Last week I changed my Transmission fluid, but before doing it I did a lot of research on what is best for the TR-3650. I don't think any of this is breaking news, but if you take your car somewhere to get the tranny fluid changed you should be aware of the TSB or else they will likely just "fill up" the tranny with fluid, which is not good.

1. Tremec posted a TSB to only fill the TR-3650 Tranny with 3L or 3.17 quarts of fluid for smoother shifting. I'm not sure what the original recommended amount was, but the 3L or 3.17 quarts is lower than what was originally put in the TR-3650.

2. The TR-3650 in our cars came from the factory with Mobil1 synthetic tranny fluid, however the Tremec TSB recommends to change it to regular Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF) for smoother shifting.

After doing a lot more research on the Mach 1 registry I found what some members call the "secret sauce recipe", which provides the TR-3650 with smoother shifting. Here it is.

1.) 24oz (.75 quart) bottle of Lucas Tranny Fix
2.) 77.44oz (2.42 quarts) of Mobil1 Dextron III ATF fluid.

After using the "secret sauce recipe" I can say that my car shifts a lot smoother, which makes it more fun to drive! Next time you change your tranny fluid give it a try!

 

Why did you change the tranny fluid? I'm just curious. I have an 04 too and I would like to know if that is something that I should be looking at doing as well or if you had to change it for a specific reason.

 

I have a little over 42k on my car and I just figured it wouldn't hurt to change the fluid. I also read about the Tremec TSB, which calls for less fluid than what the factory put in and regular ATF rather than synthetic......So I figured, what the hell I'll change the fluid. I looked to see at what mileage Ford recommends changing tranny fluid and I couldn't find anything.

 

A good rule of thumb is every 30,000 miles. Anyway, Ford's original specs were for Mercon ATF however, at 8 pints (4 quarts/1 gallon). I made the mistake of following the manual when I changed my fluid so I overfilled by .83 pints.

 

I think that's a good rule of thumb......I kinda stumbled accross a thread on the registry about this and then did lots of research, but I would have done the same thing with following the manual. I'll try to find the actual TSB so people can read it.

http://www.mach1registry.com/databas...tsb_3650_1.jpg
http://www.mach1registry.com/databas...tsb_3650_2.jpg

 

Sorry to bring up an ancient thread, but does anyone know if the 3650 and the T45 are similar enough that the TSB applies to it as well?

 

no, only to the 3650.

 

I used 3 qt's valvoline fully synthetic trans fluid. Smooth shifting and no grinding as previously experienced

 

when I do my longtubes next month, Royal Purple Synchromax will be going in my trans. car has little over 35,000 mi.

 

This is an older thread but I have two questions. I recently bought a used '03 with 21k on the clock and it's in mint shape. I've started to notice that when I shift in to third it's like hitting a wall which is exactly what other people have said. I can either slam it right in there or wait a few seconds for the synchros to mesh up with my understanding of transmissions. My questions are:

1. How do I know if the transmission was fixed under warranty? Call the local Ford dealership with my VIN and ask?

2. Is Mobil Dexron-VI ATF the same as Mobil1 Dextron III ATF that was mentioned above? I want to use that "secret sauce" recipe because I want the transmission to be as smooth as possible. I'm assuming VI is just the newest fluid and far surpasses III?

Also, is there any real way to know how much fluid is in the car besides flushing it? I doubt it. I'd like to change it with that recipe above anyways so I know what's in the car and then go from there.

 

1. yes
2. no, it's newer. But otherwise it's the same.

Yes, open the check/fill plug and stick your finger in. If you can feel fluid then it's too full. Drain and replace with the secret sauce.

 

I'm a little confused; perhaps you guys and girls can shed some light. Mobil1 says their Dexron-VI fluid is synthetic. Wasn't that part of the problem with the fluid situation in the first place? The TSB calls for Motorcraft Mercon ATF (part-number XT-2-QDX) which has been replaced by MerconV. I called my dealership and they confirmed this and told me MerconV is the correct fluid but it is synthetic.

I don't understand. My understanding was that the synthetic Mobil1 fluid from the factory was not the best fluid for the 3650. Ideas? I need to get rid of this rough shifting.

EDIT: It looks like Mobil1 ATF D/M is the replacement for DexronIII/Mercon, or at least that's how the product description sounds on their website. And it appears to be conventional.

 

it's about quantity more than the specific fluid. I dont' have any rough shifting... Amsoil ATF, 3/4 of a quart shy of the rated capacity.

 

Upon reading I see that Mercon was superseeded by Mercon V in '07. What would you recommend Red? I've never tried any Amsoil products but I've heard nothing but good things. If it helps the car will be put up for the winter in due time; I just want to put an end to this now. I was thinking about going with Motorcraft fluid for the time being.

 

those ratings are updated every damned year. Quit worrying about that... if you can buy it at a store, it's good to go. Amsoil is full synthetic. Good stuff. Redline and Royal Purple and Mobil 1 are also good brands of full synthetic.

 

Going to try out the synthetic Motorcraft Mercon V shortly with the correct amount and go from there. Thanks Red.