Transmission Fluid Cooler BACKFLUSHING And Cleaning

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2006 Ford Pickup, 2006 Ford F550 Super Duty, 2006 Ford F450 Super Duty, and 2006 Ford Cab & Chassis. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

MATERIAL SPECIFICATIONS

Item	Specification
MERCON® SP Automatic Transmission Fluid XT-6-QSP	MERCON® SP

Cooler Line and Remote Filter Fluid Flow

Fig 1: Identifying Cooler Line And Remote Filter Fluid Flow

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Remote Fluid Filter

Fig 2: Identifying Remote Fluid Filter

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

CAUTION: Whenever the transmission has been serviced or a remanufactured transmission has been installed, the transmission fluid cooler, cooler tubes and the remote filter manifold must be cleaned and backflushed to remove any foreign material or transmission failure will occur.

NOTE: Install a new oil-to-air (OTA) cooler as part of a transmission overhaul, or when installing a remanufactured transmission.

NOTE: This transmission is equipped with a remote transmission fluid filter. When carrying out an overhaul or installing a remanufactured transmission, a new filter element must be installed.

Using a suitable torque converter/fluid cooler cleaner, flush the transmission fluid cooler and tubes.
If equipped, remove and discard the transmission fluid in-line filter.

Fig 3: Identifying Transmission Fluid In-Line Filter
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Remove the remote filter element.

CAUTION: The transmission cooler tubes must be disconnected prior to flushing out the cooler tubes.

Disconnect the 4 transmission fluid cooler tubes at the remote filter housing. For additional information, refer to TRANSAXLE/TRANSMISSION COOLING .
Leave the transmission fluid cooler tubes disconnected from the transmission case.
Disconnect both transmission fluid cooler tubes from the OTA.
Flush each transmission fluid cooler tube independently.
Connect the cleaner pressure and return tubes correctly.
1. Connect the pressure tube-to-fluid cooler inlet tube.
2. Connect the return tube-to-fluid cooler outlet tube.
3. Place the outlet end of the return tube in the fluid tank reservoir.

NOTE: Cycling the solvent pump on and off will help dislodge contaminants in the cooler system.

Switch the pumps on. Allow the fluid to circulate a minimum of 5 minutes.
Switch the pump off.
Disconnect the cleaner pressure tube at the fluid cooler tube.
Using compressed air, blow through the fluid cooler inlet tube until all fluid is removed.
Remove the rubber hoses from fluid cooler tubes.
Connect the cleaner pressure and return tubes correctly.
1. Connect the pressure tube to the radiator in-tank fluid cooler.
2. Connect the return tube to the other side of the radiator in-tank fluid cooler.
3. Place the outlet end of the return tube in the fluid tank reservoir.

NOTE: Cycling the pump on and off will help dislodge contaminants in the cooler system.

Switch the pumps on. Allow the fluid to circulate a minimum of 5 minutes.
Switch the pump off.
Disconnect the cleaner pressure tube at the fluid cooler tube.
Using compressed air, blow through the fluid cooler inlet tube until all fluid is removed.
Remove the rubber hoses from fluid cooler tubes.
Flush the remote filter manifold and make sure that the small bypass orifice is free of foreign material.
Flush the remote filter housing and clean the magnet.

NOTE: Install a new OTA cooler as part of a transmission overhaul, or when installing a remanufactured transmission.

Backflush and forward flush the OTA cooler.
Backflush and then forward flush the radiator in-tank cooler.
Install a new remote filter element.
Carry out the transmission fluid cooler flow test. For additional information, refer to TRANSMISSION FLUID COOLER .