I like this write-up. I am living proof that a transmission fluid/filter change AND fluid exchange WORK! My 2006 Taurus started dropping out of overdrive with gentle throttle application and a washboard sensation was felt in the driveline. I immediately took it to a transmission guy I trust (Rod, Lee County Transmissions). He brought along a real-time scope and off we went for a test drive. He showed me the lockup of the torque converter and how it was sporadic. He stated I'd probably need a TC and stated just rebuild the whole AX4N while it was out. He asked if I'd ever done a fluid change because MercV uses a friction modifier that wears out. I had 95K on the odometer.
Reluctantly I bought a case of good MercV, a filter/gasket and got to work. I knew this could be wasted effort but I took the chance. I dropped the pan and it was relatively clean inside, replaced the gasket and torqued everything to spec. Using a 5 gallon bucket graduated in quarts I disconnected the cooler lines and pointed them into the bucket. I started the car and at idle watched the bucket begin to fill. When the fluid got to a few quarts I began pouring the new fluid in to keep up with the fill ratio of the bucket. Four quarts for every gallon of fluid in the bucket. The difference in color was evident when the new fluid began to come out. Reconnected the cooler lines to an auxiliary cooler after the OE cooler and topped the fluid off.
This was 3 years ago and 35K miles. It never acted up again.
'04 Silver Marauder w/ sunroof - HID lighting, JL Audio / Eclipse DVD/NAV/iPod/camera, 4.10's, 2" drop, Progard Bumper Baffle, Delete tips, Billet Pedals, BC4E dead pedal, Lidio Tune, Mach1 chin spoiler, K&N CAI, TCE lines, Super40's, tinted tails, SS Inserts, Heinous Control Arms, Real oil gauge, lighted door handles. Currently installing Eaton M112.
2004 Mercury Marauder
Born March 2004, adopted October 2005. Sold January 2012, adopted AGAIN January 2016
2,187 of 3,214
997 in Silver Birch
448 with light flint interior
304 with heated seats
336 with sunroof