Vehicles Equipped With A Torque Converter Drain Plug

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2003 Ford Econoline. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

With the vehicle in NEUTRAL, position on a hoist.
Loosen the transmission fluid pan bolts and allow the fluid to drain.

Fig 1: Loosening Transmission Fluid Pan Bolts
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
After the fluid has drained, remove the transmission fluid pan.

Fig 2: Removing 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 3: Removing Torque Converter Drain Plug Cover
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Remove the torque converter drain plug and discard.

Fig 4: Removing Torque Converter Drain Plug And Discarding
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
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
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Thoroughly flush the cooler tubes. For additional information, refer to TRANSMISSION FLUID COOLER - BACKFLUSHING AND CLEANING .

REFILL

After the torque converter has drained, install a new drain plug.

Fig 6: Installing Drain Plug
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Install the torque converter drain plug cover.

Fig 7: Installing Torque Converter Drain Plug Cover
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Position the magnet into the transmission fluid pan.

Fig 8: Positioning Magnet Into Transmission Fluid Pan
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

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

Install the fluid pan and gasket.
1. Position the fluid pan with the gasket in place.
2. Install the bolts.
  
  Fig 9: Installing Bolts
  Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

CAUTION: The use of any other transmission fluid can result in the transmission failing to operate in a normal manner or transmission failure.

Fill the transmission.
- Add 4.7 liters (5 qts) of clean automatic transmission fluid to the transmission 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).