Removal and Installation

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2005 Mercury Montego, 2005 Ford Freestyle, and 2005 Ford Five Hundred. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Fig 1: Identifying CVT Transaxle Cooler

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Fig 2: Identifying 6-Speed Transaxle Cooler

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

CAUTION: MERCON®, MERCON®V, MERCON®SP, Motorcraft Premium Automatic Transmission Fluid and Motorcraft Continuously Variable Chain Type Transmission Fluid are not interchangeable transmission fluids. The use of any fluid other than what is recommended for this transmission will cause transmission damage.

NOTE: Refer to the following when adding transmission fluid.

The constant variable transmission (CVT) transaxle uses:
- Motorcraft Continuously Variable Chain Type Transmission Fluid (XT-7-QCFT)
The 6-speed transaxle uses:
- Motorcraft Premium Automatic Transmission Fluid (XT-8-QAW)

Do not mix the fluid together, damage to internal components will result.

All vehicles

With the vehicle in NEUTRAL, position it on a hoist. For additional information, refer to JACKING & LIFTING .

6-speed transaxle

Remove the 8 retainers for the upper grille opening cover and remove the cover.

Fig 3: Removing Cover
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

CVT transaxle

Remove the 8 retainers for the upper grille opening cover and remove the cover.

Fig 4: Removing Retainers For Upper Grille Opening Cover
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

All vehicles

Remove the LH air deflector push pins. Position the air deflector aside.

Fig 5: Removing LH Air Deflector Push Pins
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Remove the RH air deflector push pins. Position the air deflector aside.

Fig 6: Removing RH Air Deflector Push Pins
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Remove the bolt from the LH A/C condenser bracket.
- To install, tighten to 10 Nm (89 lb-in).
  
  Fig 7: Removing Bolt From LH A/C Condenser Bracket
  Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Remove the bolt from the RH A/C condenser bracket.
- To install, tighten to 10 Nm (89 lb-in).
  
  Fig 8: Removing Bolt From RH A/C Condenser Bracket
  Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Carefully lift the A/C condenser off the retaining clips and position the condenser aside.

Fig 9: Positioning Condenser Aside
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Remove the screw for the cooler tube retainer.
- To install, tighten to 10 Nm (89 lb-in).
  
  Fig 10: Removing Screw For Cooler Tube Retainer
  Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Disconnect the fluid cooler hoses from the fluid cooler.

Fig 11: Disconnecting Fluid Cooler Hoses From Fluid Cooler
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Lift the fluid cooler off the retainers and remove the fluid cooler.

Fig 12: Lifting Fluid Cooler Off Retainers
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

CVT transaxle

Remove the fluid fill plug.
- To install, tighten to 35 Nm (26 lb-ft).
  
  Fig 13: Identifying Fluid Fill Plug
  Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Partially fill the transaxle with clean automatic transmission fluid to make up what was lost during the installation of a new transmission fluid cooler.
- Using the transmission fluid level setting (CVT) procedure, continue filling the transaxle. For additional information, refer to TRANSAXLE COOLING .
Remove the fluid fill plug.
- To install, tighten to 39 Nm (29 lb-ft).
  
  Fig 14: Locating Fluid Fill Plug
  Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
To install, reverse the removal procedure.
- Fill the transaxle with Motorcraft Premium Automatic Transmission Fluid XT-8-QAW meeting Ford specification WSS-M2C924-A to the specified level.
- Prior to adding any transmission fluid, make sure that the vehicle is on a level surface.
- Check the fluid level to determine how much fluid will need to be added.
- Using a diagnostic tool, monitor the fluid temperature. Make sure that the fluid temperature is within specification.
- The fluid level should be within the normal operating range on the fluid level indicator.
Check the transaxle for correct operation.

Fig 15: Checking Transaxle For Correct Operation
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.