96 Winstar Trans fluid change.

I have decided to change my trans. fluid. While getting the fluid at the parts store they mentioned that normally there is about 5-6 quarts available to drain, however there is an additional 6-7 quarts in the torque converter. I feel all fluid should be changed, as I pull a 5'x8' motorcycle trailer used for construction equipment and tools. The engine runs a little hotter when pulling trailer, thus fluid breaks down faster. Does any one have any suggestions on draining all fluid from trans? :confused:

By the way this site is great!!!!!

You can do the flush like the dealer does. A transmission shop or other auto repair places can do it just call around.Keep in mind I have heard some bad things about the flush I had my done by the dealer and every thing went fine.You do need to add a tranmission cooler though because you are towing a trailer.The transmission on windstars run hot already that why the fluid breaks down so quick. Also from what i heard you will want to run mercon v only. Dont use the dectron/mercon type.
I want to use synthetic but i have'nt heard of any one useing it in a ford windstar yet.hope this helps. Oh by the way the newer fords are the most tempermental cars I have ever worked on.To much bad tec in them.

Yeah the pan just gets about 1/2. I think that if you flush the transmission you will get all of the fluid.

There are manual ways to flush the transmission by disconnecting a cooler line. You can also have a machine flush it. I think there are 2 different types of machines that work differently.

BEWARE: There are differing opinions about the possibility of damaging a transmission either by using one type of machine or by incorrect procedures so I only mention flushing because the option exists. I do not recommend nor advise against either. (I don't know that much about them).

The other way you can go around changing your fluid is to drop the pan and change half. Then drive the car for about a month and do it again. This will change about 75% in total over the 2 changes. another month and another change will change anbout 87%.

You can then do one pan drop and 1/2 change every 6 months or so and you will have maintain good quality fluid in your tranny.

In reply to synthetic fluids, it may be little more than luck, but my tranny is still working at 145,000 miles. I got the 96 van with 18K on it, immediately added a trans cooler, and started using mobil1 synthetic ATF changed every 25-30k miles. The last couple changes i have dropped back to semi synthetic.

I think Garync and I were typing at the same time.

In regards to the fluid type:

I do not know the changeover year but I think it was after 96. Check your dipstick and/or owners manual.

Some require Mercon V which is not the same as Mercon/Dextron111 and others require Mercon/Dextron111.

There are several different manufacturers of Mercon/Dextron111 and it is available in synthetic or non-synthetic. IT CANNOT BE USED IN VEHICLES REQUIRING MERCON V.

Mercon V is a less common but is available. Form what I understand it is always synthetic (although I question my source of info here). It is available from Ford at a resonable price. I have not seen Mercon V from other manufactuers but I have heard it exists. IT CANNOT BE USED ON VEHICLES REQUIRING MERCON/DEXTRON111.

There are some brands that claim to be Dextron111/Mercon and MerconV compatible but I am leary of these. I would suggest finding a type that is one or the other (obviously the one your vehicle requires).

I checked my dipstick and it only says mercon, I do know at autozone, i have purchased AAmco brand MerconV, says semi-synthetic on the bottle. I don't think it claims Mercon, just MerconV.


Darn, I just realized I refilled my grand prix tranny with the AAmco MerconV,
I better double check the bottle and may have to flush and refill my
GTP.

Yeah Mercon and Mercon V are Ford specs (or at least used by Fords) I would guess your GP doesn't use it. Mercon and Dextron111 are either the same specs or very close as they are always together on the bottles

You have a lot of choices for you Mercon selection. Mobil makes one as well that is fully Synthetic.

This transmission fluid change debate has been discussed in length on another thread. Its interesting reading on this subject.

http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbulletin/t310691.html

For your '96 use Mercon not Mercon V
For your GP...you will have to read what other specs the fluid is rated for...and compare the label with your dipstick or owners manual
I use the Mobil 1 Mecon synthetic in my '96.
I also echo the recommendation for the auxilary tranny cooler. Your tranny will thank you.
Read some of the other posts on how to do the fluid change.....
Take note that, unless someone has already swapped it out, the tranny pan gasket is a very good quality REUSABLE gasket.
Change that fluid every 30K miles MAX......or 21K miles for "severe" service.