trans fluid - change or not change

[buck45]

I have a 93, 5.0, E4OD, 160K miles and recently it has developed a shifting problem (described in post - 93 5.0L, E4OD shudders before downshifting). The fluid level checks good, but the fluid is obviously old (dark and smells burnt). The fluid may have nothing to do with the shifting problem, but from a general maintenance perspective I'm thinking that it's time for fresh fluid. However, since I don't know if the fluid has ever been changed, would it be better to leave it as is, or change it?

 

[Bronc76]

The fluid needs to be changed, but if the fluid smells burnt, the tranny has overheated and it may have to be checked out.

 

[fordsohc46]

if its never been changed ur better off to leave it alone.