material.

Most problems with changing the fluid that late are leaks. ATF is loaded with detergents. Over time the detergents are not as affecrive and sludge can start to build up, and sometimes around the seals. When the new detergent is in it cleans the sludge and IF THE SEALS ARE BAD they can leak. Changing the fluid does not really cause problems, it can just uncover them. I would change it and risk a leak ( chances of a leak are slim anyway). Its better to have Fresh new fluid and filter than bad fluid and wait for your tranny to chew itself up.

What are the symptoms of a failing transmission, or a transmission that needs a fluid flush?

Thanks

The color of the transmission oil is an excellent indicator. Tranluscent Cherry Red is great, Brown is burning fluid with potential problems and Black is bad news. I wish you luck. I am sure other posts, most more knowledgable, will be posted.

Drop pan, renew filter, then flush converter and cooler= no worries.

No back flushes

I can drop the pan and replace the filter, but flushing the converter???? Is that a difficult process?

Well you need to unhook the cooler return line(use special tool or cut line) and do some other things. Maybe just do the pan drop service or take to a "tranny" shop have them do it(pan drop flush). The Merc 5 fluid does last about, forever. Why, in the smaller Ford vehicles its used as a "fill for life" fluid.