I want to change the transmission oil in my GT. I've got about 25,000miles on my car...does that sound about right for the change? What's the best transmission oil to run? How do you empty the old oil out?

 

I drive V6, however I believe that the answer is the same for both manual transmissions: V6 and V8. If I recall correctly manual says 60k between tranny fluid changes. However I don't think that it'll hurt if you do it sooner. Cost at a dealer should be about $100. I am considering changing the fluid in my V6 to Royal Purple Blue to get rid of some whining noise that is "normal" for Tremec. I hear good things about Royal Purple. I was told I'll need 4 bottles (might be different for V8). The bottle goes for about $7-10.

 

I just changed mine at 19K. It really did not need it. I was rather surprised how clean it was, with very little metal in the bottom. Still, it is an easy job and gives me piece of mind. I plan to change it every 20K – 30K miles. I used Royal Purple Synchromax for the refill.

http://www.royalpurple.com/prodsa/scmax.html

 

It's about 3 quarts. Tremec (the manufacturer of the TR-3650 5-speed manual) says to use NON-SYNTHETIC Havoline/Texaco Mercon/Dex III ATF to prevent unusual transmission shifting behavior especially in cold climates. They state that the synthetic ATF would be fine in hotter climates. I believe the friction modifiers in the ATF are needed for the synchro linings. Ford states to use Mercon ATF for the TR-3650. The TR-6060 in the GT500 requires Mercon-V ATF.

There is a drain plug and fill plug. Read the owner's manual!
If you lost yours, go download one here: https://www.fleet.ford.com/maintenan...ls/default.asp

 

thanks everyone...no one told me how to get the old oil out????
is there a drain plug?

 

Yes, there are two plugs on the tranny. One at the bottom for draining, and one at the top (on the passenger side) for filling.
Before you drain the old oil, make sure you have new oil and a hand pump to get it from the bottle and into the tranny.

 

thanks

 

Just curious....I checked the Maintenance Schedule for Normal Duty Autos/Minivans and Ford doesn't recommend changing the manual trans fluid at all during the life (150K miles) of the vehicle?

I don't remember ever having to change the tranny fluid on my two previous manual GT's....

Also, per the OM, be sure to note the different fill levels between the V6 (bottom edge of the filler hole) and the V8 (1/2" below the bottom edge of the filler hole).

 

The factory recs Mercron ATF, however a more positive feel can be obtained by using synthetic ATF (Redline, Royal Purple, etc.)

The slick trick is to mix Redline D4 ATF and MTL 50/50 and install.
Thats what Project Source Horse has in it.
Also have done my '06 and numerous other GT's.

TDS

 

yes, you can use synthetic ATF in the 3650 for warmer climates or a standard ATF Mercon in colder ones.. I recently changed mine out with our B&M Synthetic Trick Shift and its great. Seems to be a bit less "chatter" from the trans now and it shifts a bit smoother as well...If I can help any further let me know..Oh, and a shameless plug: We are much less expensive than the royal purple equivelent...=)

 

Hey ! SUB, What do you recommend for the 06GT Auto tranny! Light to moderate use! East Central Illinios!!. ........Thanks!

 

Can you explain what you mean by this? I have a little bit of synchro whine 2nd & 3rd, some gear chatter in 5th, and some overall notchiness in colder weather (55 degrees F or lower) and was wondering if a fluid change to synthetic (Royal Purple) would help. Part of me says to take it into the dealer first and have them check it out before I change it to RP.

 

Hmmm?...cold there... Standard ATF mercon like our regular trick shift should work fine. Our incorporates friction modifiers as well and works better in the colder climates. Ford recommends a Mercon ATF for the tranny..

 

I think you have answered your own question. Some believe that full synthetic fluids make the trans feel better. While I believe there is some truth to this I think with the problems your are complaining about I would take it to the dealer first. I don't think what you are describing is the norm.
Scott

 

Ok first of all, how many miles are on the vehicle, and is it still in factory warranty?
Changing the fluid is not a repair, it is a preventive.
Unfortunately, if there is already damage done, it will not repair it, only make it worse.

The reason to mix the 2 fluids, it "thickens" the fluid to a different viscosity than the factory ATF fill.
It is also using GL-4/ GL-5 fluid with low copper total count that can prevent syncronizer problems.

It is possible to get the fluid to "slick" then the syncro's start causing problems at fast / hard shifts.

Street use - Synthetic ATF( they're all basicly the same)
Race use - Redline MTL, royal purple, Amsoil, ETC.

I would prefer you use Redline , but the others are good also.

JUST NOT THE BEST

TDS

 

I used Specialty Formulations MTFGlide Synthetic ATF and my tranny shifts great! Just like my Honda Civic, butter smooth between shifts, but rifle bolt tight, and it reduced the gear chatter when you lug it down in 2nd gear in parking lot. The stuff is expensive though $33 for 1 gallon and the stuff is green, looks and smells like Vicks NyQuil. You can get is at www.specialtyformulations.com. It is GL-4 gear oil in ATF weight, I got the advice from bobistheoilguy forum which is like the mecca for guys with automotive lubricant fetish and a lot of guys have been reporting positive feedback, both from this tranny T-5, T-56 from 03-04 cobra and LS-1 boys.
BTW: I do not work for them.

 

I'm getting confused...what of these recomendations can I use in my manual transmission?

 

The link to MTFglide posted above didn't seem to work. try this:

http://specialtyformulations.netfirm...products_id=53

 

Redline D4 ATF is also a GL-4 gear oil... Has anyone tried D4 ATF in their TR-3650 in colder climates?

I can't really complain about the factory fill, but I have no idea what they used exactly. I heard rumors about Ford using Mobil 1 ATF. Is there any truth to this? Tremec's recommendation to use Texaco/Havoline non-synth Dex III/Mercon sounds simple and cheap, but a synthetic should provide much better high temp stability and better cold flow characteristics (MORE HORSEPOWER!!!!! :)

 

IMHO, the factory fill seems to work just fine and I don't plan on refilling the trans. IIRC, Tremec uses paper lined blocker (synchro) rings so a lube compatable with paper must be used like what is used in auto transmissions with their paper lined clutch packs and bands. On Tremec's site, Tremec recommends GM Synchromesh fluid be used.