Inspection and Verification - Automatic Transmission
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2004 Ford Pickup, 2004 Ford F550 Super Duty, 2004 Ford F450 Super Duty, 2004 Ford Excursion, and 2004 Ford Cab & Chassis. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
CAUTION:
Do not attempt to backflush and clean the oil-to-air (OTA) transmission fluid cooler. Install a new OTA transmission fluid cooler as part of a transmission overhaul or exchange. Failure to follow these directions may result in transmission damage.
NOTE:
When internal wear or damage occurs in the transmission, metal particles, clutch plate material, and band material can travel into the torque converter, the fluid cooler tubes, the in-tank transmission fluid cooler, and the OTA transmission fluid cooler. These contaminants are a major cause of recurring transmission concerns. To prevent future concerns, remove these contaminants from the cooling system before placing the transmission back into use.
- Clean the contaminants from the transmission fluid cooling system. Carry out the following:
- transmission fluid cooler-backflushing and cleaning
- torque converter flushing
- torque converter cleaning and inspection
- 4R100 cooler bypass valve cleaning and inspection
Also carry out the transmission fluid cooler flow test. Refer to AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - 4R100 and AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - TORQSHIFT .
- Visually inspect for obvious signs of mechanical damage, incorrect component installation, and system leaks. Repair as necessary.
- Install a new or remanufactured radiator when fluid is found leaking from the in-tank transmission fluid cooler. Refer to ENGINE COOLING .
- Install a new OTA transmission fluid cooler if there is leakage from the fluid cooler, and always as part of a transmission overhaul or exchange. Refer to AUXILIARY TRANSMISSION FLUID COOLER - Oil-to-Air Fluid Cooler, 4R100 , AUXILIARY TRANSMISSION FLUID COOLER - Oil-to-Air Fluid Cooler, TorqShift, Excursion or AUXILIARY TRANSMISSION FLUID COOLER - Oil-to-Air Fluid Cooler, TorqShift, F-Super Duty .
- If the fault is not visually evident, GO to SYMPTOM CHART - AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION .