Ford Transaxles

Yes.

Minor revision to valve body & hydraulic circuits.

Rob

Thank you.

I still can't understand why the fluid needs to be flushed every 30,000 miles when it uses the full synthetic Mercon V fluid.

The car has 56,000 miles on the clock and the transaxle has been flushed twice in it's life. Full complete transaxle flush where pan is dropped, a new filter and gasket is installed, fluid is pumped through the torque converter, and everything.

Where are you getting 30K? I agree it's a good idea with E-controlled transmissions to service them, maybe at 60K or 80K, but Fords are usually "lifetime" filled - except for "severe service". What does the Owner's Manual indicate?

Rob

The owners manual indicates 30,000 mile change intervals. It says in more severe driving conditions the fluid will need to be flushed more often.

Yes, Yes, Yes.

These transmissions very much like to have a fresh friction additive package in them. Even the Mercon V wears out quickly. This is not unusual. IIRC the 4R70W's among others had a TSB concerning fluid replacement on short intervals to correct shifting problems. My 2000 Taurus with the AX4N had a transmisison failure at 30k miles. Got a factory reman under warranty, but I'm not taking any chances.

My understanding is that heat is the main problem with degrading the fluid, which is usually the case in automatics. I think few automatic transmissions have adequate fluid cooling capability from the factory. Aftermarket transmission coolers are said to be a big benefit. Also be aware that even pink fluid with no smell can need replaced in these sensitive transmissions...

Can they do well without regular fluid changes? Yes. Is it optimal? No.

CJB

I'm considering using 20,000 mile change intervals for now on.

I'm moving way down to San Antonio TX now. Which is what I think is "South Texas". It will be HOT and heat kills automatic transmissions/transaxles. As soon as I get there an oversized transaxle cooler is a MUST HAVE. You wouldn't imagine how many fools down in southern states with their automatic transmissions/transaxles that keep failing and they keep wondering why. But at least it keeps the economy going as repair shops and trans rebuilders will make a fortune.