Auto transmission flush and/or filter?

[dmention7]

This is a question about my GF's focus, but I'd assume the answer is pretty universal.

The automatic transmission in her car (2000 Focus LX w/ 2.0 SPI) has a filter that can be replaced by dropping off the pan, like many ATX's do. Also, you can only drain about 4 of the 12 quarts of transmission fluid by dropping the pan--again, pretty typical.

Now my questions is, if I have a shop perform a flush, do I still need to replace the filter?

If so, I'd probably change the filter myself, but I'd rather just pay a shop $100 for a flush, than do the "drop pan, refill fluid, drive for a week, repeat..." deal to approximate a flush.

 

[dmention7]

None of you mugs know anything about ATXs?

 

[Big Nate]

How hard can a flush be. we could get it done in your garage I think. all we need to know in the thread they used on both plugs and we can run some fluid through it.

 

[dmention7]

From what I've read, there are no plugs on our ATX.... it's all done through the dipstick tube with a pump.

 

[Big Nate]

Well screw that then just go have it done and change the filter yourself. In that order if you ask me

 

[niterydr]

Do NOT do transmission services unless you are following the manufactures recommendations exactly. Most of the time you are doing yourself a dis-service.

 

[Slim]

Call a shop and ask if they replace the filter as part of the service. I'd hope they do otherwise what good is the flush?

If not, buy one and bring it with and have them replace it while they do the flush.

 

[JustROLLIN]

This has been an ongoing debate. Many shops will recommend a trans flush and replacing the filter. Their thought process is this: 1) If you do the flush and not the filter, you will have clean fluid running through a nasty filter. Which will in time dirty the clean fluid you just put in it. 2) If you only drop the pan and change the filter, you will be running 8qts of dirty fluid through a clean filter and dirty it quickly.

With that being said, I usually just drop the pan and change the filter. But, I cant say that is necessarily the best way of doing it. You could always drop the filter and have the flush done the same day...

 

[JustROLLIN]

And yes, I would look at what the manufacturers recommendations are and follow those closely as well.