I just bought a used 2004 Grand Marquis and it's runs perfect, but I want to do some maintenance because I don't know it's past. The transmission fluid is red, but not really bright red, kind of like pink-red, but it doesn't smell or look (dark) or burned. Nor does the tran slip. Is this normal for a car with 127,000 miles on it? And can I just do a drain and fill with Valvoline MaxLife synthetic fluid? I'm not sure I want to replace all of the fluid because I'm told that it might ruin the transmission. The dealer didn't see the car, but siad to leave it alone and not look for trouble.
Can I just do a drain and fill with Valvoline?
- Thread starter VicMatson
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Personally I would do a pan drop, replace filter, top off transmission fluid ( should take about 5 qts or so ). Drive for about 5k ~ 10k miles and repeat the process including another new filter. Should give you plenty of fresh fluid, wont shock the system and the first filter should catch most of the wear metals letting the second filter be the long term application.
Originally Posted By: VicMatson
I'm not sure I want to replace all of the fluid because I'm told that it might ruin the transmission. The dealer didn't see the car, but siad to leave it alone and not look for trouble.
That's totally false and your dealer is giving you bad advice.
What REALLY happens is that Joe Happy-Car-Owner does NO maintenance to his transmission for many years and many miles. One day it starts acting or sounding funny, so he has the local Jiffy Lube do a transmission service. 2 months later, the transmission croaks. Since the fluid change was the last thing done, OF COURSE that's what killed it, right? Wrong. What killed it was the lack of proper maintenance and/or abuse by Joe.
Bottom line, if a transmission dies soon after a fluid change, it was doomed from the start and would have died anyway.
Having said the above, if the fluid in your car isn't burnt or contaminated, then doing a complete exchange probably isn't necessary and a couple of drain & fills will be fine. Just add a drain plug while the pan is off to make future drain & fills much easier and much less messy. No need to change the filter after the first time.
I'm not sure I want to replace all of the fluid because I'm told that it might ruin the transmission. The dealer didn't see the car, but siad to leave it alone and not look for trouble.
That's totally false and your dealer is giving you bad advice.
What REALLY happens is that Joe Happy-Car-Owner does NO maintenance to his transmission for many years and many miles. One day it starts acting or sounding funny, so he has the local Jiffy Lube do a transmission service. 2 months later, the transmission croaks. Since the fluid change was the last thing done, OF COURSE that's what killed it, right? Wrong. What killed it was the lack of proper maintenance and/or abuse by Joe.
Bottom line, if a transmission dies soon after a fluid change, it was doomed from the start and would have died anyway.
Having said the above, if the fluid in your car isn't burnt or contaminated, then doing a complete exchange probably isn't necessary and a couple of drain & fills will be fine. Just add a drain plug while the pan is off to make future drain & fills much easier and much less messy. No need to change the filter after the first time.
Also, dont forget to replace the rear axle fluid. Spec is 80w90 with LSD additive, I would run 75w90 full syn Gear Oil. Synpower 75w90 already has LSD pre-added to it.
No need for the additive if the axle isn't a limited-slip.
Also, I would be leery of using Valvoline transmission fluid. They do not make a licensed Mercon V product, which is what the OP's car requires.
Also, I would be leery of using Valvoline transmission fluid. They do not make a licensed Mercon V product, which is what the OP's car requires.
Quote:
They do not make a licensed Mercon V product, which is what the OP's car requires.
Quick, call the cops, 1000's of people driving around in Maxlife filled vehicles without a license. j/k sortof
They do not make a licensed Mercon V product, which is what the OP's car requires.
Quick, call the cops, 1000's of people driving around in Maxlife filled vehicles without a license. j/k sortof
I like the pan drain idea, replace filter if possible and try to get a basic ATF that meets the requirements. Even though a synthetic would be better, I would more likely get a basic atf, maybe one thats for high mileage use. Others here might chime in on using Lubegard, I like it but others may have another idea too.
You could use maxlife although I used Mercon in my moms 05 Taurus.I have never had an experience of doing a pan drop and it causing any problems at all.I believe this is a myth from people changing the fluid when the trans had existing issues.
Originally Posted By: VicMatson
I just bought a used 2004 Grand Marquis and it's runs perfect, but I want to do some maintenance because I don't know it's past. The transmission fluid is red, but not really bright red, kind of like pink-red, but it doesn't smell or look (dark) or burned. Nor does the tran slip. Is this normal for a car with 127,000 miles on it? And can I just do a drain and fill with Valvoline MaxLife synthetic fluid? I'm not sure I want to replace all of the fluid because I'm told that it might ruin the transmission. The dealer didn't see the car, but siad to leave it alone and not look for trouble.
You can do a drain and refill for now if you want. As mentioned by others, a pan drop is better since you can clean the gunk out of the pan and add a new filter/strainer as well. It's a bit more work, but always better maintenance. If your transmission has cooler lines that run to the Rad or an external cooler, then it's also a good idea to add a magnefine inline transmission filter as well.
I normally do an annual drain and fill on my 98 Sienna and then every second year, I drop the pan and clean that as well. Last time I added a magnefine so this spring it will be interesting to see how clean the pan is and how much gunk is inside the magnefine filter.
I'm also using Maxlife on both my vehicles. I've used Mobil 1 universal ATF before which is very good, but the Maxlife is pretty good at a cheaper price than Mobil 1.
Regards, JC.
I just bought a used 2004 Grand Marquis and it's runs perfect, but I want to do some maintenance because I don't know it's past. The transmission fluid is red, but not really bright red, kind of like pink-red, but it doesn't smell or look (dark) or burned. Nor does the tran slip. Is this normal for a car with 127,000 miles on it? And can I just do a drain and fill with Valvoline MaxLife synthetic fluid? I'm not sure I want to replace all of the fluid because I'm told that it might ruin the transmission. The dealer didn't see the car, but siad to leave it alone and not look for trouble.
You can do a drain and refill for now if you want. As mentioned by others, a pan drop is better since you can clean the gunk out of the pan and add a new filter/strainer as well. It's a bit more work, but always better maintenance. If your transmission has cooler lines that run to the Rad or an external cooler, then it's also a good idea to add a magnefine inline transmission filter as well.
I normally do an annual drain and fill on my 98 Sienna and then every second year, I drop the pan and clean that as well. Last time I added a magnefine so this spring it will be interesting to see how clean the pan is and how much gunk is inside the magnefine filter.
I'm also using Maxlife on both my vehicles. I've used Mobil 1 universal ATF before which is very good, but the Maxlife is pretty good at a cheaper price than Mobil 1.
Regards, JC.
Rear diff fluid has been updated to 75-140.
Originally Posted By: tommygunn
Yes you can!
Maxlife is great stuff and very popular on here.
I don't think your transmission has a drain plug, so you may want to get an aftermarket transmission pan that does have one, so that future ATF changes will be easier.
Something tells me he's taking it to the dealer in which case it doesn't matter if he adds a plug or not. I've changed the fluid in my car about 5 times and never bothered with a plug, it's the standard pan drop and filter change each time. Not sure about the Grand Marquis, but most Ford cars require Mercon V so OP should make sure to get the right fluid for the car. A pan drop and fill also doesn't replace all the fluid, probably gets about half the fluid which is fine. I suppose if it hasn't been changed before another change in 10k would make sense, the standard interval is about 30k.
Yes you can!
Maxlife is great stuff and very popular on here.
I don't think your transmission has a drain plug, so you may want to get an aftermarket transmission pan that does have one, so that future ATF changes will be easier.
Something tells me he's taking it to the dealer in which case it doesn't matter if he adds a plug or not. I've changed the fluid in my car about 5 times and never bothered with a plug, it's the standard pan drop and filter change each time. Not sure about the Grand Marquis, but most Ford cars require Mercon V so OP should make sure to get the right fluid for the car. A pan drop and fill also doesn't replace all the fluid, probably gets about half the fluid which is fine. I suppose if it hasn't been changed before another change in 10k would make sense, the standard interval is about 30k.
Shortly after I got my van the transmission started slipping, just dropped the pan and drained and refilled about 4 quarts with Napa mercon V, transmission shifted smooth after that. Last time I put in Valvoline mercon V, drain and refill seems to work well, I don't see a need to flush. I go 25K.
Originally Posted By: RF Overlord
Originally Posted By: VicMatson
I'm not sure I want to replace all of the fluid because I'm told that it might ruin the transmission. The dealer didn't see the car, but siad to leave it alone and not look for trouble.
That's totally false and your dealer is giving you bad advice.
What REALLY happens is that Joe Happy-Car-Owner does NO maintenance to his transmission for many years and many miles. One day it starts acting or sounding funny, so he has the local Jiffy Lube do a transmission service. 2 months later, the transmission croaks. Since the fluid change was the last thing done, OF COURSE that's what killed it, right? Wrong. What killed it was the lack of proper maintenance and/or abuse by Joe.
Bottom line, if a transmission dies soon after a fluid change, it was doomed from the start and would have died anyway.
Having said the above, if the fluid in your car isn't burnt or contaminated, then doing a complete exchange probably isn't necessary and a couple of drain & fills will be fine. Just add a drain plug while the pan is off to make future drain & fills much easier and much less messy. No need to change the filter after the first time.
Yea, I was planing on having a drain plug welded in so I could do the transmission fluid at the same time as the oil. Only instead of every 5,000 for my Pennzoil Ultra, every 50,000 for the transmission.
Originally Posted By: VicMatson
I'm not sure I want to replace all of the fluid because I'm told that it might ruin the transmission. The dealer didn't see the car, but siad to leave it alone and not look for trouble.
That's totally false and your dealer is giving you bad advice.
What REALLY happens is that Joe Happy-Car-Owner does NO maintenance to his transmission for many years and many miles. One day it starts acting or sounding funny, so he has the local Jiffy Lube do a transmission service. 2 months later, the transmission croaks. Since the fluid change was the last thing done, OF COURSE that's what killed it, right? Wrong. What killed it was the lack of proper maintenance and/or abuse by Joe.
Bottom line, if a transmission dies soon after a fluid change, it was doomed from the start and would have died anyway.
Having said the above, if the fluid in your car isn't burnt or contaminated, then doing a complete exchange probably isn't necessary and a couple of drain & fills will be fine. Just add a drain plug while the pan is off to make future drain & fills much easier and much less messy. No need to change the filter after the first time.
Yea, I was planing on having a drain plug welded in so I could do the transmission fluid at the same time as the oil. Only instead of every 5,000 for my Pennzoil Ultra, every 50,000 for the transmission.
Originally Posted By: RF Overlord
No need for the additive if the axle isn't a limited-slip.
Also, I would be leery of using Valvoline transmission fluid. They do not make a licensed Mercon V product, which is what the OP's car requires.
So this won't cover it?
Quote:
Overview
MaxLife DEX/MERC ATF contains a blend of superior base oils and a unique additive package to help extend the life of transmissions with over 75,000 miles. It is formulated to maximize transmission performance, reduce transmission wear, and improve and maintain smooth shifting longer than conventional fluids. MaxLife DEX/MERC ATF is compatible with new and rebuilt transmissions and will not void new car warranties.
Recommended for use where DEXRON, DEXRON II, III and VI, Toyota T-IV and WS, MERCON®, MERCON® SP and LV, Allison TES 389, Nissan Matic-D, Matic-J and Matic-K, Honda Z-1 (except CVT), Mercedes NAG-1, Mitsubishi Diamond SP-II and SP-III and many others are required.
http://www.valvoline.com/products/brands/maxlife/automatic-transmission-fluid/37
If not, can you recommend a synthetic trans fluid?
No need for the additive if the axle isn't a limited-slip.
Also, I would be leery of using Valvoline transmission fluid. They do not make a licensed Mercon V product, which is what the OP's car requires.
So this won't cover it?
Quote:
Overview
MaxLife DEX/MERC ATF contains a blend of superior base oils and a unique additive package to help extend the life of transmissions with over 75,000 miles. It is formulated to maximize transmission performance, reduce transmission wear, and improve and maintain smooth shifting longer than conventional fluids. MaxLife DEX/MERC ATF is compatible with new and rebuilt transmissions and will not void new car warranties.
Recommended for use where DEXRON, DEXRON II, III and VI, Toyota T-IV and WS, MERCON®, MERCON® SP and LV, Allison TES 389, Nissan Matic-D, Matic-J and Matic-K, Honda Z-1 (except CVT), Mercedes NAG-1, Mitsubishi Diamond SP-II and SP-III and many others are required.
http://www.valvoline.com/products/brands/maxlife/automatic-transmission-fluid/37
If not, can you recommend a synthetic trans fluid?
Originally Posted By: VicMatson
Originally Posted By: RF Overlord
No need for the additive if the axle isn't a limited-slip.
Also, I would be leery of using Valvoline transmission fluid. They do not make a licensed Mercon V product, which is what the OP's car requires.
So this won't cover it?
Quote:
Overview
MaxLife DEX/MERC ATF contains a blend of superior base oils and a unique additive package to help extend the life of transmissions with over 75,000 miles. It is formulated to maximize transmission performance, reduce transmission wear, and improve and maintain smooth shifting longer than conventional fluids. MaxLife DEX/MERC ATF is compatible with new and rebuilt transmissions and will not void new car warranties.
Recommended for use where DEXRON, DEXRON II, III and VI, Toyota T-IV and WS, MERCON®, MERCON® SP and LV, Allison TES 389, Nissan Matic-D, Matic-J and Matic-K, Honda Z-1 (except CVT), Mercedes NAG-1, Mitsubishi Diamond SP-II and SP-III and many others are required.
http://www.valvoline.com/products/brands/maxlife/automatic-transmission-fluid/37
If not, can you recommend a synthetic trans fluid?
I wouldn't bother with a synthetic transmission fluid. Mercon V is supposed to be a synthetic blend anyway and although this doesn't say it's Mercon V, it says it's compatible but I guess they didn't pay ford their fee so it doesn't actually say Mercon V on the bottle. Also I'd change the filter with a pan drop as you normally clean out the magnet. This means drilling a hole and putting in a drain plug would be pointless. I hang out at the Taurus forums and never really heard of anyone doing that.
Originally Posted By: RF Overlord
No need for the additive if the axle isn't a limited-slip.
Also, I would be leery of using Valvoline transmission fluid. They do not make a licensed Mercon V product, which is what the OP's car requires.
So this won't cover it?
Quote:
Overview
MaxLife DEX/MERC ATF contains a blend of superior base oils and a unique additive package to help extend the life of transmissions with over 75,000 miles. It is formulated to maximize transmission performance, reduce transmission wear, and improve and maintain smooth shifting longer than conventional fluids. MaxLife DEX/MERC ATF is compatible with new and rebuilt transmissions and will not void new car warranties.
Recommended for use where DEXRON, DEXRON II, III and VI, Toyota T-IV and WS, MERCON®, MERCON® SP and LV, Allison TES 389, Nissan Matic-D, Matic-J and Matic-K, Honda Z-1 (except CVT), Mercedes NAG-1, Mitsubishi Diamond SP-II and SP-III and many others are required.
http://www.valvoline.com/products/brands/maxlife/automatic-transmission-fluid/37
If not, can you recommend a synthetic trans fluid?
I wouldn't bother with a synthetic transmission fluid. Mercon V is supposed to be a synthetic blend anyway and although this doesn't say it's Mercon V, it says it's compatible but I guess they didn't pay ford their fee so it doesn't actually say Mercon V on the bottle. Also I'd change the filter with a pan drop as you normally clean out the magnet. This means drilling a hole and putting in a drain plug would be pointless. I hang out at the Taurus forums and never really heard of anyone doing that.
I don't know what year they stopped putting drain plugs on the torque convertors but as far as i know that should have the same transmission as my explorer and thunderbird which both have drain plugs on the torque convertors.
so if you dont wanna mess around with dropping the pan several times, pull the plug on the convertor and drop the pan and you will get a good majority of the fluid out besides the residual that is inside the transmission.
you will probably need at least 10 quarts to refill it.
I've had no problems with Valvoline Mercon V or castrol
I've even used Supertech and Citgo Mercon V with no problems whatsoever.
so if you dont wanna mess around with dropping the pan several times, pull the plug on the convertor and drop the pan and you will get a good majority of the fluid out besides the residual that is inside the transmission.
you will probably need at least 10 quarts to refill it.
I've had no problems with Valvoline Mercon V or castrol
I've even used Supertech and Citgo Mercon V with no problems whatsoever.
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