CountyMounty

Soon I will be doing a pan drop filter and fluid change, and will also likely install and pan drain (but am going to research on here to see the pros and cons of that). This is a new to me 2008 5.4 with 51,000miles. I do not know all of the previous maintenance but I highly doubt the fluid has ever been changed. Ideally I would drop pan, replace filter, refill, and then drain and refill a couple more times to change out as much fluid as possible. So with all that said I stumbled upon Tectus Multi Vehicle ATF that says it is "Mercon V certified" available in a 5 gal pail for about $60. I can not find much info on this product. Has anyone used it or know anything about it. If that is not a good idea I will probably just go with Castrol Mercon V.

Mod (Ret.)

At such a low mileage, consider a complete fluid change. Yes, there have been many discussions on transmission "flushing". However, the good shops use a low pressure flush to remove all the fluid. And the good shops won't flush it if the transmission is not in good shape. Dropping the pan, changing the filter, and refulling is alright, but only provides about 5 or 6 quarts to mix with the old remaining 6 or 7 quarts; kind of like only draining 2 to 3 quarts of engine oil and refilling.

I recently purchased a 2007 4.6 with 1001K on its odometer. It has the factory tow package, so it came with the same transmission as the 5.4, plus a transmission cooler. I took it to an AAMCO service center that I've been using to flush several previously owned vehicles, all with varying mileage.

As yourself, I too was not aware of any previous transmission service that was done to this truck and wanted the transmission fluid changed completely for piece of mind. They said they first wanted to inspect the transmission because of its higher mileage before recommending a full flush; this was provided free of charge. They informed told me it was in excellent shape, and performed a pan drop, filter change, and a complete flush. It's been over two weeks now, and absolutely no issues. This service cost me $169.00 out the door.

With your much lower miles, I'd offer that you consider doing the same; get a free inspection, then based on their findings, consider a complete fluid change. My transmission shop uses a synthetic fluid that is to spec with the Mercon V, and recommends I see them back between 30K to 40K, depending on how I use the truck (towing, daily driver, etc).

CountyMounty

I live in a very rural area and have limited options for service. I do not have any of the typical "chain" type shops that provide the service. I was already quoted $129 for a flush when I took the truck to a local shop for a complete inspection before I bought it (the canadian dealer actually brought it across the border for me which was nice) That did not include a pan drop and filter change. I have done the pan drop and filter change and drain and refill a couple times on my previous vehicles and like to do it myself and get a look at it myself and install a drain in the pan for future changes. I do agree that ideally a complete fluid change is best and I may shop around and consider having someone a couple hours away do it but still thinking that I may just do it myself. When I stumbled upon the 5 gal Tectus Mercon V I thought that might allow me to do multiple drain and refills to get most of the fluid changed. I can find very little info on that fluid though, I can even tell if its full synthetic or not.

Mod (Ret.)

Understandable.

If it's labeled MERCON V, then it's good to use, as this is what Ford specifies for these trucks automatics.

I use my newly aquired truck to pull a small ultra-lite camper (Jayco 16SRX), that tips the scales at 3000 pounds. The fact that this truck had an automatic transmission cooler as part of its tow package option, plus the larger 5.4 transmission was a huge selling point to me.

I just had to get new fluid into it! I can never accept prior maintenance for granted, unless it is documented. The AAMCO dealer I use is reputable, and informed me this transmission had never been opened, as it still had the "plug" in the pan from when it was assembled. he also informed me it was in great shape.

dom07

Yep, Mercon V you're good to go.

When you change the fluid, use the trans fluid pump to exchange most of the fluid -- pull the cooler return line and start the truck. The trans pump will pump most of the fluid out for you (only the converter's fluid remains). Pull the pan, clean the magnet, change the filter, put it all back together and refill. If you're a superstar, put a drain plug in the pan or buy the pan with the plug in it, and reinstall that.

Now, drive it around for a couple of days, then repeat the fluid process. No need to pull the pan down again. After just two of these cycles, the majority of fluid will have been exchanged.

After 100K miles, I like to do one fluid 'exchange' like this every third oil change.

ford4wd08

Do not pump let your trans pump the system dry, I repeat do not let it pump it dry. Horrible idea. If you're going to do it with removing the line method, introduce fluid as fast as it comes out.

dom07

I didn't say pump it dry. Let it pump until it sputters, then shut it down. And adding fluid at the same time means you have no idea how much fluid to add back in, just makes it more complicated. Trying to add fluid during the pumping just wastes fluid... horrible idea for your wallet.

CountyMounty

This project is not at the top of the my list, there are other things I need to do first so I will research it some more. I have never tried pulling a line to pump out the fluid and would want to learn more about that before trying that approach.

Here is the link to the fluid
I still can not find any info or reviews on it so not sure that I will try it, I might just stay with the Castrol that I used in my previous F-150 but buying it by the 5 gal pail would allow 3 or 4 drain and refills.

Summers22

iTrader: (2)

I cant speak for the "tectus" brand. I did however install the B&M drain plug and now I change 4 quarts every 10K miles. Very easy to do as you know. I drilled a 1/8" pilot hole, let the fluid drain, drop the pan, change the filter (I used a WIX) then install the B&M drain plug, re-install the pan and service your own transmission fluid. Getting ready to put a drain plug on my 07 Expedition (stupid 6R75 transmission doesnt even have a trans dipstick).

CountyMounty

Yeah one of the best parts of installing your own drain plug, beyond easier future changes is that easier first pan drop by drilling the pilot hole and just letting the fluid drain.

Is the B&M plug supposed to be all that much better than the other brands that are half the price or less.