Vehicles Equipped With A Torque Converter Drain Plug & Without A Fluid Pan Drain Plug

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2004 Ford Econoline, 2004 Ford E450 Super Duty, and 2004 Ford Cutaway. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

With the vehicle in NEUTRAL, position on a hoist. For additional information, refer to JACKING & LIFTING .

NOTE: Do not discard the fluid pan gasket unless damaged. This is a reusable gasket.

Fig 1: Removing Remaining Fluid Pan Bolts And Fluid Pan

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Remove the transmission fluid pan and gasket.
1. Loosen, but do not remove the bolts.
2. Remove the front and side bolts.
3. Lower the front of the fluid pan and allow the fluid to drain.
4. Remove the remaining fluid pan bolts and the fluid pan.
Do not remove or install a new fluid filter.
Remove the torque converter drain plug cover.

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

Fig 3: Removing Torque Converter Drain Plug
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Allow the fluid to drain.

NOTE: If equipped with a radiator in-tank transmission fluid cooler or an auxiliary cooler, the coolers must be flushed.

Only flush the cooler tubes, fluid coolers and the bypass valve if carrying out a transmission overhaul. For additional information, refer to TRANSMISSION FLUID COOLER - BACKFLUSHING AND CLEANING .
REFILL
After the torque converter has drained, install a new drain plug.

Fig 4: Installing A New Drain Plug
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Install the torque converter drain plug cover.

Fig 5: Installing Torque Converter Drain Plug Cover
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Install the pan with the gasket. Alternately tighten the bolts.

Fig 6: Installing Pan With Gasket
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

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

Fill the transmission.
- Add 6.2 liters (6.5 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 crosshatched area of the fluid level indicator).