I have a 1997 Ford explore Sport 4wd with the 5 speed automatic transmission and 160,000 miles. The fluid in the transmission has never been changed and the fluid looks brown and nasty and smells burnt. The transmission still shifts fine and doesn’t slip, but I’m worried about longevity. I know that changing the fluid at this point could kill the transmission. But I also know that leaving the fluid in will eventually kill it as well. It seems like a no win scenario. I was thinking that I could take it to these guys
https://www.edwardstransmissions.com/shadeland
and maybe they could look at it and decide if the fluid should be changed or left alone. What do you think Scotty and moderators?
As you said fluid is brown, nasty and smells burnt. If the fluid smells burnt that’s not good at all. If it’s shifting fine keep the fluid in and keep driving. When it does start slipping stick some Lucas stop slip in and it might give you a few more mi before replace or rebuild is required.
