Transmission Fluid Drain and Refill

Normal maintenance requires periodic automatic transmission fluid changes. If a major service, such as a clutch, band, bearing, etc., is required, the automatic transmission fluid will also have to be removed for service. At this time, the torque converter (7902), transmission cooler, cooler inlet tube and cooler tube must be thoroughly flushed to remove any dirt. When used under continuous or severe conditions, the transmission and torque converter should be drained and refilled with fluid as specified.

Normal Maintenance

Change fluid at 48,279 km (21,000 miles).

Severe Duty/Major Overhaul

Change fluid at 33,795 km (21,000 miles).

 CAUTION: Use of a fluid other than specified could result in transmission malfunction and/or failure.

Refer to the vehicle certification label affixed to the LH front door lock face panel or door pillar for the transmission code.

When filling a dry transmission and torque converter, refer to Specifications in this section for capacity. Check the fluid level.

Procedures for partial drain and refill are as follows.

1. Raise vehicle on a hoist and position suitable safety stands under vehicle. Refer to Section 00-02.

2. Place drain pan under transmission.

3. Loosen transmission pan retaining bolts and allow fluid to drain from transmission.

4. When fluid has drained to level of pan flange, remove the transmission pan retaining bolts working from the right-hand side of the transmission. Carefully lower the transmission pan and drain remaining fluid.

5. Remove the pan to case gasket and thoroughly clean the transmission pan.

6. Drain the torque converter by removing the torque converter drain plug.

7. Thoroughly flush torque converter, auxiliary fluid cooler (if equipped) and lines.

8. After torque converter has been drained, install new torque converter drain plug and tighten to 28-30 Nm (21-23 lb-ft).

9.  CAUTION: If installing new filter, and grommet remains in main control bore, carefully use a small screwdriver to remove it. Take care not to damage main control bore.

   NOTE: If servicing for contamination-related failure, use a new filter and grommet. Filter may be reused if no excessive contamination is present.

   Replace transmission fluid filter and grommet as required.

10. Clean and inspect transmission pan to case gasket. If OK, reuse. Install pan to case gasket on transmission pan.

11. Install pan magnet in transmission pan. Install transmission pan to transmission. Tighten fourteen retaining bolts to 12-15 Nm (9-11 lb-ft).

12. Remove safety stands and lower vehicle.

13. When filling a dry transmission and torque converter, start with a minimum of 6.1 liters (6.5 quarts). Refer to Specifications for capacity.

14. Fill transmission to proper level with Motorcraft MERCON® Multi-Purpose Automatic Transmission Fluid XT-2-QDX or -DDX or MERCON® equivalent approved fluid.