All vehicles using a suitable flush and fill machine

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.

Normal maintenance requires periodic automatic transmission fluid changes. If a major repair, for clutch, band, bearing, etc., is required, the automatic transmission will have to be removed for repair. At this time, the torque converter and transmission fluid cooler tubes must be thoroughly flushed to remove any dirt. The oil-to-air (OTA) cooler should not be flushed if contamination is present, installation of a new OTA should be carried out. The transmission fluid needs to be changed if evidence of fluid contamination is found.
A new oil-to-air cooler must be installed under the following conditions:
1. Evidence of broken transmission components or fluid contamination is found due to the following transmission or converter failure modes:
  - Major metallic failure
  - Multiple clutches or clutch plate failure
2. When the vehicle is used under normal, continuous or severe conditions, the transmission and torque converter should be drained and refilled with clean automatic transmission fluid.
  - Normal Maintenance
    - Change fluid at 48,000 km (30,000 miles).
  - Severe Duty/Major Overhaul
    - Change fluid at 48,000 km (30,000 miles).
Position the vehicle on a hoist. Place in NEUTRAL. For additional information, refer to JACKING & HOISTING .
Use a suitable flush and fill machine to change the fluid.
When connecting the flush and fill machine, connect the machine to the fluid cooler tube after the fluid cooler on the cooler return line. This will help remove any foreign material trapped in the fluid coolers.
Refill
Use only clean automatic transmission fluid.
Once the fluid exchange has been completed, disconnect the flush and fill machine.
Reconnect any disconnected fluid cooler tubes.

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

Fig 1: Locating In-Line Transmission Fluid Filter

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

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