Ford Repair: Should I change my transmission fluid, ford explorer sport, sport 4x4


Question
My 97 ford explorer sport 4x4 has 106K miles on it, and has never had the transmission fluid changed.  That's my fault...I'm young and naive, but now know that I made a mistake.  I've been told from a few people that now I'm better off not changing the tranny fluid.  According to them (one being a ford transmission specialist) once it gets over 80K miles, just to wait until I need to replace the whole thing.  I guess changing it changes the lining / chemical balance / equilibrium of the transmission and can cause it to fail.  Others have told me to change it immediately and wait no longer.  What is your advise...and have you ever heard of this.

Thanks for your advice, I appreciate it!

Answer
Tim-

  Well...both answers have their usages.  The problem with changing the fluid after so long is that over time the fluid that's in there will leave a kind of residue on parts like the gears, bands, seals, etc.  This residue can actually prevent some problems like leakages caused by dirty fluid.  When you change out the fluid for new fluid, the new fluid contains detergents that will eliminate this residue and can cause problems.  It's tough question to answer...in one case your transmission will eventually fail, no questions.  The other option maybe be helpful but it may also cause failure and much sooner than doing nothing at all.  I suppose it all comes down to whether or not you're a gambling man and like the odds that it will help.  I can't really tell you what to do one way or another, but if it were me and I had the money to replace it I'd just let it be and live out it's life...just make sure you carry your AAA card so you can get a tow when it gives out.  Hope this helps.

Steve