I don’t usually keep vehicles very long, but I have had a 2017 Ford Explorer XLT 4WD for a few years, and I am trying to keep it for 3+ more years if I can. It currently has ~69,000 miles, and I have never had a transmission flush conducted on it. I change the oil, cabin air filter and engine air filter regularly myself.
My question is if a transmission flush is necessary for longevity, and what is a reasonable cost for that service?
Alternatively, is this something that I can do on my own fairly easily? I have heard that the fluid proportion can be tricky to get right, which is my main concern.
Flush? No - either a drain and fill or a pan drop and new filter if it’s replaceable. Flushing has fallen out of favor for being overly expensive for the amount of benefits, and on some transmissions flushing is actually discouraged or even warned against.
Ford transmissions are notorious for having short lives if they’re not well cared for, which means staying on top of fluid replacement intervals.