2003 Ford Taurus – Automatic Transmission Flush

Reader Question: I have a 2003 Ford Taurus with 63,000 miles on it. It never had a problem. The shifter cable went and is being replaced. The dealership also recommended a transmission flush, which they did.

Now I am hearing that I should not have done the flush. What is your opinion? It has never been flushed before – I think- or if it was it was done at 24,000 miles.

Thank you.

Frank

Hi Frank,

If you were not experiencing a transmission problem, like slipping or jerking when shifting and the flush was performed routine maintenance you are probably fine. Most people cause MORE problems for themselves when they flush the transmission fluid or change the transmission filter when they ARE experiencing a transmission problem.

I am assuming the dealership was just trying to put you back on track for routine transmission services when they offered to flush your transmission. There is a huge debate about weather flushing the system or dropping the transmission pan and replacing the filter inside the transmission the old-fashioned way is better.

Personally, I am old-fashioned and we still replace the transmission filter inside, but flushing the fluid is better than not doing anything at all.

Ford automatic transmissions are notoriously weak and in my opinion tend to fail more often and need overhauls more than other manufacturers so keeping on track with routine transmission services is in your best interest.

I recommend replacing the transmission filter every 30K miles or flushing the fluid. If that is the route you would like to take, which as I said is better than doing nothing at all.

Blessings,
Austin Davis