Service

[paSS]

I jus bought man 2003 mm blk with 83k should I change the trans fluid and if I do get it service how should it be done by the pan or flush it

[J-MAN]

On a new to you vehicle, I'd drop the pan to change the filter. May have never been done. While the pans off I'd install a drain plug then drain and refill every 10k.

[Pat]

If the lollipop is still inside the pan, then you will know it's not been dropped before and the orginial filter is still in place.

http://www.mercurymarauder.net/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=21 671&d=1278028672 (http://www.mercurymarauder.net/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=21 671&d=1278028672)

[paSS]

Ok thank you

[ctrlraven]

Take it to the dealer and have them drop the pan and change the filter to start with.

[paSS]

ok i guess the dealer it is then

[RF Overlord]

No offence to the previous poster, but why take it to the dealer? Doing a pan-drop is simple. The only tool needed is a 10mm socket. Remove the bolts, take a transmission fluid bath, remove the filter, clean the pan and magnet with some CRC Brakleen , install the new filter, install the pan, put in 4 quarts of Mercon V and you're done.

You just saved at least $150.

I do agree that installing a drain plug while the pan is off makes future drain & fills easier and MUCH less messy.

[ctrlraven]

No offence to the previous poster, but why take it to the dealer? Doing a pan-drop is simple. The only tool needed is a 10mm socket. Remove the bolts, take a transmission fluid bath, remove the filter, clean the pan and magnet with some CRC Brakleen , install the new filter, install the pan, put in 4 quarts of Mercon V and you're done.

You just saved at least $150.

I do agree that installing a drain plug while the pan is off makes future drain & fills easier and MUCH less messy.
None taken. If the OP feels they can do it themselves more power to them to do it instead of taking it to the dealer.

It is a good idea to get a trans pan with a drain plug in it. I bought mine for the sole reason so I could change my own fluid.

[RF Overlord]

The only reason I mentioned it is that many people think of the automatic transmission as if it's a flux capacitor or some sort of mystery box loaded with springs and cogs that will instantly fly out if they touch it. I just wanted to let the OP know that dropping the pan will not cause the earth to stop rotating and that doing a basic fluid and filter service is actually not much more difficult or complex than changing the motor oil.

Of course I also realise that many people just don't enjoy working on their own cars and would prefer to let someone else get dirt under their fingernails...and if a transmission service could be had for the same price as an oil change, that would be different as well, but since it's usually $150-$200 for a fluid exchange with filter service, it seems like the prospect of saving most of that money would be a factor.

[paSS]

I'll guess I'll attempt it myself then ... Big weight off my shoulders