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Transmission Fluid Drain And Refill: Draining

CAUTION: Always refer to the instructions supplied with the flush and fill machine.
NOTE: Draining fluid from the transmission by removing only the fluid pan is acceptable for vehicles that do not have a torque converter drain plug, for normal or severe duty fluid maintenance.
NOTE: A new procedure for draining and adding transmission fluid using a suitable transmission flush and fill machine has been added. The following procedure has different methods for draining and refilling the listed vehicles:
  • All vehicles using a suitable flush and fill machine.
  • Vehicles equipped with a torque converter drain plug.
  • Vehicles without a torque converter drain plug.

Use the method that is applicable to your vehicle.

All Vehicles Using A Suitable Flush And Fill Machine 

  1. With the vehicle in NEUTRAL, position on a hoist.
  2. Use a suitable flush and fill machine to change the fluid.
  3. When connecting the flush and fill machine, connect the machine to the fluid cooler tube after the fluid cooler on the cooler return line. This will help remove any foreign material trapped in the fluid coolers.

    Refill 

  4. Use only clean automatic transmission fluid.
  5. Once the fluid exchange has been completed, disconnect the flush and fill machine.

    Reconnect any disconnected fluid cooler tubes.

  6. With the engine running and the transmission at normal operating temperature 66-77°C (150-170°F), check and adjust the transmission fluid level, and check for any leaks. If fluid is needed, add fluid in increments of 0.24-liter (0.5-pint) until the correct level is achieved (fluid should be in the cross-hatched area of the fluid level indicator).


Vehicles Equipped With A Torque Converter Drain Plug 

  1. With the vehicle in NEUTRAL, position on a hoist.
  2. Loosen the transmission fluid pan bolts and allow the fluid to drain.
    Fig 1: Loosening Transmission Fluid Pan Bolts
    G01564691Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
  3. After the fluid has drained, remove the transmission fluid pan.
    Fig 2: Removing Transmission Fluid Pan
    G01564692Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
  4. Do not remove the fluid filter. It is not necessary to change the fluid filter during a normal maintenance fluid change.
  5. Remove the torque converter drain plug cover.
    Fig 3: Removing Torque Converter Drain Plug Cover
    G01564693Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
  6. Remove the torque converter drain plug and discard.
    Fig 4: Removing And Discarding Torque Converter Drain Plug
    G01564694Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
  7. Clean and inspect the transmission fluid pan, transmission fluid pan gasket and magnet.
    Fig 5: Inspecting Transmission Fluid Pan, Transmission Fluid Pan Gasket And Magnet
    G01564695Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
  8. Thoroughly flush the cooler tubes. For additional information, refer to TRANSMISSION FLUID COOLER - BACKFLUSHING AND CLEANING .

    Refill 

  9. After the torque converter has drained, install a new drain plug.
    Fig 6: Installing Drain Plug
    G01564696Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
  10. Install the torque converter drain plug cover.
    Fig 7: Installing Torque Converter Drain Plug Cover
    G01564697Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
  11. Position the magnet into the transmission fluid pan.
    Fig 8: Locating Magnet Into Transmission Fluid Pan
    G01564698Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
    12. NOTE: The fluid pan gasket is reusable, clean and inspect for damage. If not damaged, the gasket should be reused.
  12. Install the fluid pan and gasket.
    1. Position the fluid pan with the gasket in place.
    2. Install the bolts.
      Fig 9: Positioning Fluid Pan With Gasket And Installing Bolts
      G01564699Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
    13. CAUTION: The use of any other transmission fluid than specified can result in the transmission failing to operate in a normal manner or transmission failure.
  13. Fill the transmission.
    • Add 4.7 liters (5 qts) of clean automatic transmission fluid to the transmission through the fluid filler tube.
  14. Start the engine. Move the transmission range selector lever through all the gear ranges, checking for engagements.
  15. With the engine running and the transmission at normal operating temperature 66-77°C (150-170°F), check and adjust the transmission fluid level, and check for any leaks. If fluid is needed, add fluid in increments of 0.24-liter (0.5-pint) until the correct level is achieved (fluid should be in the cross-hatched area of the fluid level indicator).


Vehicles Without A Torque Converter Drain Plug 

  1. With the vehicle in NEUTRAL, position on a hoist.
  2. Loosen the transmission fluid pan bolts and allow the fluid to drain.
    Fig 1: Loosening Transmission Fluid Pan Bolts
    G01564700Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
  3. After the fluid has drained, remove the transmission fluid pan.
    Fig 2: Removing Transmission Fluid Pan
    G01564701Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
  4. Do not remove the fluid filter. It is not necessary to change the fluid filter during a normal maintenance fluid change.
  5. Clean and inspect the transmission fluid pan, transmission fluid pan gasket and magnet.
    Fig 3: Inspecting Transmission Fluid Pan, Transmission Fluid Pan Gasket And Magnet
    G01564702Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
  6. Thoroughly flush the cooler tubes. For additional information, refer to TRANSMISSION FLUID COOLER - BACKFLUSHING AND CLEANING .

    Refill 

  7. Position the magnet into the transmission fluid pan.
    Fig 4: Placing Magnet Into Transmission Fluid Pan
    G01564703Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
    8. NOTE: The fluid pan gasket is reusable, clean and inspect for damage. If not damaged, the gasket should be reused.
  8. Install the fluid pan and gasket.
    • Position the fluid pan with the gasket in place.
    • Install the bolts.
      Fig 5: Positioning Fluid Pan With Gasket
      G01564704Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
    9. CAUTION: The use of any other transmission fluid than specified can result in the transmission failing to operate in a normal manner or transmission failure.
  9. Fill the transmission.
    • Add 4.7 liters (5 qts) of clean automatic transmission fluid to the transmission through the fluid filler tube.
  10. Start the engine. Move the transmission range selector lever through all the gear ranges, checking for engagements.
  11. With the engine running and the transmission at normal operating temperature 66-77°C (150-170°F), check and adjust the transmission fluid level, and check for any leaks. If fluid is needed, add fluid in increments of 0.24-liter (0.5-pint) until the correct level is achieved (fluid should be in the cross-hatched area of the fluid level indicator).
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