seen many videos regarding changing the transmission fluid

2002 FORD TAURUS
127,000 MILES • 3.0L • V6 • 2WD • AUTOMATIC
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JGONZO2398
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Back with not an issue this time (thankfully), but a pretty common question. As you know, I have the car listed above SE model. I have read around many forums and have seen many videos regarding changing the transmission fluid on a car that has more than 100,000 miles on it, some say that it will be fine, others say that it can cause slipping in the transmission. I do not know if the transmission fluid in my car has ever been changed but it is a dark red-ish color which I am assuming is a good thing. I saw a video on how to properly service the transmission fluid on this exact car by removing the fluid pan under the vehicle and replacing the gasket and filter, this removes around six quarts of the eleven quarts of fluid that are in the transmission, being a simple replacement and not a complete flush. So, should I do this, or should I not?
Sep 17, 2018 at 10:23 AM
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.
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DANNY L
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Hello, I am Danny.

Everything you said was correct.Tend to stay away from changing the fluid when it is more brownish in color and smells burnt. When this happens and especially if it has not been changed in a long time the friction material from the clutches stays in the fluid. When changed with fresh fluid now having no/low friction material you will notice the transmission starts to slip. When was the last time it was changed? I have attached a tutorial showing what is involved. Hope this helps and feel free to ask any questions. Thanks for using 2CarPros.
Danny-

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-service-an-automatic-transmission
Apr 13, 2021 at 5:37 PM
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JGONZO2398
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I have no idea the last time it was changed, I bought the car used with 105,000 miles over two years ago, I will take pictures of the dipstick and the color of the fluid.
Apr 13, 2021 at 5:37 PM
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DANNY L
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Hello again.
Okay. Also, take a good whiff to tell if it smells burnt.
Thanks again for using 2CarPros.
Danny-
Apr 13, 2021 at 5:37 PM
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JGONZO2398
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Here are the pictures, two of the dipstick level amount and one of the color of the fluid on a white napkin, looks pretty red to me.
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Apr 13, 2021 at 5:37 PM
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JGONZO2398
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Does not smell burnt by the way.
Apr 13, 2021 at 5:37 PM
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DANNY L
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Hello again.

Okay, I have attached your vehicles transmission fluid requirements. Be sure to change the filter. Hope this helps and let me know if you have any other questions.Thanks again for using 2CarPros.
Danny-

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-service-an-automatic-transmission
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Apr 13, 2021 at 5:37 PM
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JGONZO2398
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Here is a video around the transmission pan, there seems to be oil all over the areas surrounding the pan and some dripping on the pan itself. I have already replaced both valve cover gaskets and intake manifold gasket, also the camshaft sensor which was causing a big leak. Where is this oil coming from?
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Apr 13, 2021 at 5:37 PM
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DANNY L
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Hello again.

It looks to be an oil pan leak. With it leaking with the car driving it looks like the wind force is blowing it all under the bottom of the car. Before you drop the transmission pan to service you should get a can of Engine Degreaser (Gunk brand) and spray all over, let soak, and rinse with hose. Helps with engine being warm. Might help locate the leak easier with it less splattered all over the place. Yes, just replace transmission fluid and filter. Hope this helps and feel free to ask any other questions.Thanks again for using 2CarPros.
Danny-
Apr 13, 2021 at 5:37 PM
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JGONZO2398
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Will do. Thank you.
Apr 13, 2021 at 5:37 PM