Vehicles equipped with a torque converter drain plug

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2003 Mercury Marauder, 2003 Mercury Grand Marquis, and 2003 Ford Crown Victoria. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Position the vehicle on a hoist. Place in NEUTRAL. For additional information, refer to JACKING & HOISTING .
If the vehicle is equipped with an in-line transmission fluid filter, remove and discard the filter.

Fig 1: Locating In-Line Transmission Fluid Filter
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Loosen the transmission fluid pan bolts and allow the fluid to drain.

Fig 2: Locating Transmission Fluid Pan Bolts
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
After the fluid has drained, remove the transmission fluid pan.

Fig 3: Locating Transmission Fluid Pan
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Do not remove the fluid filter. It is not necessary to change the fluid filter during a normal maintenance fluid change.
Remove the torque converter drain plug cover.

Fig 4: Locating Torque Converter Drain Plug Cover
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Remove the torque converter drain plug and discard.

Fig 5: Locating Torque Converter Drain Plug
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Clean and inspect the transmission fluid pan, transmission fluid pan gasket, and the magnet.

Fig 6: Locating Transmission Fluid Pan Gasket, And Magnet
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Thoroughly flush the cooler tubes. For additional information, refer to TRANSMISSION FLUID COOLER TUBES - BACKFLUSHING AND CLEANING .
Refill
After the torque converter has drained, install a new drain plug.

Fig 7: Installing New Drain Plug
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Install the torque converter drain plug cover.

Fig 8: Installing Torque Converter Drain Plug Cover
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Position the magnet into the transmission fluid pan.

Fig 9: Positioning Magnet Into Transmission Fluid Pan
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

NOTE: The transmission fluid pan gasket is reusable, clean and inspect for damage, if not damaged, the gasket should be reused.

Fig 10: Installing Transmission Fluid Pan Bolts

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Install the transmission fluid pan and gasket.
1. Position the transmission fluid pan and gasket in place.
2. Install the transmission fluid pan bolts.

NOTE: If the vehicle is equipped with a fluid filter, install a new in-line filter.

Fig 11: Installing New In-Line Transmission Fluid Filter Only

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Install a new in-line transmission fluid filter only.
Lower the vehicle. For additional information, refer to JACKING & HOISTING .

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.

CAUTION: Do not use any supplemental transmission fluid additives or cleaning agents. The use of these products can cause internal transmission components to fail; this will affect the operation of the transmission.

Fill the transmission.
- Add 4.7 liters (5 qts) of clean automatic transmission fluid through the fluid filler tube.
Start the engine. Move the transmission range selector lever through all the gear ranges, checking for engagements.
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).