Check Fluid Level and Condition
NOTE: MERCON Automatic Transmission Fluid is being replaced by MERCON V as a service fluid.
Check Fluid Level and Condition Fluid Level Check
CAUTION: Your vehicle should not be driven if the fluid level is below the bottom hole on the fluid level indicator and outside temperature is above 10°C (50°F).
CAUTION: If vehicle has been operated for an extended period at high speed, in city traffic, in hot weather, or vehicle is being used to pull a trailer, the fluid has to cool approximately 30 minutes after engine had been turned off to obtain an accurate reading.
Under normal circumstances, you need to check the fluid level of the transmission, during normal maintenance and change it at 48,000 km (30,000 miles), since the vehicle does not use up transmission fluid. However, if the transmission is not working properly, the transmission may slip or shift slowly or you may notice some sign for fluid leakage. The fluid level should be checked.
It is preferable to check the transmission fluid level at normal operating temperature after approximately 32 km (20 miles) of driving. If necessary, you can check the fluid level without driving the vehicle if outside temperature is above 1O°C (50° F).
NOTE: The fluid level on the fluid level indicator will be different at operating temperature and room temperature. For the correct fluid level reading on the fluid level indicator, follow the appropriate instructions.
When checking fluid at normal operating temperature, the fluid level should be within the crosshatched area on the fluid level indicator. When the vehicle has not been driven and outside temperature is above 10°C (50° F), the fluid level should be between the holes in the fluid level indicator (7A020).
Check Fluid Level
NOTE: Do not turn off the engine during the fluid level check.
1. With transmission in PARK (P), engine at curb idle rpm, foot brakes applied and vehicle on level surface, move the transmission range selector lever through each range. Allow time in each range to engage transmission. Return to Park (P), apply the parking brake and block wheels.
2. Clean all dirt from the transmission fluid level indicator cap before removing the fluid level indicator from the oil filler tube (7A228).
3. Pull the fluid level indicator out of the transmission oil filler tube, wipe it clean, and push all the way back into the tube. Make sure it is fully seated.
4. Pull the fluid level indicator out of the transmission oil filler tube again and check the fluid level.
If necessary, add enough fluid through the transmission oil filler tube to raise the level to the correct position. Do not overfill the transmission. This will result in foaming, loss of fluid through the vent and possible transmission malfunction. If overfill occurs, excess fluid must be removed.
5. Install the fluid level indicator, making sure it is fully seated in the fluid filler tube.
If the transmission fluid level is correctly established at 10°C-35°C (50°F-95°F), it will. appear in the crosshatch area on the fluid level indicator when the transmission reaches an operating temperature of 66°C-77°C (150°F-170°F). Do not overfill or underfill.
Underfill can result in transmission loss of engagement or slipping. This condition is most evident in cold weather or when the vehicle is parked or being driven on a hill.
If the transmission fluid level is checked when the fluid is at room temperature, the fluid level indicator could indicate that fluid should be added if the fluid level indicator is misread. If fluid is added at this time, an overfill condition could result when the fluid reaches operating temperatures of 66°C-77°C (150°F-170°F) (fluid level indicator hot to touch).
High or Low Fluid Level
A fluid level that is too high may cause the fluid to become aerated due to the churning action of the rotating parts of the transmission. Aerated fluid will cause erratic control pressure, and the aerated fluid may be forced from the vent.
A fluid level that is too low will affect transmission operation. Low level may indicate fluid leaks that may cause transmission damage.
Adding Fluid
CAUTION: Use of any fluid other than specified could result In transmission malfunction or failure.
If you need to add fluid, first check for the correct type MERCON or MERCON V Automatic Transmission Fluid stamped on the oil indicator. Before adding any fluid, be sure that the correct type will be used.
Add fluid in 0.25L (1/2 pint) increments through the oil filler tube to bring the level to the correct area on the fluid level indicator. If an overfill occurs, excess fluid must be removed.
Fluid Change - Drain/Refill
Normal maintenance requires periodic automatic transmission fluid changes. If a major service, such as a clutch, band, bearing, etc., is required, the automatic transmission fluid will also have to be removed for service. At this time, the torque converter (7902), transmission cooler, cooler inlet tube and cooler tube must be thoroughly flushed to remove any dirt. When used under continuous or severe conditions, the transmission and torque converter should be drained and refilled with fluid as specified.
Normal Maintenance
Change fluid at 48,000 km (30,000 miles).
Severe Duty/Major Overhaul
Change fluid at 33,000 km (21,000 miles).
CAUTION: Use of a fluid other than specified could result in transmission malfunction and/or failure.
Refer to the vehicle certification label affixed to the LH front door lock face panel or door pillar for the transmission code.
When filling a dry transmission and torque converter, refer to Specifications in this section for capacity. Check the fluid level.
Procedures for partial drain and refill are:
1. Raise vehicle on a hoist and position suitable safety stands under vehicle.
2. Place drain pan under transmission.
3. Loosen transmission pan retaining bolts and allow fluid to drain from transmission.
4. When fluid has drained to level of pan flange, remove the transmission pan retaining bolts working from the right-hand side of the transmission. Carefully lower the transmission pan and drain remaining fluid.
5. Remove the pan to case gasket and thoroughly clean the transmission pan and pan magnet.
6. Drain the torque converter by removing the torque converter drain plug.
7. Throughly flush torque converter, auxiliary fluid cooler (if equipped) and lines.
8. After torque converter has been drained, install new torque converter drain plug and tighten to 28-30 N.m (21-23 lb-ft).
CAUTION: If installing new filter and grommet remains in main control bore, carefully use a small screwdriver to remove it. Take care not to damage main control bore.
NOTE: If servicing for contamination-related failure, use a new filter and grommet. Filter may be reused if no excessive contamination is present.
9. Replace transmission fluid filter and grommet as required.
10. Clean and inspect transmission pan to case gasket. If OK, reuse. Install pan to case gasket on transmission pan.
11. Install pan magnet in transmission pan. Install transmission pan to transmission. Tighten fourteen retaining bolts to 12-15 Nm (9-11 lb-ft).
12. Remove safety stands and lower vehicle.
13. When filling a dry transmission and converter start with a minimum of 6.1 liters (6.5 quarts). Refer to specifications for capacity.
14. Fill transmission to proper level with MERCON or MERCON V Automatic Transmission Fluid or equivalent FORD approved fluid.
Fluid Condition Check
1. Perform fluid level check.
2. Observe color and odor of the fluid. It should be dark reddish, not brown or black. Odor can sometimes indicate that there is an overheating condition clutch disc failure or band failure.
3. Use an absorbent white facial tissue to wipe the dipstick. Examine the stain for evidence of solids (specks of any kind) and for signs of antifreeze (gum or varnish on fluid level indicator).
If specks are present in the fluid or there is evidence of antifreeze, the transmission fluid pan (7A194) must be removed for further inspection. If fluid contamination or transmission failure is confirmed by further evidence of coolant or excessive solids in the transmission fluid pan, the transmission must be disassembled and completely cleaned and serviced. This includes cleaning the torque converter and transmission cooling system. Do not perform any further checks before cleaning and servicing the transmission (7003). During disassembly and assembly, all overhaul checks and adjustments of clearances and end play must be made. After the transmission has been serviced, all diagnostic tests and adjustments listed in the Diagnosis by Symptom chart must be completed to ensure the concern has been corrected.