Transmission Filler Tube: Removal

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2003 Ford RV Cutaway, 2003 Ford Econoline, 2003 Ford E550 Super Duty, 2003 Ford E450 Super Duty, and 2003 Ford Cutaway. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

NOTE: All gasoline vehicles will have new adaptive shift strategies. Whenever the vehicle's battery has been disconnected for any type of service or repairs, the strategy parameters that are stored in the keep alive memory (KAM) will be lost. The strategy will start to relearn once the battery is reconnected and the vehicle is driven. This is a temporary condition and will return to normal operating condition once the powertrain control module (PCM) relearns all the parameters from the driving operating conditions. There is no time frame set for this process. If a concern is present during down shifts or converter clutch apply, it is not the shift strategy and will require diagnosis as outlined in the workshop manual.

The customer needs to be notified that they may experience slightly different upshifts (either soft or firm) and that this condition is temporary and will eventually return to normal operating condition.
Disconnect the battery. For additional information, refer to BATTERY, MOUNTING AND CABLES .
Remove the fluid level indicator.

Fig 1: Removing Fluid Level Indicator
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Raise the vehicle on a hoist.
Remove the RH front wheel.
Remove the inner wheel liner.

Fig 2: Removing Inner Wheel Liner
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Remove the bolt.

Fig 3: Removing Bolt
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

NOTE: It may be necessary to disconnect the wiring harness from the starter motor to remove the oil filler tube.

Fig 4: Removing Fluid Filler Tube

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Remove the fluid filler tube.