Transmission Fluid Drain and Refill

Vehicle Communication Module (VCM) and Integrated Diagnostic System (IDS) software with appropriate hardware, or equivalent scan tool

Draining 

1. With the vehicle in NEUTRAL, position it on a hoist. For additional information, refer to JACKING & LIFTING .
2. Remove the transmission fluid drain plug and allow the transmission fluid to drain.
   Fig 1: Location of Transmission Fluid Drain Plug

   Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

   Refill 

3. Install the transmission fluid drain plug.
   • Tighten to 47 Nm (35 lb-ft).
     Fig 2: Location of Transmission Fluid Drain Plug

     Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
4. Remove the transmission fluid fill plug.
   Fig 3: Location of Transmission Fluid Fill Plug

   Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
5. Fill the transaxle with approximately 3.7L (4 qt) of clean transmission fluid.
6. Install the transmission fluid fill plug.
   • Tighten to 39 Nm (29 lb-ft).
     Fig 4: Location of Transmission Fluid Fill Plug

     Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
7. With the transaxle in (P) PARK, the vehicle should be on a level surface, the engine at idle (680-780 RPM), foot pressed on the brake, move the selector lever through each gear and allow engagement of each gear. Place the selector lever back in the PARK position.
8. Wipe the transmission fluid level indicator cap and remove the fluid level indicator.
   Fig 5: Location of Transmission Fluid Level Indicator

   Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
9. Wipe the transmission fluid level indicator with a clean cloth.
NOTE: In order to get an accurate transmission fluid level reading, the vehicle should be on a level surface, the engine at idle (680-780 RPM) for 5 minutes and the transmission fluid temperature should be at least 60°C-70°C (140°F-158°F) using the scan tool.
10. If transmission fluid needs to be added, add transmission fluid in 0.25L (1/2 pint) increments through the transmission fluid fill plug located on the top of the transaxle near the transmission fluid level indicator. Do not overfill the transmission fluid. Install the transmission fluid level indicator back in the transmission fluid filler tube until it is fully seated, then remove the indicator. The transmission fluid level should be at the upper-most mark on the transmission fluid level indicator. Only fill to the upper-most mark on the transmission fluid indicator. Do not overfill. Damage to the transaxle will occur.
NOTE: The correct transmission fluid level at normal operating temperature of 60°C-70°C (140°F-158°F) is between the top 2 marks on the transmission fluid level indicator.
Fig 6: Location of Marks On Transmission Fluid Level Indicator (Normal Operating Temperature)
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
11. Fill the transaxle to the correct transmission fluid level.
NOTE: The correct transmission fluid level at cool operating temperature of 15°C-25°C (59°F-77°F), is at the bottom mark on the transmission fluid level indicator.
Fig 7: Location of Mark On Transmission Fluid Level Indicator (Cool Operating Temperature)
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
12. If the Transmission Fluid Temperature (TFT) is low, fill the transaxle with transmission fluid to the cold range on the transmission fluid level indicator. Recheck the transmission fluid level when the transaxle has reached the normal operating temperature.