Hi. My S Max is due a gearbox service. From all I read and heard it is best to carry out flush service( pumping all oil out with special aperatus). My Ford dealer do not provide this and just a drain service is a waste of money/time. I know the topic has been discussed before but in general I think ford is good, but if Ford can not have the gear available for correct service then what is the way forward since most cars lately are automatic?

And they say the Powershift oil change process is difficult?
Assume by 2019 yours isn't one of them - what type is it please?
Following this thread with interest.

8 hours ago, Salmon said:

Hi. My S Max is due a gearbox service. From all I read and heard it is best to carry out flush service( pumping all oil out with special aperatus). My Ford dealer do not provide this and just a drain service is a waste of money/time. I know the topic has been discussed before but in general I think ford is good, but if Ford can not have the gear available for correct service then what is the way forward since most cars lately are automatic?

Drain and refill twice or even three times to weaken the old fluid, but you'll never get all of it out, no.

Flush refill is expensive, yes, but if you do as above often you will keep the fluid relatively clean.

Drain and then start the engine and shift between neutral and park a couple of times, that gets about 0.5 extra out

Main point though, make sure you get the CORRECT fluid!! Probably Mercon ULV

I'll ask the details of this transmission (number, how to identify) please so I know if we look at that model.
How often is that service necessary?

8F40, should be ( I think)

They're classed as "sealed for life"

Yeah, like, sealed until the warranty expires more like

 

Not sure if this is the correct reference: F 960G, but I also attached the photos of the gearbox detail I could see. 

So I heard it's a sealed unit as well, but how does it work - will it outlive the engine? When the gearbox go you will need to buy new one without possibility to fix?

 

6 hours ago, DaveT70 said:

Drain and refill twice or even three times to weaken the old fluid, but you'll never get all of it out, no.

Flush refill is expensive, yes, but if you do as above often you will keep the fluid relatively clean.

Drain and then start the engine and shift between neutral and park a couple of times, that gets about 0.5 extra out

Main point though, make sure you get the CORRECT fluid!! Probably Mercon ULV

That sound all good but an automatic gearbox is normally a sealed system like brakes and any air that gets trapped can cause problems??

5 minutes ago, Salmon said:

That sound all good but an automatic gearbox is normally a sealed system like brakes and any air that gets trapped can cause problems??

Nope, the fluid sloshes around the gears and clutches and gets pumped through the solenoids and valve body and torque converter and cooler loop

 

8 minutes ago, Salmon said:

So I heard it's a sealed unit as well, but how does it work - will it outlive the engine?

Nope

Sealed just means "we don't recommend or even care about the maintenance of your transmission, as long as it lasts the length of your warranty"

I wouldn't go over 80,000 miles on factory fluid if you want it to last

This is exactly were my car is at know and why I am asking the question. How many miles did some of the people on the forums achieved on a gearbox. I know a car takes work and money but just want to make of the best of it for as long as possible. 

32 minutes ago, Salmon said:

I know a car takes work and money but just want to make of the best of it for as long as possible. 

Change the fluid often.

You can't get all of it out, unless you pay expensively for a system flush, just drain and refill, often

You'll be lucky if you get past 150,000 miles