Transmission fluid flush and refill

[bluelobo26]

I just did a drain and refill at Ford dealership. It was $168.75 for my 2022 Ecoboost 2.0 liter AWD truck. I have FX4 option so that includes removing the skid plate.

How many quarts did they charge you for the fill?

Sponsored

 

[topsin34]

I appre

Unless you are doing heavy Towing hybrid eCVT transmission fluid only needs to be changed at 150,000 miles.



Too many dealer service departments quote unnecessary fluid changes to boost their income.

That's what I had originally thought but there are so many others out there who vehemently disagree. Some even say that these fluid change intervals are suggested for the automotive manufacturer's benefit not the driver's. I guess I'd rather be safe than sorry. As one poster put it waiting until 150,000 miles to change your transmission fluid is asking for trouble.

 

[F150 2.7 TT user]

Just learning this new transmission as mine is 1 month old.
I do full fluid exchanges with a BG machine on my other auto vehicles. These so called flushes just tap into the trans cooler line to exchange all the fluid at one time for fresh, the pumping is done by the transmission. The machine only collects the old and add fresh thru the valving into the transmission. Flush is a can of cleaner added and circulated before the drain and fill. Past experience is to do this every 40000 miles. I tend to keep vehicles over 10+ years.

 

[kentsa1]

How many quarts did they charge you for the fill?

6 quarts

 

[bluelobo26]

Just learning this new transmission as mine is 1 month old.
I do full fluid exchanges with a BG machine on my other auto vehicles. These so called flushes just tap into the trans cooler line to exchange all the fluid at one time for fresh, the pumping is done by the transmission. The machine only collects the old and add fresh thru the valving into the transmission. Flush is a can of cleaner added and circulated before the drain and fill. Past experience is to do this every 40000 miles. I tend to keep vehicles over 10+ years.

This is a good in-depth read on the Ecoboost's 8F35 transmission if you haven't seen it already:

Ford 8F35 8-Speed Automatic Transmission: Reliability and Failure Analysis

 

[F150 2.7 TT user]

I have read that and mostly agree. Til the article mentions,
"Warning: DO NOT FLUSH IT. High-pressure flush machines stir up the sludge in the bottom of the case and jam it right into the solenoids. Drain and fill only. Gravity is your friend."

The flushes I have had done used only the internal transmission pump not an external booster pump. Yes past experience, but the machine operator should have a list of the vehicles that need a booster pump. I have to ask if the boost pump is used on this 8 speed, but that is in the future, minimum 4 years from now. Another problem is a drain may get 1/3 to 1/2 the fluid, I know the pan drop filter change on the 6r 80 only removed 5 quarts from a 13 quart transmission.

 

[Chops]

Ford Dealer wants $350 for a transmission flush and refill on a 2024 Hybrid
1. Does $350 seem like a reasonable price to do this?
2. Would letting a transmission shop do this void any warranties?
3. Would a drain and refill be a better option?
TIA for any advice

$350 for a dealer flush & fill seems reasonable. However, it also seems to be early for this service? The Hybrid eCVT is gentler on fluid than the EB. The eCVT uses the fluid more for cooling than as a lubricant.

Are you at a high mileage? I think Ford recommends a change at 60,000 miles I’m just guessing,

 

[BK007]

I have read that and mostly agree. Til the article mentions,
"Warning: DO NOT FLUSH IT. High-pressure flush machines stir up the sludge in the bottom of the case and jam it right into the solenoids. Drain and fill only. Gravity is your friend."

The flushes I have had done used only the internal transmission pump not an external booster pump. Yes past experience, but the machine operator should have a list of the vehicles that need a booster pump. I have to ask if the boost pump is used on this 8 speed, but that is in the future, minimum 4 years from now.

Sadly I don't think they care and don't refer to a list idk.. But it's about $$$
I am going to drain an fill mine here soon, but I have the 8F35 it needs it at 30k not the crazy 150k Ford says so they can sell new transmissions.

 

[Chops]

Sadly I don't think they care and don't refer to a list idk.. But it's about $$$
I am going to drain an fill mine here soon, but I have the 8F35 it needs it at 30k not the crazy 150k Ford says so they can sell new transmissions.

I’m going to DIY my EB at 24 months. Severe Use - short trips & desert heat. But the eCVT is a different animal and not as brutal on transmission fluid as our EBs.

I agree the OP’s dealer is probably just looking at the revenue - but they also have more info than we do. Does the OP tow? High mileage? Etc…

 

[Tim d]

Ford Dealer wants $350 for a transmission flush and refill on a 2024 Hybrid
1. Does $350 seem like a reasonable price to do this?
2. Would letting a transmission shop do this void any warranties?
3. Would a drain and refill be a better option?
TIA for any advice

Ford recommends this service at 100k. Curious what they recommend for hybrids?

 

[HeyBales]

Ford recommends this service at 100k. Curious what they recommend for hybrids?

So 120k difference between severe and average. So if not really severe and wanting to be on the safe side - call it 90K? Car Care Nut on similar Toyota hybrid schedules says around 75k if you really plan on keeping it a long time.

Other Maintenance Items 1​
Every 20,000 mi (32,000 km)	Replace the cabin air filter.
Every 30,000 mi (48,000 km)	Replace the engine air filter. For severe service, Change the automatic transmission fluid.
Every 60,000 mi (96,000 km)	For severe service, Replace the spark plugs.
Every 100,000 mi (160,000 km)	Replace the spark plugs.
	Inspect the accessory drive belt or belts. 2
Every 150,000 mi (240,000 km)	Change the automatic transmission fluid.
	Replace the accessory drive belt or belts. 3
At 200,000 mi (320,000 km)	Change the engine coolant. 4

1 Perform these maintenance items within 3,000 mi (4,800 km) of the last engine oil and filter change. Do not exceed the designated distance for the interval.
2 After initial inspection, inspect every other oil change until replaced.
3 If not replaced within the last 100,000 mi (160,000 km).
4 Initial replacement at 10 years or 200,000 mi (320,000 km), then every five years or 100,000 mi (160,000 km).

What Are Considered Severe Driving Conditions
A vehicle that is driven for short trips of less than 5–10 mi (8–16 km), driving in temperatures well below or above average, driving in any dusty conditions, idling more than recommended such as in traffic, and driving with a heavy load or while towing a load are considered severe driving conditions. If the vehicle is driven in any of these conditions, follow the severe service maintenance items listed in the scheduled maintenance chart.

 

[Tim d]

So 120k difference between severe and average. So if not really severe and wanting to be on the safe side - call it 90K? Car Care Nut on similar Toyota hybrid schedules says around 75k if you really plan on keeping it a long time.

Other Maintenance Items 1​
Every 20,000 mi (32,000 km)	Replace the cabin air filter.
Every 30,000 mi (48,000 km)	Replace the engine air filter. For severe service, Change the automatic transmission fluid.
Every 60,000 mi (96,000 km)	For severe service, Replace the spark plugs.
Every 100,000 mi (160,000 km)	Replace the spark plugs.
	Inspect the accessory drive belt or belts. 2
Every 150,000 mi (240,000 km)	Change the automatic transmission fluid.
	Replace the accessory drive belt or belts. 3
At 200,000 mi (320,000 km)	Change the engine coolant. 4

1 Perform these maintenance items within 3,000 mi (4,800 km) of the last engine oil and filter change. Do not exceed the designated distance for the interval.
2 After initial inspection, inspect every other oil change until replaced.
3 If not replaced within the last 100,000 mi (160,000 km).
4 Initial replacement at 10 years or 200,000 mi (320,000 km), then every five years or 100,000 mi (160,000 km).

What Are Considered Severe Driving Conditions
A vehicle that is driven for short trips of less than 5–10 mi (8–16 km), driving in temperatures well below or above average, driving in any dusty conditions, idling more than recommended such as in traffic, and driving with a heavy load or while towing a load are considered severe driving conditions. If the vehicle is driven in any of these conditions, follow the severe service maintenance items listed in the scheduled maintenance chart.

Thank you. Its actually 150k for tans fluid change. What is it for RDU fluid?

 

[HeyBales]

Thank you. Its actually 150k for tans fluid change. What is it for RDU fluid?

Axle and PTU Maintenance
The Power Transfer Unit (PTU) and rear axle (AWD only) in your vehicle does not require any scheduled maintenance. The PTU lubricant may be more likely to require a fluid change if the vehicle has extended periods of extreme or severe duty cycle driving. Changing or checking the PTU lubricant is not necessary unless the unit has been submerged in water, shows sign of leakage. Contact your authorized dealer for service.


Someone tell me again how the manual states the final words of the engineers on a matter!!!

ETA: ok, that was another thread claiming the engineer's recommendations ended up in the manual. Doubtful.

 

[Tim d]

Axle and PTU Maintenance
The Power Transfer Unit (PTU) and rear axle (AWD only) in your vehicle does not require any scheduled maintenance. The PTU lubricant may be more likely to require a fluid change if the vehicle has extended periods of extreme or severe duty cycle driving. Changing or checking the PTU lubricant is not necessary unless the unit has been submerged in water, shows sign of leakage. Contact your authorized dealer for service.


Someone tell me again how the manual states the final words of the engineers on a matter!!!

ETA: ok, that was another thread claiming the engineer's recommendations ended up in the manual. Doubtful.

Thx again. Crazy some change these fluids way to soon or at all i.m.o.

 

[BK007]

Sponsored