Transmission Fluid Drain and Refill: Refill

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2013 Ford Mustang. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

NOTE: This procedure contains the air purge steps required to purge air from the transmission fluid cooling system. This procedure is NOT intended for use with the Transmission Fluid Level Check.

NOTE: The vehicle should not be driven if the transmission fluid level is low as internal failure could result.

NOTE: The transmission fluid fill plug is located near the exhaust system. The exhaust will be extremely hot during this procedure.

NOTE: The use of any other transmission fluid than specified can result in the transmission failing to operate in a normal manner or transmission failure.

NOTE: If the transmission starts to slip, shifts slowly or shows signs of transmission fluid leaking, the transmission fluid level should be checked.

NOTE: Here is an overview of the Transmission Fluid Drain and Refill procedure.

Adding 3.3L (3.5 qt) of transmission fluid to the transmission is an initial fill enabling the engine to be started.
Filling the transmission to the transmission fluid level indicator area below the crosshatch mark shown in the procedure allows the vehicle to be driven.
The vehicle should be driven to allow the Transmission Fluid Temperature (TFT) to reach 85°C-88°C (185°F-190°F) in order to purge the air from the transmission fluid cooling system.
Fill the transmission fluid to the fill range on the transmission fluid level indicator at the normal operating range 80°C-85°C (176°F-185°F).

NOTE:
The transmission will need 3.3L (3.5 qt) of transmission fluid added to the transmission as an initial fill if:
- a new mechatronic assembly has been installed.
- the transmission fluid pan or transmission fluid filter have been removed.
Using the Transmission Fluid Fill Tube, add 3.3L (3.5 qt) of transmission fluid to the transmission through the transmission fluid fill hole. For additional information, refer to ADDING ADDITIONAL TRANSMISSION FLUID in this procedure.
Separate the transmission fluid level indicator from the transmission fluid fill plug.

Fig 1: Locating Transmission Fluid Level Indicator And Fill Plug
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Check the transmission fluid level.
- Install the scan tool.
- Start the engine.
- Place the selector lever in each gear position and hold approximately 5 seconds. Place the selector lever in PARK, with the engine at idle (600-750 rpm).
- Wipe the transmission fluid level indicator clean. Reinstall only the transmission fluid level indicator back into the transmission fluid fill plug hole to check the transmission fluid level. Repeat this until a consistent reading is established.
  
  Fig 2: Locating Transmission Fluid Fill Plug
  Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
NOTE: The vehicle is safe to drive with a cold TFT if the transmission fluid level is in the transmission fluid level indicator area below the crosshatch mark as shown. Failure to add transmission fluid to this level can result in damage to the transmission.

Add transmission fluid to the area on the transmission fluid level indicator below the crosshatch mark as shown.

Fig 3: Locating Transmission Fluid Level Indicator Crosshatch Mark
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Install the transmission fluid fill plug.
- Tighten to 35 Nm (26 lb-ft).
  
  Fig 4: Locating Transmission Fluid Fill Plug
  Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
NOTE: Always drive the vehicle in a safe manner according to driving conditions and obey all traffic laws.

Drive the vehicle. While driving the vehicle, use the scan tool to verify that the TFT has reached a temperature of 88°C (190°F). This will circulate the transmission fluid through the torque converter and the transmission fluid cooling system, eliminating any trapped air in the transmission fluid cooling system.
- With the engine idling (600-750 rpm) in PARK, verify that the TFT is between 80°C-85°C (176°F-185°F).
With the vehicle in NEUTRAL, position it on a hoist. For additional information, refer to JACKING & LIFTING .
Remove the transmission fluid fill plug transmission fluid level indicator assembly located on the passenger side front portion of the transmission case.

Fig 5: Locating Transmission Fluid Fill Plug
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Separate the transmission fluid level indicator from the transmission fluid fill plug.

Fig 6: Locating Transmission Fluid Level Indicator And Fill Plug
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Wipe the transmission fluid level indicator clean. Reinstall only the transmission fluid level indicator back into the transmission fluid fill plug hole to check the transmission fluid level. Repeat this until a consistent reading is established.

Fig 7: Locating Transmission Fluid Fill Plug Hole
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
NOTE: The transmission fluid level indicator has 2 areas for the fluid level, a crosshatched (labeled A) area and a dotted (labeled B) area. Use the crosshatched area when checking the transmission fluid level. The correct transmission fluid level is at the upper level of the crosshatch marks on the transmission fluid level indicator.

Using the scan tool verify that the TFT is between 80°C-85°C (176°F-185°F). The transmission fluid level must be at the upper level of the crosshatch mark.

Fig 8: Locating Upper Level Of Crosshatch Mark On Transmission Fluid Level
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
NOTE: If the transmission fluid is not at the correct level, follow the steps for Adding Additional Transmission Fluid or Removing Transmission Fluid in this procedure.

Install the transmission fluid fill plug.
- Tighten to 35 Nm (26 lb-ft).
  
  Fig 9: Locating Transmission Fluid Fill Plug
  Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.