Drain and Fill

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2008 Mercury Mariner and 2008 Ford Escape. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

NOTE: Use only clean automatic transmission fluid specific for this transmission. Do not use any supplemental transmission fluid additives or cleaning agents. The use of these products can cause internal transmission components to fail, which will affect the operation of the transmission.

With the vehicle in NEUTRAL, position it on a hoist. For additional information, refer to JACKING AND LIFTING article.
Turn the ignition to the OFF position.
Remove the splash shield retainers and remove the LH splash shield.

Fig 1: Locating Retainers For LH Splash Shield

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Place a suitable container under the transmission fluid drain plug.

NOTE: If an integral problem is suspected, drain the transmission fluid through a paper filter. A small amount of metal or friction particles may be found from normal wear. However, if excessive metal and friction particles are present, internal service will be required.

Remove the transmission fluid drain plug and drain the transmission fluid.

Fig 2: Drain Plug

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Remove the transmission fluid fill plug on the side of the transaxle.

Fig 3: Fill Plug

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Install the drain plug.
- Tighten to 40 Nm (30 lb-ft).
- After the transmission fluid has been drained, clean the transmission fluid drain plug threads and apply a small amount of pipe sealant.
Fill the transaxle with clean transmission fluid as specified until the level reaches the bottom of the fill plug hole.

NOTE: Clean the area around the transmission fluid fill plug for transmission fluid that may have spilled on the transaxle case.

Install the transmission fluid fill plug.
- Tighten to 40 Nm (30 lb-ft).
Install the LH splash shield and the retainers.

Fig 4: Locating Retainers For LH Splash Shield

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.