02 LS trans flush procedure?

[lincolnlogs]

02 LS.
97,000 miles
to my best knowledge, original trans fluid.
starting to shift hard. from park to drive, park to reverse, 1-2, 2-3.
never was noticible, but now its straight annoying.
my understanding is the shift solenoid and valve bodies need replacing as well fluid and filter. is this an easy task? for 2 years ASE experience? or would i honestly be better off to take it to the dealership or someone certified in these transmissions? rather not turn this into an all day project.

any help and advice is appreciated!
Alex

 

[Shredicus]

http://www.lincolnvscadillac.com/showthread.php?t=80761&highlight=5r55

 

[nghtshd88]

Just had nearly the same issue on my 04. I believe the solenoid isn't 100% well but I had it flushed at the dealer for $110 (with a discount) and the trans is 95% well now. From doing some research here it isn't perfect to begin with. Also would disconnect the battery and do the relearn procedure afterwards. I wanted to to start small before pulling anything apart!

 

[sexyLS]

Question: I was told by others that flushing the tranny fluid wasn't the best thing to do but to just drop the pan and change the filter. Is this correct?

 

[joegr]

Question: I was told by others that flushing the tranny fluid wasn't the best thing to do but to just drop the pan and change the filter. Is this correct?

No, that is not correct.

It's better to change all of the fluid instead of just 1/3 of it, particularly with a 150K change interval. Ford says to do a full fluid exchange (often called a "flush.")

 

[sexyLS]

I have used Lucus tranny fix in all of my other vehicles with great results. Has anyone else used it on the LS tranny?

 

[nghtshd88]

Everyone has always said that flushing an aged/high mileage trans is bad because it can blow seals or valves. Most shops Ive been to always say no.

 

[joegr]

Everyone has always said that flushing an aged/high mileage trans is bad because it can blow seals or valves. Most shops Ive been to always say no.

Not if they do it the correct way with the correct machine (like your Ford/Lincoln dealer has). With the correct machine there is no increase in pressure. The transmission itself pumps the old fluid out, and the old fluid forces the piston that pumps the new fluid in.

Of course, you can just wait and replace the transmission instead.