Transmission Fluid Drain And Refill

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2003 Mercury Sable and 2003 Ford Taurus. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Fig 1: Identifying Material Specifications

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Place the transaxle range selector lever in the PARK position.

Fig 2: Identifying Transaxle Range Selector Lever In PARK Position
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Set the parking brake.
Start the engine and check the transmission fluid level and condition. For additional information, refer to FLUID LEVEL CHECK .
Turn the engine off.
Raise the vehicle on a hoist.
Remove the lower retaining clip from the lower transaxle cooler line fitting.

Fig 3: Removing Lower Retaining Clip From Lower Transaxle Cooler Line Fitting
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Depress the tabs on the plastic insert retainer and remove cooler line from fitting.

Fig 4: Removing Cooler Line From Fitting
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Attach a flexible hose, approximately 0.9 m (3.0 ft) in length, to the fluid cooler tube with the other end in a suitable, 15-quart container.

Fig 5: Attaching Flexible Hose To Fluid Cooler Tube
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

NOTE: When plugging the cooler tube fitting make sure the plug is made of a soft material to prevent damage to the internal seal of the cooler tube fitting.

Fig 6: Inserting Plug Into Cooler Tube Fitting On Transaxle

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Insert a plug into the cooler tube fitting on the transaxle.
Lower the vehicle.

CAUTION: When the steady stream of transmission fluid stops flowing, the engine must be turned off to prevent damage to the transaxle. Engine rpm should not exceed curb idle speed while draining the transmission fluid.

Fig 7: Observing Flexible Hose

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Start the engine and run at idle while observing the flexible hose for 40-60 seconds until the steady stream of fluid stops flowing. Turn the engine off. This step will drain approximately 1.9-2.8 liters (2-3 quarts) of transmission fluid.
Fill the transaxle with 9.5 liters (10 quarts) of clean automatic transmission fluid.

Fig 8: Observing Flexible Hose

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Start the engine and run at idle while observing the flexible hose for 2-3 minutes until the steady stream of fluid stops flowing. Turn the engine off. This step will drain approximately 9.5 liters (10 quarts).
Raise and suitably support the vehicle.
Remove the plug from the cooler tube fitting.

Fig 9: Removing Plug From Cooler Tube Fitting
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Remove the flex hose from the cooler tube.

Fig 10: Removing Flex Hose From Cooler Tube
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

NOTE: Clean the cooler tube fitting before installing it to ensure a good connection and to prevent any leaks.

Fig 11: Identifying Lower Cooler Tube

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Install the lower cooler tube.
Lower the vehicle.
Fill the transaxle with 1.9 liters (2 quarts) of clean automatic transmission fluid.
Start the engine and move the transaxle range selector lever through all the ranges allowing the transaxle to engage in each position.
Check the transaxle at normal operating temperature. Fluid should be within the crosshatch area of the fluid level indicator. If the fluid is not within the crosshatched area add fluid in 0.2365-liter (1/2 pint) increments until the correct level is achieved.