How Often Do You Service Your Auto?

[amievil]

Hi
I have just recently purchased a AUII wagon.
As all of my previous cars have been manual, I have no idea on how
often I need to have the automatic transmission serviced.
I looked in the owners manual, but it doesn't help.
Can someone please help me with this?
I know if I just go to a mechanic, they'll probably tell me it needs to be
done on a yearly basis or something.
Thanks
Brad

[Stattic]

If you drive hard, in the heat or you tow i'd get it done every year at the least, you can cook the fluid pretty easy without an external cooler

[Dave_Obsession]

I would say once a year for peace of mind, especially once your auto has done a few kms......wow you joined in September 2006 and this is your first post?!?! Welcome to AFF!!

[sleeper393]

THE AU's dont have a transmission dipstick , therefor you cant check fluid level , there a sealed unit so to speak , all that can be done by you is change the filter in the tranny pan attached to the valve body , other than that it has to go to a auto trans specialist, definetly fit a good quality external trans cooler after your service.[B]have a look below[/B]
http://www.fordforums.com.au/showthr...c+transmission

[Mr Hardware]

Originally Posted by amievil

I know if I just go to a mechanic, they'll probably tell me it needs to be done on a yearly basis

That is because this is correct.
It would be very foolish to not do it yearly.

[redxm]

every 20 - 25k. cheap insurance (I tow a lot)

[fatbats]

I was told every 40k by my mechanic which is about what i do in a year.

[The Monty]

20-30k for me. With a trans cooler. But then again, usually something breaks before that period is up and its in the shop being fixed anyway, lol.

[adrian k]

Ford told me every 80kms.

[The Monty]

Originally Posted by adrian k

Ford told me every 80kms.

Mines been running for 60 000k's and Ive had it in the shop 4 times, ahahaha.
Mind you, none of them were anyones fault but mine.
Service/flush/tans cooler/stall converter
Extension housing seal
Extension housing broke, Extension housing seal and bush/service/flush, output shaft and a tailshaft
Stall converter

[sneaky]

i think my car went the first 170,000ks without changing the fluid

it was then changed by my mechanic, then 5000ks later it went to get a powerflush and service. i didn't notice any difference in the shifting.

it's been 12 months since it was changed, probably should think about it again

[ronwest]

Originally Posted by sleeper393

THE AU's dont have a transmission dipstick , therefor you cant check fluid level , there a sealed unit so to speak , all that can be done by you is change the filter in the tranny pan attached to the valve body , other than that it has to go to a auto trans specialist, definetly fit a good quality external trans cooler after your service.

Good advice but you don't *have* to take it to a tranny specialist for a more extensive oil change:-
http://www.fordforums.com.au/showthread.php?t=11293691

[JC]

For non-extreme duty (ie around town) I'd say every 40000km (or once every 2 years is fine). If twoing heavy loads reguklarkly, yearly servicing with extend the life of the transmission. Also, keep in mind that even if serviced regularly, heat will kill a box quickly, so (if) as soon as it starts to slip or bang into gear, it's time to get to a transmission place - a few hundred $$$ upfront can save thousands if you leave it slipping or banging.