98 Ford Ranger AT Fluid Flush?

[mholdgate]

Howdy,

I'm looking to change the transmission fluid (and filter, gasket) on my automatic 1998 Ford Ranger XLT 3.0L V6 but have heard that as much as 1/3 of the AT fluid remains in the torque converter and a flush is necessary for a complete exchange.

TheRangerStation.com mentions states:

*The torque converters on some transmissions are equipped with drain plugs. Because it may take some time to drain the fluid from the converter, you may wish to start draining at this time, then proceed with the pan and filter removal. To do this, remove the converter cover and slowly turn the converter by hand until you can access the plug.

Is a complete flush necessary? Is my Ranger equipped with drain plugs? If so, where is the torque converter located - does it have another name (I find no mention of it in my Haynes Repair Manual Index)? Any other suggestions?

Thanks,
Matty

[12Ounce]

Even with "flushings" there is some of the old oil left it the convertor and other tranny internal cavities ... it's just the nature of mixing. The only way to completely rid yourself of the old oil is to disassemble/rebuild the tranny, emptying and refillilng every component.

With "machine flushings" ... the ones where external equipment is used to pump "cleaners" and then "new fluid" thru the tranny ... you get not only old oil left behind but cleaner fluid, and who knows what else, left in your tranny. This process is a cash-cow for Ford's (independent) dealerships and other service centers ... and has ruined many trannys. Ford (corp) has a battle going on with their dealerships over this issue. Ford gets stuck with an irrate customer who wants his tranny repaired on warranty and the dealer who wants to act innocent of wrong doing. You will not find this procedure recommended in any Ford literature ... or any other auto manufacturers literture, I suspect.

"Self flushings" are a different matter. This process involves using the tranny's own oil pump to pump fluid thru the tranny. The tranny fluid is pumped into a connected waste container until the pump cavitates ... extra fluid is then added, several extra quarts usually, ... and then the fluid is pumped out until the pump cavitates again. The external hook-up is removed and the tranny fluid topped off to normal level. This procedure is especially effective if after the first pump cavitation, the oil pan is dropped and cleaned and the filter replaced. This procedure you will find in the Ford shop manual for many models.

Instead of flushing, many folks get along just fine using the old "drain and refill" process. Tho this obviously leaves much of the old fluid in the tranny ... if it is done often enough, the fluid will be fairly "fresh". Once again, adding the dropping/cleaning of the pan and replacing the filter makes the process better.

BTW, I doubt if your tranny has a torque convertor drain plug ... but I don't know.

Here is what AutoZone has to say:
http://www.autozone.com/servlet/UiBr...3d800b8925.jsp

[mholdgate]

12Ounce,

Thanks for the detailed reply - seems a drain and refill should be just fine.

Matty

[wafrederick]

There is another way to do the flush,without the machine and does a better job.Remove the bottom line from the radatior and put a hose on pointed to a pan or bucket.Start pouring fluid in while running making sure you do not run the transmission dry of transmission fluid.Stop when it starts to become clear.This is the better way becuase you are removing the dirt,crud and using less fluid.I believe it uses special fluid when Ford started to use in I believe in 1998.