Leakage Inspection: Material

MATERIAL SPECIFICATION

Item	Specification
Dye-Lite® ATF/Power Steering Fluid Leak Detection Dye 164-R3701 (Rotunda)	-
MERCON® V Automatic Transmission Fluid XT-5-QM (or XT-5-QMC) (US); CXT-5-LM12 (Canada) (Early build vehicles)	MERCON® V
Motorcraft® MERCON® LV Automatic Transmission Fluid XT-10-QLV (Late build vehicles)	MERCON® LV

NOTE: Do not try to stop the fluid leak by increasing the torque beyond specifications. This may cause damage to the case threads.

NOTE: The use of any transmission fluid other than what is recommended for this transaxle will cause transaxle damage. Refer to the MATERIAL specification and/or the transmission fluid level indicator for the correct fluid. Use only clean transmission fluid designated for this transaxle and torque converter being serviced.

NOTE: Do not mix Mercon® V or Mercon® LV transmission fluid. This may cause erratic shift feel, erratic shift timing and/or transmission failure.

NOTE: Transmission fluid application:

Early build vehicles require MERCON® V
Late build vehicles require MERCON® LV

Leakage at the transaxle pan-to-case gasket often can be stopped by tightening the attaching bolts to 9 Nm (80 lb-in). If necessary, install a new pan case gasket.

Check the transmission fluid filler tube connection at the transmission case. If leakage is found here, install a new grommet.

Check transmission fluid lines and fittings between the transmission and the cooler in the radiator tank for wear or damage. If leakage cannot be stopped by tightening a transmission fluid tube nut, install new parts. When transmission fluid is found leaking between the case and the cooler line fitting, check for missing or damaged O-ring, then tighten the fitting to maximum specification.

If the leak continues, install a new cooler tube fitting and tighten to specification. The same procedure should be followed for transmission fluid leaks between the radiator cooler and the cooler tube fittings. Refer to TRANSAXLE/TRANSMISSION COOLING .

Check the engine coolant in the radiator. If the transmission fluid is present in the coolant, the cooler in the radiator is probably leaking. The cooler can be further checked for leaks by disconnecting the tubes for the cooler fittings and applying no more than 345 kPa (50 psi) air pressure to the fittings. Remove the coolant recovery cap to relieve the pressure buildup at the exterior of the transmission fluid cooler tank. If the cooler is leaking and/or will not hold pressure, install a new cooler.

If leakage is found at the transaxle range selector lever, install a new seal.

If leakage is found at the transaxle internal harness connector, install a new O-ring.