Hi!!!
I bought a 2004 Grand Marquis and it has 93,000 miles. The previous owner kept excellent records, but no signs of ever having transmission fluid changed. The transmission oil is clear and pink with just a tiny bit of sludge on the stick.
I am hearing different things...some are saying to NOT change the filter; just change the fluid. Others are saying absolutely I should change the filter.
Thoughts?
I say change it
Thanks!
You're welcome. Would love to hear how it goes.
Fluid and filter should always be changed together. When we do an oil change, do we leave the old filter in there? No, we change it out with the oil...same idea with transmissions. That's why I don't recommended ATF flushes because it doesn't involve changing the filter.
Thank you! I heard some mechanics warn that they've experienced damage and issues after changing the filter. Do you think that is more along the lines of the transmission being worn out already?
Never mind. I talked to an award-winning mechanic tonight who said that he "would not hesitate" to change the filter. So that's what I'll do!! THANKS!
Yes. Changing the filter will only help your transmission, not wear it out. Filtering the fluid with a brand new filter is better than filtering with an old filter. I have a feeling those mechanics are saying that so they can get away with doing a fluid flush, which doesn't involve dropping the pan to access the filter anyways. Do the normal pan drop service.
Okay, sounds good! Thanks!