2001 Mustang V6 3.8L 235K
Is changing a transmission a hard job for a beginner? Bringing her back to life at the end of the month to see if I really did successfully fix the shaky idle.
Scotty, I think I fall into the category of “she’s an older car and the dirt in the transmission might help her by now - if it’s not broke don’t fix it”. Thoughts on a 2001 being old enough to keep the old transmission fluid, please?
She doesn’t fit most of the criteria for a bad transmission but she’s still in the “what’s going on now” stages. I know 60-80% of the issues but I’m trying to rule out the trans.
I know Ford says Mustang’s lifetime for the trans is 200K in the V8s, but she’s my other half. I wanna keep her for life. A late friend and master mechanic got his Toyota SUV to 800K (she outlived him). I know I’ve got a Ford on my hands instead so the comparison just isn’t there. But I’m gonna prove I can do this.
Thank you guys for your time, and a warm good morning 🥞 🍳 🫖 🍦
Is changing a transmission a hard job for a beginner?
It's a pretty big job but is easier on a rear-drive car like a Mustang than it would be on a typical front-drive model.
Thoughts on a 2001 being old enough to keep the old transmission fluid, please?
See the site FAQ for details on changing transmission fluid.
I wanna keep her for life.
Good luck with that. Of course there are Mustangs still running around that are 60 years old so you may have a shot. You have to be prepared to do a considerable amount of work to reach that goal and it's not likely to reach the kind of miles you can achieve with a Toyota.
@chucktobias Thanks so much man, I see you on here always, you're real cool 😎. I appreciate ya giving me hope. Family thinks I'm insane for not junking her. They don't understand the love of a very first car lol. I just wanna see what she's really got. Ford loves their Mustangs.
And I'll check out the FAQ, thanks Chief! 🌟
The only thing that would really be terminal is severe rust/rot. Everything else is ultimately repairable.
@chucktobias I've lucked out and she's great in the no rust/rot department. Cosmetic is rough, but it's not her fault it's mine. Frame is fine though, so I'm betting on her.
We've made it through alotta crazy stuff for 11 years, ain't no throwing the towel in now. Thanks man
This should cover the transmission fluid, and other fluids: https://youtu.be/yig3I5bmnOg?t=247Should it be checked while running?
This section of the FAQ offers advice on maintenance items: https://carkiller.com/scottykilmer/howto/maintenance/
Is changing a transmission a hard job for a beginner?
yes. it can be a hard job for a non-beginner
(Hope I’m allowed to add this here)
I read that I should be checking for red transmission fluid and a burnt smell - which will be done soon.
But does the fact that she’s been an unstarted lawn ornament for a year alter what I’m looking for? Should it be checked while running?
I will probably check today then check near the 17th when she’s getting her new battery.
I’m just brand new so any tidbits of information helps. Just could hug ya Scotty. Thanks 🔧