Dear Scotty,
I have a 2000 Mustang GT convertible I bought new. 4.6L SOHC V-8; 4-speed automatic. About 25,500 miles on the odometer (always garaged, seldom driven between November and March although I do run the engine for 15 minutes at least once a week). Only normal maintenance since new except the fuel pump was replaced three years ago. Change the coolant about every three years. Car is running just fine - still accelerates and shifts the same as new. I have not drained and refilled the transmission fluid since new. Is draining and replacing the transmission fluid something I should do? Thanks.
It's probably fine with only 25k. Does your owner's manual give a change interval?
How does the fluid look and smell? Were those 25,500 miles ‘easy’ miles, meaning it didn’t see high rpm throughout its life? (Heat can cause ATF fluid to degrade sooner, that’s why I ask). Since it is working fine and assuming the fluid is red/brown (and does not smell burnt) - see our ATF sticky - then I would just go ahead and perform the drain/fill along with filter change (if applicable). From that point onward, just change every few years - ATF fluid change is cheaper than a new transmission, esp. if you are the one changing the fluid.
Thanks, MMJ. Ford recommends transmission fluid change at 30K miles. However, I doubt many 21-year-old Mustangs still have less than 30K miles. The fluid still looks good - no sign of discoloration or contaminants. I guess this is one of those, "If ain't broke, don't fix it" situations. Thanks, again.
you did well warming it up every week. I would just change it @ 30k
Change it at 30k in that case.
If your Mustang is 21 years old, then change the fluid. There are additives to keep the seals pliable, and these additives lose their chemical abilities with time.
But there are some alternative ways to do this, as well. Would you want a simple "drain and fill," leaving the torque converter, alone? Is the transmission pan gasket in good shape? The condition of the filter? And so forth.
