I just had the dealer replace the REM in the car today and all my lights and windows are operational again and even though I've had no issues whatsoever with the transmission, I'd like to keep it that way. The car is a 2000 V8 S-Type and I was planning to drop the pan, replace the filter, and refill. I've always followed this up on my other cars by removing the cooler line and pumping out the fluid by running the transmission pump and refilling until the fluid comes out the line clean and topping the system back off.

The car is at 95,000 miles not and I'm sure the transmission has never been serviced. I know the dealer looked at me like I was nuts when I asked what the cost would be to do it. The question is, is it overkill to flush the system?

 

Overkill, NO.

Down here, ALL the manufacturers with these "sealed" units are now strongly suggesting a fluid "drop and refill" at the 80K kms mark (50K miloes approx).

Our S has had 4 of those, or is it 5, I forget now, since we bought it 12 months ago, and the next will be pan off and filter changed.

I am NOT in favour of the system flush idea, but that is me, so be it. I have seen a few transmissions fail over the years, from what I believe is the "shock" of the new fluid. Others believe the flush can/does dislodge muck etc in large amounts and that causes issues.

I would drop the fluid, sample some in a container. it will possibly be black and grubby. Refill with clean new stuff. Do it again in a weeks time (depends on car usage of course), and so on until what comes out is about the same colour as what is going in. That way you are slowly purging the old gunk, and as I said, that is kinder to trans components sometimes than a full on flush.

 

I've just looked at the JTIS procedure for this and of course I don't have access to their diagnostic kit - so is there a safe shortcut for a competent DIY mechanic?

 

Car details?

 

Sorry -brain failure there. 2001 V8 4L 5 speed auto (LHD)

 

Fluid change is in stickies. No diags needed

 

I see one for the six speed transmission but not the 5 speed.

 

Look for Ford 5R55N

 

I see lots of stuff for the ZF but the only thing I see for the 5R55N is the adaption process.. I have also searched the forum for 5R55N fluid changeand have found little of any relevance.

 

Richard,

I thought I had a "word paper" on how I do ours, but cannot find it.

I will write one later tonight, before I have too many JD's, and post it here as an attachment for all to read if they so choose, so sit tight mate.

there will be NO snaps, i never took any, and its too damn cold to go crawl under it tonight. maybe at the next drop and refill I "might" oblige.

 

Richard,

As promised.

S Type 5R55N trans fluid drain and refill.doc

 

Grant, you are a star - many thanks.

I'll try to remember to take photos when I do it

 

Thanks Grant, I've added your procedure to the "How To" section.

 

it's a no-nonsense box, and very affordable fluid - Dexron III.

 

I note that filters are a fraction of the price of those for the ZF, too. That suits me

 

Yes but the ZF filter includes the plastic pan so it's not a direct comparison.

The 5 Speed Ford Transmission can be serviced at most any transmission shop so you don't need to use Jaguar. Also it has many aftermarket parts available too like shift kits and beefed up parts and rebuilt transmissions.

If you need a rebuild or parts a number of Lincoln LS guys have used Level 10.

Ford 4R70W, 4R100, 5R110, 5R55W transmission upgrades | AOD upgrade
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Well yes and no.

No it's not a direct comparison because (thankfully) the designers at Ford weren't stupid enough to make the filter part of the pan

Yes it is a direct comparison because that's what it will take to do the job - giving me a saving of some $100 or more on parts alone (certainly more when you count the fluid, too)

 

Well you also have 1 less gear so that's a negative from the performance and fuel mileage angle. The ZF is a better transmission but like most things that also means more cost!
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Cheers Grant and Jagv8, I was wondering where it was too! How do you get a ladder under there so close to the ground?

 

My pleasure. I have lots of little papers on the laptop now, coz the brain is fading, and I seriously decided to write all this stuff down.

Trusting the question re the ladder is SERIOUS, haha. The ladder goes outside the car alongside the RH doors, and the funnel is taped to it, and the plastic hose travels down and under the car and into the transmission hole at the rear of the casing, and gravity takes care of the rest.

Now I really need a drink, mmmm.