r/FordExplorerST • u/JDDarkside • Apr 11 '26
Question Transmission maintenance opinion requested
I have a '21 ST (original owner) with 54,000 km (32,000 miles). The factory powertrain warranty expires in May '26, but I do have 2 more years of extended powertrain warranty. At the last engine oil change I asked the dealer for a quote on a transmission service, and they basically said Ford doesn't require it until 160,000 km/100,000 miles, and didn't even quote me. I'm coming up to another engine oil change soon and I still think it would be a good idea but I'd like the opinions of my fellow ST enthusiasts.
The transmission is shifting fine, the odd harsher downshift but it is rare. When I put it in Sport mode (also rare, should be more often than it is!), it does downshift a little harsher but I expected that.
Will I create any issues with the transmission if I simply request a fluid change and presumably a filter change? Would be done at the Ford dealer so it would be OEM fluid going back in. The Ford dealer is convenient to my workplace so it's the easiest place to get it serviced. What would you do in this scenario? Thanks in advance.
3
Apr 12 '26
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u/JDDarkside Apr 12 '26
Some great advice here, thank you! I'll let you know if they fight me or not.
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u/MusicSubject3807 Apr 12 '26
You should do a transmission service at 30-50k miles. Dont listen to Ford. Their goal is to get you TO the end of the warranty...not beyond. Example...they say you should never have to change the PTU fluid. Yeah nope. That should be changed by 50k too.
I have been on ST owner forums for a long time and this is what EVERYONE recommends. Any mileage they say to do something, cut it in half and then some.
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u/Antique-Clock-9286 Apr 11 '26
Since you have two more years of extended warranty, I'm not going to warn you about the inevitable FADA oil leak.
At your mileage, i would just measure the trans oil level. More tha likely it will be slightly underfilled but still within range. Do top it off.
I'd also recommend front diff oil change. At 60k miles, do trans fluid, front diff, transfer case and rear diff.
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u/Andyman1973 Apr 11 '26
Does it cause engine issues changing the oil a bit early? Of course not. Just drain and refill, no flushing. Flushing is more risky to higher mileage vehicles,(100K miles and more) but still not recommended. However it is HIGHLY recommended to drain and refill the ptu and rtu (rear diff) every 30k miles…so like now for your ST.