Contour Enthusiasts Group Archives Forums Modifications Transaxle Should I do it?

hmm... i probably should have started a new thread for this one, but, i'm curious. I have a 1998.5 Countour SE ATX, got it at 50,000 miles, beutiful condiion, and in the last 2 years I've put 75,000 miles on it (I'm a delivery driver). and it gets ABUSED. I've never had the transmission fluid changed. It is shifting way differently now than it was when i got it, wondering if the ATX fluid change that i'm now pondering would be at all detrimental to it.... It's out now getting it's second set of wheel bearings this year, I spose I could call the shop and have 'em change the fluid while they have it...

Most definitely have them change the fluid. FYI, ATX fluid is recommended to be changed every 12000 to 15000 miles. The fluid starts getting burnt and collect clutch and metal particles in it, which kept the valves from moving properly and could restrict some of the passage ways. Changing the fluid help remove those particles. So hopefully after the change it shift better.

It sounds like he may have been thinking of the atx and not mtx. His explanation about atx wear is closer than you would think.

With the CD4E, there are particles that accumulate from the friction clutches and friction plate - as well as from moving gears, etc. These particles are hopefully caught by the non replaceable filter (unless you remove the atx) and a magnetic strip that is attached to the chain guard behind the front cover. As the atx wears, this magnetic strip becomes saturated and loses its effectiveness which allows particles to bypass it. Particles caught in the valve body contribute to pre-mature valve body wear combined with Ford using cheap parts and loose tolerances leads to atx failure. With a non-serviceable filter, change your fluid often to say the least!!!!

Regards,
Bob

Well I went to a nearby stealership and bought some of that Friction Modifyer, they charged me 18$ for a quart. I was a little confused when they handed it to me, it said "automatic Transaxel fluid" on the recipt, and the front just says "full synthetic transaxel fluid." Anyways, I went back to Valvoline for the check up they wanted me to come by for, and I asked them to put 2 ounces of that fluid in, they did and now all runs good. Its a little smoother now as well.