2004 Trans Fluid Additive

nelliott500

nelliott500

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I did a good bit of searching, but I keep finding the same threads over and over again. They all mention the trans fluid additive, but no info on it.

I bought plenty of Mercon V today to do a fluid swap next weekend, but I wasn't aware of the additive. Is this something I need to get? I'm just assuming the solenoid pack has never been changed, so should I just get the additive no matter what? I'd think there's no harm in it if the solenoid pack is the new or old style.

And what's the deal with the TSB on the solenoid? Is there a way to verify that a car has had the work done from the TSB?

The car shifts real smooth through all the gears. However, going from reverse to drive, it does hang for a second or two and shifts a little hard. Neutral to drive is quicker and not harsh.

EDIT: Also, how much fluid is typically removed when draining the trans from the drain plug?
 
The additive was called a friction modifier IIRC and was a Ford part/fluid. Im sure its common could be had at the dealer.
 
I assumed the dealer had it. I'm just wondering if it should definitely be used if changing the fluid.
 
Theres a friction modifier made by Dr. Tranny the cures trans shudder, stuff is magic in a tube. Pretty sure that's not what you're looking for though, esp seeing as how you'll have fresh V in there.
 
Thanks. I'll pick some up at the dealer. Wish I had known about it while I was there earlier today.
 
gcwimmer said:
Motorcraft Friction Modifier Part # XL3
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So it says this stuff is made for certain LSDs; it's also suitable for use in our transmissions and differentials or would you just use this for the trans fluid? Also how much would you use in a fresh fluid change? Additionally I read it's for use with non-synthetic fluid changes. If you're planning on using synthetic tranny fluid are you SOL?

Thanks
 
It was added by the dealer to my transmission fluid, and power steering(which uses transmission fluid and is synthetic) as prescribed in TSB's. I believe it comes in 1oz size.
 
oddball said:
just draining the pan will only move 3 to 5 qts.
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Thank you. The service manual mentions 11.9qts, but I assume that's a dry system.

Would it be beneficial to drain the pan, change the filter, refill the trans, run it through the gears a few times to cycle the fluid, and then drain the pan again?
 
nelliott500 said:
Thank you. The service manual mentions 11.9qts, but I assume that's a dry system.

Would it be beneficial to drain the pan, change the filter, refill the trans, run it through the gears a few times to cycle the fluid, and then drain the pan again?
Click to expand...

It'd be much better to do the recommended full fluid exchange. (Requires a machine.)
 
joegr said:
It'd be much better to do the recommended full fluid exchange. (Requires a machine.)
Click to expand...

Of course. Maybe I'll go to my mechanic and have them do that. I've already got the fluid and filter.

That was my original plan, but in my service manual, it mentions a drain plug on the converter as well as the pan so I assumed I could get most of the fluid out. However, it looks like the converter drain plug is only for gen1 cars? I think my manual is for a 2002 LS.
 
nelliott500 said:
Of course. Maybe I'll go to my mechanic and have them do that. I've already got the fluid and filter.

That was my original plan, but in my service manual, it mentions a drain plug on the converter as well as the pan so I assumed I could get most of the fluid out. However, it looks like the converter drain plug is only for gen1 cars? I think my manual is for a 2002 LS.
Click to expand...


I don't know. If I remember correctly, my 04 manual just says it may have a drain plug. The 06 manual says the the converter is without drain plug.
 
When I was at the dealership yesterday for fluid, I also asked about the converter drain plug because the service manual says it's one-time use and should be replaced every time. He said he can't find anything about it in his system. The only trans drain plug he can find is the one for the pan.

I just stopped at my mechanic's shop and they're going to do a full flush on Friday morning with my filter and fluid. I need to run to the dealer and pick up the additive. The filter should be here tomorrow and I've got 12 qts of Mercon V ready to go.
 
I have a bottle of the: Additive Friction Modifier, 4fl. oz (118ml). XL-3, Ford internal ref no. 135454. Mechanics have used this for years, most call this: "Stinkt stuff". DO NOT GET THIS ON YOUR SKIN or u will not be welcome in public for a week !!! Original use was for differentials, now used by most mechanics for transmissions also. I have used it in many vehicles since the 70s, Fords, Volvos, Toyotas, & Hondas; I always add 4 oz bottle to trans fluid changes. I had an 89 Ford Crown Victoria station wagan that I purchased when it was 17 yrs old, everthing was original but the oil! Shifted slow & hard, ran sluggish, 3 tanks gas with Seafoam in each & this Friction modifier in trans & diff, car purred like a kitten, ran alot better & shifted real smooth! Just my exsperience.

1998-volvo-c70_100027470_m.jpg
 
No plug on the converter in my '02, although the manual clearly illustrates one. That was a frustrating call with the dealership - he thought I was nuts. There should be an access plug. Pull it off and rotate the engine looking for a plug.

A fluid exchange *can* be done at home w/o a machine. It's slow, messy, and not 100% perfect, but it's cheap. Drive until the tranny is at temp. Get up on ramps/stands and level. Disconnect the *return* hose from the cooler to the tranny at the cooler, attach a hose to the cooler and direct both to a bucket.
Fire up the car, wait for a few quarts to come out (just a few seconds). Put about that much in the car. Repeat until 12 quarts have been put in. Voila!
This works OK because generally the old hot fluid tends to be picked up to go to the cooler before the new cold fluid. That's not 100%, but it'll be a lot better than drain/fill/run/repeat.

I'm surprised the friction modifier is recommended with Mercon V.
 
Had the trans flushed this morning. Cost me $160 for the labor. Parts were about $80. Not too bad. And now I can be sure there's good fluid in it and a fresh filter.

The shift into Drive seems to be a bit smoother now. Could be in my head. :lol:
 
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