2011 Ranger 4x4 XLT transmission and fluid change

Bluegillz · Nov 11, 2018

I have a 2011 4x4 Ranger XLT with the 4.0 V6 engine, auto transmission and it has about 57k on it. I'd like to know what transmission is in it and what the recommended fluid change interval is for it. Local Ford dealer tells me the change interval is 30k but,the owners manual adds some confusion to that as,there seems there is more than one tranny in the 2011 Ranger. Also,when I inquired about how they change fluid, specifically, do they flush the tranny?, their response was no, Ford doesn't recommend flushing the tranny, just drain and replace the fluid and I'm assuming, changing the filter too. My understanding is that when you simply drop the pan and drain, you're really only replacing about half of the fluid because, there a substantial amount of tranny fluid still in the torque converter. What should I insist the dealer do when I have them change the fluid? Is a simple pan drop, drain, new filter and refill adequate?
Thanks

adsm08 · Nov 11, 2018

I recommend trans fluid be done at 30K as well, the actual model of the trans doesn't matter for that. But with a 4.0 you should have a 5R55E.

It should be flushed, which if done correctly will not harm the transmission. You are correct that a pan drop will only get between 1/3 and 1/2 of the fluid out.

Ford says a couple things about how and when the service these transmissions that I strongly disagree with. I think they figured out it would make it out of warranty OK, and they could claim to have "maintenance free" transmissions if they did this.

I also don't worry much about changing the filter for a simple fluid change on a trans. It's not like the engine where you are dealing with combustion by products and such. Most of what you are trying to get out in the trans is clutch material, which is too small to deposit in the filter, so it stays suspended in the fluid.

bobbywalter · Nov 11, 2018

adsm08 said:
I recommend trans fluid be done at 30K as well, the actual model of the trans doesn't matter for that. But with a 4.0 you should have a 5R55E.

It should be flushed, which if done correctly will not harm the transmission. You are correct that a pan drop will only get between 1/3 and 1/2 of the fluid out.

Ford says a couple things about how and when the service these transmissions that I strongly disagree with. I think they figured out it would make it out of warranty OK, and they could claim to have "maintenance free" transmissions if they did this.

I also don't worry much about changing the filter for a simple fluid change on a trans. It's not like the engine where you are dealing with combustion by products and such. Most of what you are trying to get out in the trans is clutch material, which is too small to deposit in the filter, so it stays suspended in the fluid.

x eleventy billionz.

sgtsandman · Nov 11, 2018

I was told by a person who worked at a transmission shop, "If people changed their transmission fluid every 30,000 miles, I would be out of business."

I agree with this and also believe it should be done on manual transmissions as well. Especially now since many use oils much thinner than gear oil now.

I agree with the above concerning the filter as long as it's a mesh filter. If it has a fibrous filter, I would change it as well when doing the fluid.

Concerning the best method, I've had mostly manual transmissions, so have limited experience working on them. I do know that with Honda transmissions, it is an absolute never do, no-no to flush one of their transmissions. Drain and fill only. if overdue for a change, say 60,000 miles. Drain and fill. Drive for a bit making sure you hit all the gears. Drain and fill again. Other makes will vary on design from Honda, so it might be ok.

If you are going to a Ford certified mechanic, I would go with whatever they recommend. If you are going to an independent shop, I would stick with the drain and fill method unless you can confirm the guy doing the work knows what they are doing or not or if they are just a minimally paid worker that has been just shown the basics and thrown to the wolves.

Bluegillz · Nov 12, 2018

Very good info.Have an appointment at the dealer to get it done.
Thanks to all.

2011 Ranger 4x4 XLT transmission and fluid change

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