Main Control Cover - 3.5L: Removal

With the vehicle in NEUTRAL, position it on a hoist. For additional information, refer to JACKING & LIFTING .
Remove the Air Cleaner (ACL) assembly and outlet pipe. For additional information, refer to INTAKE AIR DISTRIBUTION & FILTERING .
Remove the transmission fluid drain plug and allow the transmission fluid to drain.

Fig 1: Location of Transmission Fluid Drain Plug Bolt
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Install the transmission fluid drain plug.
- Tighten to 9 Nm (80 lb-in).
Fig 2: Location of Transmission Fluid Drain Plug Bolt
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Loosen the transmission fluid cooler tube fitting from the transmission fluid cooler thermal bypass valve.

Fig 3: Location of Transmission Fluid Cooler Tube Fitting
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Remove and discard the transmission fluid cooler tube bolt and remove the transmission fluid cooler tube.

Fig 4: Location of Transmission Fluid Cooler Tube And Bolt
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Inspect the transaxle case to make sure that the transmission fluid cooler tube seal and backing ring were removed with the transmission fluid cooler tube and are not stuck in the transaxle case. If the transmission fluid cooler tube seal or backing ring are stuck in the transaxle case, remove the seal and backing ring.

Fig 5: Location of Transmission Fluid Cooler Tube Seal And Backing Ring
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Disconnect the transaxle electrical connector and remove the wiring harness fastener from the main control cover stud.

Fig 6: Location of Transaxle Electrical Connector And Wiring Harness Fastener
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Remove the 2 nuts, pull the transmission fluid cooler thermal bypass valve straight up and position it aside.

Fig 7: Pulling Transmission Fluid Cooler Thermal Bypass Valve Straight Up And Location of Nuts
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

NOTE: Note the location of the of the studbolts for assembly.

Remove the 14 bolts and the main control cover.

Fig 8: Location of Main Control Cover Bolts

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.