Drain and Fill

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2006 Mercury Mariner and 2006 Ford Escape. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

CAUTION: Use only clean automatic transmission fluid specific for this transmission. Do not use any supplemental transmission fluid additives or cleaning agents. The use of these products can cause internal transmission components to fail, which will affect the operation of the transmission.

With the vehicle in DRIVE, position it on a hoist. For additional information, refer to JACKING & LIFTING .
Turn the ignition to the OFF position.
Remove the splash shield retainers and remove the LH splash shield.

Fig 1: Locating Retainers For LH Splash Shield
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Place a suitable container under the transaxle drain plug.

NOTE: If an integral problem is suspected, drain the fluid through a paper filter. A small amount of metal or friction particles may be found from normal wear. However, if excessive metal and friction particles are present, internal service will be required.

Fig 2: Locating Drain Plug

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Remove the drain plug and drain the fluid.
Remove the fill plug on the side of the transaxle.

Fig 3: Locating Fill Plug
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Install the drain plug.
- Tighten to 40 Nm (30 lb-ft).
- After the fluid has been drained, clean the drain plug threads and apply a small amount of pipe sealant.
Fill the transaxle with clean automatic transmission fluid as specified until the level reaches the bottom of the fill plug hole.

NOTE: Clean the area around the fill plug for transmission fluid that may have spilled on the transaxle case.

Install the fill plug.
- Tighten to 40 Nm (30 lb-ft).
Install the LH splash shield and the retainers.

Fig 4: Locating Retainers For LH Splash Shield
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.