KyleB

you are correct

correct, sort of. it will constantly 'adapt' shift points and solenoid pressures to compensate for your driving habits and normal wear inside of the clutch packs. the initial 'learning curve' is steep; after a couple hundred miles, less adjustments are made by the TCM.

yep.

i would do it any time i did any kind of transmission servicing.

my $.02.

gcalo

More than $0.02. Valuable info. Thank you.

So the adaptive process when changing fluid should be done with the software pack?

KyleB

I use INPA to reset adaptations. I guess it would depend on what software you use. I've read about the 'hold pedal for 25 seconds' thing; since I have INPA, I've never had a need to try that other process. using something like INPA, DIS, GT1, etc is definitely the way to go if it's available to you.

gcalo

The software is on eBay for about $90.00

Looks like a deal

KyleB

I paid around that for a cable and software suite from a now defunct company. It's paid for itself twenty times over at this point. As long as that cable and software are good working products, then you'll have what you need.

gcalo

You can see the offering on eBay at item #231087876001

Looks to be a credible source

gcalo

I am changing out my filter and fluid this W/E.

I did get the filter from www.rmeuropean.com. It was $112.00 and it's ZF made in Germany OEM.

They are very responsive and deliver to me the next day!

I just did inner/outer tie rods last week, and the parts were by FEBI and arrived the next day!

I am using the Mercon SP. Read enough to convince me.

This reminds me of Ferrari suggesting their owners use only Pirelli tires! I wonder why.

Enclosed sheet was packed with the filter.

Offers the bolt tightening sequence as well.

gcalo

I found two (2) great long handled allen wrenches on eBay.

One is 8 mm ($3.49) and the other is 10 mm ($3.99) both perfect to work on the ZF tranny.

The seller is chasertech. Very reliable and attentive seller from SoCal.

Contact = chasertech@yahoo.com

They apparently sell bicycle parts, and both of these are used for that purpose.

They are a great item

gcalo

I have now 2X's changed the fluid.

I had 169 miles between flushes since changing the filter.

What came out was only 4 pints. So apparently the pan holds 1.5 pints.

It was dirty but not as dirty as 1st change nor did it stink as did the fluid from the first drain.

I will get about 500 miles on this flush, will use a hand pump to clear out the residue in the pan, and refill.

The only way to get all the dirty oil out apparently except for what's in the torque converter, cooler lines, and the cooler.

My guess is that 3-5 flushes are needed to get all the old ATF out.

The Mercon SP is cheap enough to allow the multiple flushes w/o breaking the bank.

The transmission shifts very quickly and beautifully now, and as a result there is a noticeable increase in fuel mileage.

Highly recommended but see no necessity of filter changes.

I have another post showing pictures of the filter from my pan.

I would call that a screen and not a filter.

Change the oil frequently, guys, and that tranny will work beautifully.

KyleB

Are you sure about your units of measure? The bottles of ZF Lifeguard6 are measured in liters, not pints. The pan most definitely will NOT hold 1.5L of fluid on it's own. If you're only draining out (or filling for that matter) 4L of fluid then your transmission is likely underfilled.