Transmission Fluid change/flush

Question

I recently bought a 2017 F150 - 3.5 Eco Boost - 10 speed transmission - max tow pkg. - with 54,000 miles. Soon I will tow a 3,000 lb camping trailer about 2500 - 3000 miles over mountain passes and through the dessert (Grand Canyon, Zion, Bryce, Moab, etc).

I have no record of the transmission having ever been serviced. I'm wondering what I should do. Before the trip, should I change the fluid, flush the transmission, or just leave it alone? Or, should I do one or the other after returning from the trip?

Thanks !

Jack

Thumpy · Answer

If your gonna be towing I would go ahead and get the fluid and filter changed. Long as you are not having problems don’t do a flush. It’s an extra cost service item that causes more problems than it solves.

toyotagrl · Answer

This is what the owner's manual shows in scheduled maintenance. If you've not operated your F150 under constant severe usage then you'll be ok with the normal scheduled maintenance if this is your first time towing.

	Replace cabin air filter.
Every 30000 mi (48,000 km)	Replace engine air filter.
Every 30000 mi (48,000 km)	Replace the engine-mounted and frame-mounted fuel filters.
At 100000 mi (160,000 km)	Change engine coolant. ²
Every 100000 mi (160,000 km)	Replace spark plugs.
Every 100000 mi (160,000 km)	Inspect accessory drive belt(s). ³
Every 150000 mi (240,000 km)	Change automatic transmission fluid and filter.
	Change front axle fluid (Four-wheel drive vehicles).
	Change rear axle fluid.
	Change transfer case fluid (Four-wheel drive vehicles).
	Replace accessory drive belt(s).

This is what is says in the "Special Operating Conditions"

If you operate your vehicle primarily in any of the following conditions, you need to perform extra maintenance, as indicated. If you operate your vehicle occasionally under any of these conditions, it is not necessary to perform the extra maintenance. For specific recommendations, see your dealership service advisor or technician.

Perform the services shown in the following tables when specified or within 3000 mi (4,800 km) of the OIL CHANGE REQUIRED message appearing in the information display.

Example 1: The OIL CHANGE REQUIRED message comes on at 28,751 mi (46,270 km). Perform the 30000 mi (48,000 km) automatic transmission fluid replacement.