Removal and Installation

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.

Raise and support the vehicle.
Remove the splash shield.
1. Remove the five screws and air deflector, if equipped.
2. Remove the remaining seven screws and the splash shield.
  
  Fig 1: Removing Splash Shield
  Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Remove the retaining clip from the outlet fluid cooler tube and transaxle fitting.

Fig 2: Removing Retaining Clip From Outlet Fluid Cooler Tube
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

CAUTION: Do not attempt to separate the fluid cooler tubes from the transaxle fittings by prying with a tool. Damage to the fluid cooler tubes or the fluid cooler tube fittings will result.

Fig 3: Removing Outlet Fluid Cooler Tube

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Depress the tabs on the plastic insert, then pull the outlet fluid cooler tube from the transaxle fitting.
Disengage the clamp and remove the outlet fluid cooler tube from the combination fluid cooler.

Fig 4: Removing Outlet Fluid Cooler Tube From Combination Fluid Cooler
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Separate the outlet fluid cooler tube from the inlet fluid cooler tube and remove.

Fig 5: Separating Outlet Fluid Cooler Tube
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Disengage the clamp and remove the outlet fluid cooler tube from the combination fluid cooler.

Fig 6: Removing Outlet Fluid Cooler Tube From Combination Fluid Cooler
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Disengage the retaining clip.

Fig 7: Removing Retaining Clip
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Using the special tool, disconnect the outlet fluid cooler tube from the radiator fitting.

Fig 8: Disconnecting Outlet Fluid Cooler Tube
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Remove the retaining clip from the inlet fluid cooler tube and transaxle fitting.

Fig 9: Removing Retaining Clip
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

CAUTION: Do not attempt to separate the fluid cooler tubes from the transaxle fittings by prying with a tool. Damage to the fluid cooler tubes or the fluid cooler tube fittings will result.

Fig 10: Removing Inlet Fluid Cooler Tube From Transaxle Fitting

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Depress the tabs on the plastic insert, then pull the inlet fluid cooler tube from the transaxle fitting.
Remove the inlet fluid cooler tube from the radiator support.

Fig 11: Removing Inlet Fluid Cooler Tube
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Fig 12: Locating Radiator Support
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Disengage the retaining clip.

Fig 13: Removing Retaining Clip
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Using the special tool, disconnect the inlet fluid cooler tube from the radiator fitting.

Fig 14: Disconnecting Inlet Fluid Cooler Tube From Radiator Fitting
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
To install, reverse the removal procedure.
- Fill the transaxle to the specified level. For additional information, refer to AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE/TRANSMISSION-AX4S or AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE/TRANSMISSION-4F50N .
- Connect the fluid cooler tubes into the transaxle fitting until the plastic retainer engages the first tube bead. (A definite "click" should be heard.) Pull back on the line to verify full engagement.
- Connect the fluid cooler tubes into the radiator fitting until the retainer engages the first tube bead. (A definite "click" should be heard.) Pull back on the line to verify full engagement.