2012 F150 6r80 Transmission Fluid Change
#1
Junior Member
Thread Starter
2012 F150 6r80 Transmission Fluid Change
I am at 58,xxx miles on my 2012 F150 5.0 4x4 and just scheduled a routine service with my nearest dealer. They asked if I wanted to do the 60k mile service which includes a "transmission fluid exchange". I asked how much the fluid change added to the bill and they quoted me $265.
I searched but have not really found a consensus for when to change it. With my past vehicles I have always followed somewhere between the normal and severe service schedules but did not see any mention of changing the fluid earlier than 150,000 miles for any of the service schedules in the owners manual.
I also find it interesting that they are recommending the transmission fluid change so early, but not Spark plugs or Transfer case fluid, both of which are in the severe service schedule.
Now that these trucks are starting to run up higher mileage has anyone had any experience waiting until 150,000 to change or changed earlier with good or bad results? I am guessing the quote for the change is on the high side but I also know the fluid is not exactly cheap.
I searched but have not really found a consensus for when to change it. With my past vehicles I have always followed somewhere between the normal and severe service schedules but did not see any mention of changing the fluid earlier than 150,000 miles for any of the service schedules in the owners manual.
I also find it interesting that they are recommending the transmission fluid change so early, but not Spark plugs or Transfer case fluid, both of which are in the severe service schedule.
Now that these trucks are starting to run up higher mileage has anyone had any experience waiting until 150,000 to change or changed earlier with good or bad results? I am guessing the quote for the change is on the high side but I also know the fluid is not exactly cheap.
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STLRS FN's FX4 (07-07-2016)
#2
Senior Member
Per the owner's manual, change @ 150k with severe duty. The majority of our trucks aren't used in such a way to classify as severe duty. So your average truck is filled for life, and the fluid shouldn't be changed.
If you want to have piece of mind you can change it at 150k, I probably will be as well. But I can say I just rolled over 100k miles and still have the original fluid, and it still shifts perfect and smooth as butter.
Typically the 6r80 doesn't ever have to touched unless your having a problem, they're pretty bulletproof transmissions when not abused. Honestly I would just pocket the $265 and not have it done.
On another note, @ the 100k maintenance interval both my belts look great, my spark plugs weren't really in bad shape, they could have lasted awhile longer, and my coolant look perfect. I went ahead and replaced the plugs anyways and replaced what coolant I could get out of the radiator petcock (which was nowhere near the 17.6 qts rated in the book). Still running original belts and all other fluids (transfer case, front and rear diffs, brake fluid, etc).
If you want to have piece of mind you can change it at 150k, I probably will be as well. But I can say I just rolled over 100k miles and still have the original fluid, and it still shifts perfect and smooth as butter.
Typically the 6r80 doesn't ever have to touched unless your having a problem, they're pretty bulletproof transmissions when not abused. Honestly I would just pocket the $265 and not have it done.
On another note, @ the 100k maintenance interval both my belts look great, my spark plugs weren't really in bad shape, they could have lasted awhile longer, and my coolant look perfect. I went ahead and replaced the plugs anyways and replaced what coolant I could get out of the radiator petcock (which was nowhere near the 17.6 qts rated in the book). Still running original belts and all other fluids (transfer case, front and rear diffs, brake fluid, etc).
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MouseChop (03-05-2024)
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#6
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MouseChop (03-05-2024)
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#9
except I also updated my bulkhead connector while I was in there.
Can you share info on this connector?
I called 3 shops, including the stealership.
I got 3 answers.
1. The stealership sucks out the fluid and refills starting at $199
2. Independent shop didn't know.... told me to call the transmission shop
3. Transmission shop told me to buy the filter/fluid and he'll change it for $100.
Ford parts counter quoted for filter an 8 quarts of fluid, $89.
My 02 Tundra had a drain plug, I drained refilled every 30K miles, never had an issue. God, I hate transmission pans with no drain plug!!
Good topic, because I'm at 50K miles, no service yet on my 2012 screw.
#10
Senior Member
My truck is at 102,000 and I'm about to do this service soon. I don't care what anybody says, the fact that there is a $20 replaceable filter says to me that it was designed to be changed.
I've called two dealers and neither said they will change the filter or even act like they know how.
The lack of drain plug doesn't bother me as much as the lack of a proper dipstick.
I already have the FT-188 filter in my garage in a box. I will buy a case of Mercon LV off Amazon. My biggest issue is....how do you adjust the fluid level with the engine running without getting absolutely toasted by the catalytic converter? I have a cheap fluid pump for quart bottles that has a 10" tube on the end, but it's such a tight fit in there between the fill hole and cat that I still can't figure out how I'd actually do it without getting 2nd degree burns.
In the videos, the Ford tech has a hard filler tube with a hook on the end...I managed to find that hook online but can't find the threaded part or the tank it connects to.
How did you guys get your trans topped off properly without getting burned?
I've called two dealers and neither said they will change the filter or even act like they know how.
The lack of drain plug doesn't bother me as much as the lack of a proper dipstick.
I already have the FT-188 filter in my garage in a box. I will buy a case of Mercon LV off Amazon. My biggest issue is....how do you adjust the fluid level with the engine running without getting absolutely toasted by the catalytic converter? I have a cheap fluid pump for quart bottles that has a 10" tube on the end, but it's such a tight fit in there between the fill hole and cat that I still can't figure out how I'd actually do it without getting 2nd degree burns.
In the videos, the Ford tech has a hard filler tube with a hook on the end...I managed to find that hook online but can't find the threaded part or the tank it connects to.
How did you guys get your trans topped off properly without getting burned?