Transmission Maintenance

[panzees36]

I have a 1996 Ford Escort with 51K miles.It has an automatic transmission.Does anyone know the suggested maintenance for the tranny.I looked in my owners manual and didn't see anything.I guess I could have overlooked it.I'm referring to changing fluid and filter.

[chevyn0va1]

Originally Posted by panzees36

I have a 1996 Ford Escort with 51K miles.It has an automatic transmission.Does anyone know the suggested maintenance for the tranny.I looked in my owners manual and didn't see anything.I guess I could have overlooked it.I'm referring to changing fluid and filter.

1999 i think its 60,000 miles. btw autozone.com has service intervals if you type in your car. and also ford.com

[panzees36]

Thanks,Chevy.

[Steindawg94]

Just a word of caution: if the fluid has NEVER been changed before, I wouldn't risk changing it now. I have a 94 Scort with 63,000 miles on it and the transmission shop said that if I changed the fluid now I would be risking more damage to the tranny.

[panzees36]

Just wondering what they meant by damage and why.

[chevyn0va1]

Originally Posted by panzees36

Just wondering what they meant by damage and why.

I have heard that also something to do with the old fluid haveing sludge in it, the sludge acts as a kind of glue for the clutchs inside or something.

I was told if its never been done dont start.

[TheStang00]

yeah you are either supposed to change it regularly or not at all. just dont worry about it, as long as it has enough fluid in it. but if it is low of course fill it back up.

[jman63]

yup...my haynes manual says scheduled maintenance is not required (unless you drive in a "high dust" environment). not sure what they consider to be "high dust"...lol

[TheStang00]

probably a frickin lakebed lol.