Transmission fluid change interval
 

I've got 7 years and 14,000+ miles on my T-5 with average use (for a Cobra ).
It's got Super Tech ATF with the equivalent of Dextron II / III -Mercon in it. When should I change it ?

When the tranny dies.

Scotty, same tranny double the years and almost triple the mileage. No issues so far.

Keep on, keeping on.

Scotty, every time Sugarman releases a new album. SugarMan.org: Rodriguez - Discography: Albums | Singles | Buy Online
Looks like about 7 years. Easy, cheap job, but you probably don't need to.
AZ Bob

Bob is right. Plus it can get messy.

How much abuse??
 

Scotchman Here the thing, T-5 is not a super strong trans to start. With this many miles and years on it, I would recommend a Fluid check and sample of the fluid.
Here's how to do it, Get a glass jar and loosen the bottom plug. Get a sample into the jar. Check and seen if there is a mushroom on the bottom plug of metal or partials. If there is alot, change the fluid. Listen for any noisy or shifting problems. I believe it's the 1-2 or 2-3 shift that starts to give you problems in these trans. Binding, grinding, forcing, The shift is not smooth anymore. If the fluid looks good after it settles for a while, just top it off and keep driving.
If we find metal, black color of the fluid, we may be starting to have a problem. I would recommend change the fluid and enjoy the rest of the summer. I would look into a tko500 or tko 600 trans for the car and not put $500.00- $1,000.00 for a rebuild. This a bolt in with the same parts on the motor. Just need to check the clutch out.
You didn't say about how much power your motor puts out? Looking at torque numbers more than HP. If we are getting into the 500+ of HP would go with the TKO-600. It's strong and will take alot more abuse.
I run Richmond and G-Force trans. They are built for alot of abuse, and not cheap either. Good luck with the car. Rick L. Ps keep a watch on the trans for leaks after the fluid is changed or topped off. I don't have the answer but when adding new fluids to a motor, trans, rearend, you start to get a leak or seep from a seal or gasket. Cardboard under the car works the best for checking. Rick

Thanks for the input guys.
I'm assuming there is no shelf life with transmission fluid ??

Every 2 decades

"You didn't say about how much power your motor puts out"


Scottie's engine makes a blistering 137HP, at the flywheel.

Karl sounds jealous, doesn't he?

If you look at the owners manual for a late model Mustang GT with a T-5, I think they recommend every 50,000 miles.....
And most owners never changed the fluid in theirs with well in excess of 100,000 miles on their cars.......

If it makes you feel better I'd say once every 7 years is just about right!!!!!!!!

David

Karl, Karl, Karl,
You're gonna get yours ! What would you rather have; 330 hp and make all our trips, or 550hp and miss half of them ? :JEKYLHYDE**):JEKYLHYDE

David,
I'd feel great if I never had to work on the car at all, except for a little spit and polish. But when it comes to fluids, I keep 'em clean.

Thanks guys for the input. :D

You have to change the trans fluid????????

dave from Las Cruces

100,000 mile recommendation in my BMW owners manual for my DD, which is about 7 years...I had a trans once with 150000 miles on it, worked perfect, for ****s and giggles I changed the fluid and it never worked again correctly...