2000 Windstar 3.8L ATF Filter & Fluid Change

[joeuser742]

Originally Posted by DRW1000

I know this thread is old but I was reading about transimission flushing and I read Wiswind's statement that he used 18 litres (or quarts) to flush his transmission. Of course with Mercon that isn't so expensive but since my 99 uses Mercon V and the only brand I have managed to find that only meets Mercon V (and not Mercon/Dextron/MerconV) is Motorcraft. And at $5.79 per litre that can really add up.

I took mine in to the dealer and they said that they used about 15 quarts plus the cleaner because I have high miles on mine. I also have a 99 and it takes about 12.5 quarts alone. I'm actually having problems with my trans and am going to be posting a new message after I do some work on it. Actually, now that I think about it, I think that I only paid around $3.50/quart, and that the dealer wanted $4/quart, which wasn't too bad compared to what the dealer charged.

[road_rascal]

I found Mercon V fluid at WalMart and Fleet Farm in Castrol and Citgo brands for under $4.00 a quart. IIRC, the Citgo fluid @ Fleet Farm was under $3.00.

[12Ounce]

Well, I got a little behind on my tranny maintenance a few thousand miles. Up to now, I have always just used the drain, drop pan, clean... change filter and refill.

But this time, I dropped the return hose to the tranny and did the self-flush. Used about 15 qts of Mobil1. Dropped the pan after the first pump cavitation. Replaced filter. Consider me "converted". I was surprised how easy it was.

By the way, I now have 210 kmiles on the tranny ('99 3.8). Have been using Mobil1 since the pump shaft replacement at 90k miles.

[Coastie John]

Originally Posted by 12Ounce

Well, I got a little behind on my tranny maintenance a few thousand miles. Up to now, I have always just used the drain, drop pan, clean... change filter and refill.

But this time, I dropped the return hose to the tranny and did the self-flush. Used about 15 qts of Mobil1. Dropped the pan after the first pump cavitation. Replaced filter. Consider me "converted". I was surprised how easy it was.

By the way, I now have 210 kmiles on the tranny ('99 3.8). Have been using Mobil1 since the pump shaft replacement at 90k miles.

I have to do my 00 Winnie also. My 03 F150 is done the same way, drop the return line and let her flush. Got the idea off the F150online site.

[huskerdooo]

Is it hard to drop the pan and reintsall it?

[Coastie John]

Originally Posted by huskerdooo

Is it hard to drop the pan and reintsall it?

Not in my opinion. It can get a little messy if the fluid is still in. You would just have to go slow and let most of it drip to the drain bucket/pan before finishing the trans pan removal. Or you could do like some folks and install a drain plug for the next time you do a flush. Another option is to disconnect the return line and let some of the fluid pump out. That's what was being discussed by the other posters.

[huskerdooo]

Thanks for the reply.

I do not mind doing a replacement via the return line. It is how it is recommended on all of my Volvo's and I have done it before.

Here is a question though… How important is it to change the filter? Does it get real cruddy? I rather swap the fluid and keep things sealed up.

[12Ounce]

On reusing the filter: It's a judgement call. But a visual inspection of the filter screen is not enough ... the truly pro-way would be to measure the hydraulic pressure on the external ports provided. Another way is to notice the black residue on the pan ... if there is NONE, or nearly none; I will consider reusing the filter.

But at the cost of a new transmission, I usually fork up the $30 for a new filter ... just to be on the safe side.

[lapin_windstar]

I'm not particularly handy but I didn't think changing the ATF filter and fluid by dropping the pan is particularly difficult. If you haven't done it before, it's a bit time-consuming. Follow the instructions in the manual and on here, and you'll be fine.

Refilling the ATF on my 95 was a nightmare, though - before you take anything apart, make sure you've got a funnel with a long, thin neck.