Procedure for using a tank heated transmission fluid cooler line flusher

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2008 Ford RV Cutaway, 2008 Ford Econoline, 2008 Ford E450 Super Duty, and 2008 Ford Cutaway. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

NOTE: Whenever the transmission has been serviced or a remanufactured transmission has been installed, the transmission fluid cooler tubes must be cleaned and back flushed to remove any contaminants 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: Repeat repairs will occur if the transmission fluid flow does not meet specification. To avoid repeat repairs, carry out the fluid cooler flow test. For additional information, refer to Transmission Fluid Cooler .

NOTE: Plug the flusher into a 110-volt outlet and allow it to heat up to the correct temperature.

NOTE: Carry out this procedure with the OTA cooler and the transmission removed from the vehicle.

If equipped, remove the transmission fluid inline filter. Install a straight pipe with hose clamps in its place.

Fig 1: Identifying Transmission Fluid In-Line Filter

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

NOTE: The transmission cooler return line can be identified as the line that runs from the OTA outlet (driver side) to the rear of the transmission.

Flush the transmission cooler return tube as follows:
1. Using the appropriate fittings and quick disconnects supplied with the flusher, connect the flusher pressure and return lines to either end of the transmission cooler return tube.
2. Switch the flusher pump on and allow it to run for 60 seconds.
3. Turn the switch off after 60 seconds and disconnect the pressure line.
4. Blow air through the cooler tube until the fluid is drained pack into the flusher.
5. Disconnect the flusher return line.
Flush the transmission cooler pressure tube and radiator in-tank cooler as follows:
1. The pressure tube and radiator in-tank cooler must be back flushed, then forward flushed. This is necessary to thoroughly flush the in-tank cooler
2. The transmission cooler pressure tube can be identified as the tube that runs from the OTA cooler inlet to the front of the transmission.
3. Using the appropriate fittings and quick disconnects supplied with the flusher, connect the flusher pressure line to the radiator in-tank cooler outlet. Connect the flusher return line to the transmission cooler pressure tube (the cooler tube near the transmission bellhousing).
4. Switch the flusher on and allow it to run for 15 minutes.
5. Turn the switch off after 15 minutes then reverse the flusher lines.
6. Switch the flusher pump on and allow it to run for 15 minutes.
7. Disconnect the flusher pressure line and blow air through the line until the fluid is drained back into the flusher.
8. Disconnect the flusher return line.
Install a new transmission fluid inline filter if equipped. Install the transmission fluid inline filter kit if the vehicle was not equipped with the kit. For additional information, refer to Transmission Fluid In-Line Filter .