Should I change my tranny fluid if I don't know it's past history?

[rgurleyjr]

Sorry for posting this on more than one website, I need all the advice I can get.
I ask this question only because I have heard two different sides to this. I just bought a 97 LSC, it has 106xxx miles. I had my local dealer run a check to see if it had maintenance done at all and there is no history, so I don't know if the fluid has ever been flushed. The transmission now shifts a little wierd, and I want to change the fluid.
Ther problem is that some people (one guy was an owner of a tranny repair shop) have told me that if the fluid has never been changed, it is better to leave it alone because the new fluid can shock the clutches and ruin it in the end. Others (like a Lincoln service advisor) have said that leaving the original fluid in it is worse. Honestly, I don't know who to believe. I just bought it and I want it to last a long time, I also just ordered the parts for the 1-2 accumalator fix. I need some advice here, and some of you on here may know how the trannies in these cars will react. Please let me know, I don't want to make a costly mistake.

 

[1wykdmk8]

Actually they are somewhat both right. If you change the fluid and the clutches are worn then you could shock the system (more unlikely that you would, but it IS possible.....however slim to none.....and slim left town...if ya know what I mean). Now, if you leave the crap that is in there and it has been in there for over 100K miles you will do more damage than good. You loose the viscosity after a long period of time between the heat/cold cycling of the tranny. What I would recommend is gettin the fluid/filter changed and go to Mercon V. Also, not sure about the second Gens (1997-1998) but, the first gen (1993-1996) torque convertors have a drain plug in them so you can drain the whole system before you put in new fluid. If your car does not have this drain plug then you will hafta take it to a shop to have it all flushed out. I would recommend installing whatever upgrades you want to now as well so you do not have to drop the tranny pan to do it later.

Hope this helps a bit.

 

[Frat-man-du]

Actually they are somewhat both right. If you change the fluid and the clutches are worn then you could shock the system (more unlikely that you would, but it IS possible.....however slim to none.....and slim left town...if ya know what I mean). Now, if you leave the crap that is in there and it has been in there for over 100K miles you will do more damage than good. You loose the viscosity after a long period of time between the heat/cold cycling of the tranny. What I would recommend is gettin the fluid/filter changed and go to Mercon V. Also, not sure about the second Gens (1997-1998) but, the first gen (1993-1996) torque convertors have a drain plug in them so you can drain the whole system before you put in new fluid. If your car does not have this drain plug then you will hafta take it to a shop to have it all flushed out. I would recommend installing whatever upgrades you want to now as well so you do not have to drop the tranny pan to do it later.

Hope this helps a bit.

:iconcur:

97 also need the 1-2 accumulator upgrade. 98s were the only ones I think to have the upgrade from the factory.

 

[1wykdmk8]

:iconcur:

97 also need the 1-2 accumulator upgrade. 98s were the only ones I think to have the upgrade from the factory.

Thanx....that is what I thought, but could not remember for some reason......I would also do the other upgrades as well......that way you do not have to reopen the tranny.

 

[driller]

....that is what I thought, but could not remember for some reason......

Cause you're gettin' old?!

j/k

If it were me, drop the pan and inspect the fluid and examine the pan for sludge. If you have a lot of sludge and particles floating around in the fluid, you could go either way. If the pan and fluid is clean - change the filter, change the fluid to Mercon V and do your upgrades and feel good about it.

BTW, you could install a drain plug or swap for a pan with a drain plug and plan to change the fluid at a minimum of 25,000 miles.

 

[rgurleyjr]

Thanks, I decided I'm gonna go ahead and do it. What other upgrades are there other than the 1-2 piston and seal? I don't recall any.

 

[driller]

Welllllll... you got the 1-2 accumulator, j-mod or shift kit, 2-3 accumulator, new style pan with drain plug, etc... see the tccoa tech articles @ tccoa.com

Oh! Don't forget a tranny cooler!!!

 

[rgurleyjr]

I'll stick with the 1-2, I plan on keeping it stock. Thanks again!

 

[1wykdmk8]

Still not a bad idea to do the other upgrades like the 3-4 accumulator and the tranny pan. That way you do not have to drop the pan to simply drain the tranny.....like you do now. And if you do a shift kit (or j-mod) it just makes the shifting quicker and firmer.