[jbnimble]

My wife has a 2000 Taurus wagon with the Duratec 3.0 24-valve. Just passed 30,000 miles.

The Scheduled Maintenance Guide says to change the fluid for five different transmission models. Where do I find if we've got one of these models? I've looked at the original window sticker, and at the driver's door sticker.

Is it practical to do this at home? I see no drain plug, and dropping the tranny pan will probably not drain the converter anyway.

Is a flush appropriate? Does it use Mercon V?

Thanks

 

[Damon]

Since I have the same motor and same year car as you, I am pretty sure you have the AX4N transmission.

Yes, it uses Mercon V, which can be expensive. The cheapest Ive seen is 2.60 a quart. The most expensive, 4 bucks or so. This is stuff you can get at any autozone.

Filter is about 15 bucks.

You can do this in your driveway, its a bit messy though.

The flush is only really necessary at 60K. I just flushed mine at 55K. I did the filter change at 30K.

If you have any questions, send me a PM and I will be glad to answer them.

Cheers,
Damon

 

[jbnimble]

Thanks for your reply. A couple more points.

Does dropping the pan drain the torque converter?
If not, is there any practical way to do so?

How many quarts are needed for refill?

 

[Guest]

AFAIK, the only way to drain the torque converter is to go to either a dealership or another shop that has one of those flushing machines.