Automatic Transmission - 4R70W/4R75W: Maintenance Ford Econoline E150

Fluid Pump

For component location, refer to DISASSEMBLED VIEWS .

The transmission uses a gerotor-type design front pump support and gear. The pump provides the volume of fluid needed to charge the torque converter, main control assembly, cooling system and lube system. Pump pressure is regulated by the main regulator valve. The pump has an internal boost circuit which is more efficient at lower engine speeds.

Transmission Fluid Temperature (TFT) Sensor

The transmission fluid temperature (TFT) sensor is located on the lead frame assembly near the shift solenoids on the main control valve body. It is a temperature-sensitive device called a thermistor. It sends a voltage signal to the PCM. The voltage signal varies with transmission fluid temperature. The PCM uses this signal to determine whether a cold start shift schedule is necessary. The shift schedule is compensated when the transmission fluid temperature is cold. The PCM also inhibits (TCC) operation at low transmission fluid temperatures and corrects electronic pressure control.

Fluid Level Check

Note. If the vehicle has been operated for an extended period, at high highway speeds, in city traffic, during hot weather, or while pulling a trailer, the fluid needs to cool down to obtain an accurate reading.

Note. The fluid level reading on the indicator will differ from operating and ambient temperatures. The correct reading should be within the normal operating temperature range.

Under normal circumstances the fluid level should be checked during normal maintenance. If the transmission starts to slip, shifts slowly, or shows signs of fluid leaking, the fluid level should be checked.

Scheme 593

1. With the transmission in P (PARK), the engine at idle, foot pressed on the brake, move the range selector lever through each gear and allow engagement of each gear. Place the transmission range selector lever in the P position.
2. Wipe the fluid level indicator cap and remove the indicator.
3. Wipe the indicator with a clean cloth.
4. Install the indicator back in the filler tube until it is fully seated, then remove the indicator. The fluid level should be within the normal operating temperature range.

High Fluid Level

A fluid level that is too high may cause the fluid to become aerated due to the churning action of the rotating internal parts. This will cause erratic control pressure, foaming, loss of fluid from the vent tube, and possible transmission failure. If an overfill reading is indicated, drain and refill the transmission.

Low Fluid Level

A low fluid level could result in poor transmission engagement, slipping, or failure. This could also indicate a leak in one of the transmission seals or gaskets.

Adding Fluid

If fluid needs to be added, add fluid in 0.25L (1/2 pint) increments through the filler tube. Do not overfill the fluid. For fluid type, refer to the ITEM SPECIFICATION CHART .

Fluid Condition Check

1. Check the fluid level.
2. Observe the color and the odor. The color under normal circumstances should be dark reddish, not brown or black or have a burnt odor.
3. Hold the fluid level indicator over a white facial tissue and allow the fluid to drip onto the facial tissue and examine the stain.
4. If evidence of solid material is found, the transmission fluid pan should be removed for further inspection.
5. If the stain is a foamy pink color this may indicate coolant in the transmission. The engine cooling system should also be inspected at this time.
6. If fluid contamination or transmission failure is confirmed by the sediment in the bottom of the fluid pan, the transmission must be disassembled and completely cleaned. This includes the torque converter and cooler tubes. The oil-to-air cooler will need to be installed.
7. Carry out diagnostic checks and adjustments. Refer to «DIAGNOSIS BY SYMPTOM»(ref-210156-S06892534632006040300000) .

Transmission Fluid Cooler

Note. Cleaning and backflushing the transmission fluid cooling system along with following all the normal cleaning and inspection procedures in this article during disassembly and reassembly will keep contamination from reentering the transmission and causing a repeat repair.

When internal wear or damage has occurred in the transmission, metal particles, clutch plate material, or band material may have been carried into the torque converter and transmission fluid cooler. These contaminants are a major cause of recurring transmission troubles and must be removed from the system before the transmission is put back into use.

Transmission Fluid Cooler- Backflushing and Cleaning

MATERIAL

MATERIALS CHART

Scheme 594

1. Conduct backflushing with a suitable torque converter/fluid cooler cleaner. Test your equipment to make sure that a vigorous fluid flow is present before proceeding. Install a new filter in the flush equipment if flow is weak or contaminated.
2. If equipped, remove and discard the transmission fluid in-line filter.
3. To aid in attaching the cleaner to the transmission steel cooler lines, connect two additional rubber hoses to the transmission end of the steel transmission cooler lines as described below. Connect the cleaner tank pressure line to the transmission fluid cooler return tube. Connect a tank return hose to the transmission fluid cooler return tube. Place the outlet end of this hose in the reservoir.
4. Remove the cooler bypass valve from the cooler tubes. Install rubber hoses in place of the cooler bypass valve while flushing the cooler and lines.
5. Turn on the pump and allow the fluid to circulate a minimum of 5 minutes (cycling switch on and off will help dislodge contaminants in cooler system).
6. Switch off the pump and disconnect the pressure hose from the transmission cooler return tube.
7. Use compressed air to blow out the cooler(s) and tubes (blow air into the transmission cooler return tube) until all fluid is removed.
8. Remove the rubber return hose from the remaining steel cooler tube.
9. Remove the rubber hoses and install the bypass valve.

Transmission Fluid In-Line Filter

MATERIAL

MATERIALS CHART

Note. Use the following guidelines for installing the transmission fluid in-line filter.

1. If the transmission was overhauled and the vehicle was equipped with an in-line fluid filter, install a new in-line fluid filter.
2. If the transmission was overhauled and the vehicle was not equipped with an in-line fluid filter, install a new in-line fluid filter kit.
3. If the transmission is being installed for a non-internal repair, do not install an in-line filter or filter kit.
4. If installing a new or a Ford-authorized remanufactured transmission, install the in-line transmission fluid filter that is supplied.

Scheme 595

Scheme 596

1. With the vehicle in NEUTRAL, position it on a hoist. For additional information, refer to «JACKING & LIFTING»(ref-210109) .
2. Remove the section of the rubber hose as illustrated.
3. Install the filter and tighten the clamps.
4. Clean a section of the transmission fluid pan and install the sticker.
5. Fill the transmission with clean automatic transmission fluid. Verify for correct operation. Check the filter for leaks.

Transmission Fluid Drain and Refill

SPECIAL TOOL(S)

Scheme 597

MATERIAL

MATERIALS CHART

Note. Draining fluid from the transmission by removing only the fluid pan is acceptable for vehicles that do not have a torque converter drain plug, for normal or severe duty fluid maintenance.

Note. A new procedure for draining and adding transmission fluid using a suitable transmission flush and fill machine has been added. The following procedure has different methods for draining and refilling the listed vehicles

1. All vehicles using a suitable flush and fill machine.
2. Vehicles equipped with a torque converter drain plug.
3. Vehicles without a torque converter drain plug.

Use the method that is applicable to your vehicle.

1. With the vehicle in NEUTRAL, position it on a hoist. For additional information, refer to «JACKING & LIFTING»(ref-210109) .
2. Use a suitable flush and fill machine to change the fluid.
3. When connecting the flush and fill machine, connect the machine to the fluid cooler tube after the fluid cooler on the cooler return tube. This will help remove any foreign material trapped in the fluid coolers.
4. Use only clean automatic transmission fluid.
5. Once the fluid exchange has been completed, disconnect the flush and fill machine. Reconnect any disconnected fluid cooler tubes.
6. With the engine running and the transmission at normal operating temperature 66-77°C (150-170 °F), check and adjust the transmission fluid level, and check for any leaks. If fluid is needed, add fluid in increments of 0.24-liter (0.5-pint) until the correct level is achieved (fluid should be in the cross-hatched area of the fluid level indicator).

DRAINING

DRAINING

Scheme 598

Scheme 599

Scheme 600

Scheme 601

1. With the vehicle in NEUTRAL, position on a hoist. For additional information, refer to «JACKING & LIFTING»(ref-210109) .
2. Loosen the transmission fluid pan bolts and allow the fluid to drain.
3. After the fluid has drained, remove the transmission fluid pan.
4. Do not remove the fluid filter. It is not necessary to change the fluid filter during a normal maintenance fluid change.
5. Clean and inspect the transmission fluid pan, transmission fluid pan gasket and magnet.
6. Thoroughly flush the cooler tubes. For additional information, refer to «TRANSMISSION FLUID COOLER -- BACKFLUSHING AND CLEANING»(ref-213722-S08345295932005123000000) .
7. Position the magnet into the transmission fluid pan.
8. Install the fluid pan and gasket. Position the fluid pan with the gasket in place. Install the bolts.
9. Fill the transmission. Add 4.7 liters (5 qts) of clean automatic transmission fluid to the transmission through the fluid filler tube.
10. Start the engine. Move the transmission range selector lever through all the gear ranges, checking for engagements.
11. With the engine running and the transmission at normal operating temperature 66-77°C (150-170 °F), check and adjust the transmission fluid level, and check for any leaks. If fluid is needed, add fluid in increments of 0.24-liter (0.5-pint) until the correct level is achieved (fluid should be in the cross-hatched area of the fluid level indicator).

Fluid Pan, Gasket and Filter

MATERIAL

MATERIALS CHART

Scheme 602

Scheme 603

Scheme 604

Scheme 605

1. With the vehicle in NEUTRAL, position it on a hoist. For additional information, refer to «JACKING & LIFTING»(ref-210109) .
2. Loosen but do not remove the transmission fluid pan bolts and allow fluid to drain. Once the fluid is drained remove the bolts.
3. Remove the transmission fluid pan and transmission fluid pan gasket.
4. Pull down evenly and remove the transmission fluid filter and seal.
5. Clean and inspect the transmission fluid pan, gasket and magnet.

Scheme 606

Scheme 607

1. Install a new fluid filter and seal.
2. Position the pan magnet into the transmission fluid pan.
3. Install the transmission fluid pan and gasket. Position the transmission fluid pan gasket. Position the transmission fluid pan.
4. Install the transmission fluid pan bolts.
5. Fill the transmission to the correct level with clean automatic transmission fluid.