Main Control Cover - 3.5L Ti-VCT: Installation

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

Inspect the transmission main control cover seal for damage and install new if necessary.

Fig 1: Locating Transmission Main Control Cover Seal
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
NOTE: Inspect the 20-pin solenoid body connector seal and make sure the seal is on the solenoid body connector or a transmission fluid leak will occur resulting in transmission damage.

NOTE: Install the stud bolts in the locations noted during disassembly.

Install the main control cover and loosely install the 14 bolts.
1. Bolt location
2. Stud bolt location
Tighten the main control cover bolts in the following sequence.
- Tighten to 12 Nm (106 lb-in).
  
  Fig 2: Identifying Main Control Cover Bolts Tightening Sequence
  Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Position the transmission fluid cooler thermal bypass valve and transmission fluid cooler assembly in place and install the 2 transmission fluid cooler thermal bypass valve nuts.
- Tighten to 9 Nm (80 lb-in).
Install the ground strap and nut on the main control cover stud bolt.
- Tighten to 11 Nm (97 lb-in).
Connect the transmission electrical connector and install the wiring harness fastener on the main control cover stud.

Fig 3: Locating Transmission Electrical Connector And Wiring Harness Fastener
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Inspect the transmission mounted transmission fluid cooler tube backing ring and seal for damage and install a new backing ring or seal if necessary. Lubricate the transmission mounted transmission fluid cooler tube seal with clean Motorcraft® MERCON® LV Automatic Transmission Fluid and install the backing ring and seal on the transmission mounted transmission fluid cooler tube.

Item	Service Part Number	Description
1	7D258	Seal
2	7J324	Backing ring

Fig 4: Identifying Transmission Mounted Transmission Fluid Cooler Tube Backing Ring And Seal

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Position the transmission mounted transmission fluid cooler tube in place and install a new transmission mounted transmission fluid cooler tube bolt.
- Tighten to 9 Nm (80 lb-in).
  
  Fig 5: Locating Transmission Mounted Transmission Fluid Cooler Tube And Bolt
  Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Tighten the transmission mounted transmission fluid cooler tube fitting.
- Tighten to 25 Nm (18 lb-ft).
  
  Fig 6: Locating Transmission Mounted Transmission Fluid Cooler Tube Fitting
  Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Install the ACL assembly and outlet pipe. REFER to INTAKE AIR SYSTEM COMPONENTS - EXPLODED VIEW .
Fill with clean Motorcraft® MERCON® LV Automatic Transmission Fluid. Refer to TRANSMISSION FLUID DRAIN AND REFILL .