Procedure for using a tank heated transmission fluid cooler line flusher

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2008 Ford Pickup, 2008 Ford F550 Super Duty, 2008 Ford F450 Super Duty, and 2008 Ford Cab & Chassis. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

NOTE: Whenever the transmission has been overhauled or a remanufactured transmission has been installed, the transmission fluid cooler tubes and the radiator in-tank fluid cooler must be cleaned and backflushed to remove any contaminants or repeat transmission failure will occur.

NOTE: Install a new oil-to-air (OTA) cooler as part of a transmission overhaul, or when installing a remanufactured transmission.

NOTE: Early build transmissions are equipped with a remote transmission fluid filter which is located under the transmission bell housing. When carrying out an overhaul or installing a remanufactured transmission, a new remote filter assembly must be installed.

NOTE: Repeat repairs will occur if the transmission fluid flow does not meet specification. To avoid repeat repairs, carry out the fluid cooler flow test. For additional information, refer to Transmission Fluid Cooler .

NOTE: Plug the flusher into a 110-volt outlet and allow it to heat up to the correct temperature.

If equipped, remove and discard the inline transmission fluid filter. Install a straight pipe with hose clamps in its place.

Fig 1: Identifying Transmission Fluid In-Line Filter

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Remove the remote filter assembly and discard (early build vehicles).
Connect the rear and middle fluid cooler tube assemblies using hose and clamps (early build vehicles).
Flush the transmission cooler return tube first.
1. The transmission cooler return tube can be identified as the tube that runs from the OTA outlet to the rear of the transmission.
2. Using the appropriate fittings and quick disconnects supplied with the flusher, connect the flusher pressure and return lines to either end of the transmission cooler return tube.
3. Switch the flusher pump on and allow it to run for 60 seconds.
4. Turn the switch off after 60 seconds and disconnect the pressure line.
5. Blow air through the cooler tube until the transmission fluid is drained back into the flusher.
6. Disconnect the flusher return line.
Flush the transmission cooler pressure tube and radiator in-tank transmission fluid cooler as follows:
1. The pressure tube and radiator in-tank transmission fluid cooler must be back flushed, then forward flushed. This is necessary to thoroughly flush the in-tank transmission fluid cooler
2. The transmission fluid cooler pressure tube can be identified as the tube that runs from the OTA transmission fluid cooler inlet to the front of the transmission.
3. Using the appropriate fittings and quick disconnects supplied with the flusher, connect the flusher pressure tube to the radiator in-tank transmission fluid cooler outlet. Connect the flusher return line to the transmission fluid cooler pressure tube (the cooler tube near the transmission bellhousing).
4. Switch the flusher on and allow it to run for 15 minutes.
5. Turn the switch off after 15 minutes then reverse the flusher lines.
6. Switch the flusher pump on and allow it to run for 15 minutes.
7. Disconnect the flusher pressure tube and blow air through the tube until the transmission fluid is drained back into the flusher.
8. Disconnect the flusher return line.
Install a new remote transmission fluid filter assembly using a backup wrench to avoid damage to the remote filter transmission fluid cooler tube nut fittings.
- Tighten to 40 Nm (30 lb-ft).
Install a new inline transmission fluid filter if equipped. Install the inline transmission fluid filter kit if the vehicle was not equipped with the kit. For additional information, refer to Transmission Filter - In Line .