found transmission fluid had never been changed

2002 FORD RANGER

115,000 MILES • 6 CYL • 2WD • AUTOMATIC

BRIANJEFF

MEMBER
1 POST
FOLLOW

Recent trip to dealer for scheduled maintenance found transmission fluid had never been changed. Transmission runs like new. Fluid is still pink and has no burnt smell. Dealer advisor was hesitant to change the fluid due to such high milage. He said off the record that new fluid in this situation MAY cause problems in the next 5000 miles. I am taking this vehicle on a 3000 mile vacation this summer. Should I risk having it changed with no indication of problems?

Jun 4, 2008 at 8:16 PM

Repair Safety Notice: This information is for general instructional purposes only. Vehicle repair can be dangerous. Verify all information, follow manufacturer service procedures, use proper tools and safety equipment, and consult a qualified repair shop when needed.

DANNY L

AUTOMOTIVE REPAIR CONTRIBUTOR
5,648 POSTS

Hello, I'm Danny.

First thing I would suggest for you is to check the level and condition of the transmission fluid. Here is a tutorial showing how to change the fluid in an automatic transmission:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-service-an-automatic-transmission

It is correct what was told to you with the high mileage and not having the fluid ever changed before. The problem is that when transmission fluid is not changed after high mileage there is the possibility that friction material from the transmissions clutches will become suspended in the old unchanged fluid. When the fluid is then changed and the friction material is no longer in the fluid there is a possibility after having the fluid changed the transmission may start to slip or otherwise malfunction. I've attached picture steps below on how to remove and replace the transmission filter and fluid on your truck. Hope this helps and thanks for using 2CarPros.

Images (Click to enlarge)

May 4, 2021 at 10:56 AM