98 winstar

[gunsrich]

how often should i change transmisson fluid ?

[Airjer_]

Dealer recommends every 30k. There's no mention of replacing the filter but it couldn't hurt to replace.

[gunsrich]

thanks

[wiswind]

The link in my signature takes you to pictures that I have posted on webshots of various projects that I have done with my '96.
I have a series of pictures that show the transmission fluid and filter change process.
The FORD recommended service interval does not show the tranny filter being changed in over 100K miles.
I like to change mine every other time.....I change my transmission fluid every year....which is around 20K miles.

You need to use a fluid that meets the Mercon V specification.

If you do it yourself....and don't want to change the filter, you can just follow the tranny cooler line part of the pictures.

If the filter has not been changed in a while, I would change it.......gives one a chance to inspect the inside of the pan......for junk that might show signs of serious problems down the road.
As shown in my pictures, the black film over everything is normal clutch wear....and you will have some extra black film built up over the magnet.

If you change the filter......and you still have the ORIGINAL pan gasket.....then you can re-use it.....as it is MUCH better than the cork gaskets that often come with the filter.
You can see what the factory original pan gasket looks like in my pictures.