Check Transmission Fluid Level and Condition
Note. The vehicle should not be driven if the transmission fluid level indicator shows the transmission fluid below the minimum transmission fluid level mark or internal failure could result.
If the vehicle has been operated for an extended period of time, at highway speeds, in city traffic, in hot weather or while pulling a trailer, the transmission fluid needs to cool down to obtain an accurate reading.
The transmission fluid level reading on the transmission fluid level indicator will differ depending on operating and ambient temperatures. The correct reading should be within the normal operating temperature range.
Transmission Fluid Level Check
Note. The transmission fluid should be checked at normal operating temperature 82°C-93°C (180°F-200°F) on a level surface. Normal operating temperature can be reached after approximately 32 km (20 mi) of driving and can be checked using the scan tool.
Under normal circumstances, the transmission fluid level should be checked during normal maintenance. If the transaxle starts to slip, shifts slowly or shows signs of transmission fluid leaking, the transmission fluid level should be checked.
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- With the transaxle in PARK, the engine at idle, foot pressed on the brake, move the selector lever through each gear and allow engagement of each gear. Place the selector lever in the PARK position.
- Wipe the transmission fluid level indicator cap and remove the transmission fluid level indicator.
- Wipe the transmission fluid level indicator with a clean cloth.
- Install the transmission fluid level indicator back in the main control cover until it is fully seated, then remove the indicator. The transmission fluid level should be within the normal operating range. Item Description 1 Correct transmission fluid level at operating temperature 82°C-93°C (180°F-200°F) 2 Low transmission fluid level 3 High transmission fluid level
High Transmission Fluid Level
A transmission fluid level that is too high may cause the transmission fluid to become aerated due to the churning action of the rotating internal parts. This will cause erratic control pressure, foaming, loss of transmission fluid from the vent tube and possible transaxle malfunction and/or damage. If an overfill reading is indicated, refer to AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - 6F50/6F55 .
Low Transmission Fluid Level
A low transmission fluid level could result in poor transaxle engagement, slipping, malfunction and/or damage. This could also indicate a leak in one of the transaxle seals or gaskets.
Adding Transmission Fluid
Note. The use of any transmission fluid other than what is recommended for this transaxle will cause transaxle damage.
If transmission fluid needs to be added, add transmission fluid in 0.25L (1/2 pt) increments. Do not overfill the transmission fluid. For transmission fluid type, refer to SPECIFICATIONS .
Transmission Fluid Condition Check
- Check the transmission fluid level.
- Hold the transmission fluid level indicator over a white facial tissue and allow the transmission fluid to drip onto the facial tissue and examine the stain.
- If evidence of solid material is found, the transmission fluid pan should be removed for further inspection.
- If transmission fluid contamination or transaxle failure is confirmed by the sediment in the bottom of the transmission fluid pan, repair the transaxle and clean the transmission fluid cooler tubes and the transmission fluid cooler.
- If the transaxle is to be overhauled or if installing a new transaxle, the transmission fluid cooler must be backflushed. Refer to «AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - 6F50/6F55»(ref-494558) .
Transmission Fluid Cooler
- If installation of a new OTA transmission fluid multi cooler is required, refer to «CLIMATE CONTROL»(ref-494627) .
Transmission Fluid Cooler Tubes
SPECIAL TOOLS DESCRIPTION CHART Disconnect Tool, Transmission Cooler Line 307-569
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| Item | Specification |
|---|---|
| Motorcraft® MERCON® LV Automatic Transmission Fluid XT-10-QLVC | MERCON® LV |
MATERIAL SPECIFICATIONS
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| Item | Part Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 7D285 | Seal |
| 2 | 7J324 | Backing ring |
| 3 | W712146 | Transmission mounted transmission fluid cooler tube bolts |
| 4 | 7R081 | Transmission mounted transmission fluid cooler tube assembly |
| 5 | 7H322 | Transmission fluid thermal bypass valve (part of 7R081) |
| 6 | Transmission fluid thermal bypass valve nuts | |
| 7 | 7J081 | Transmission fluid cooler tube secondary latches |
| 8 | 7C410 | Transmission fluid cooler inlet tube |
| 9 | W704652 | Transmission fluid cooler tube bracket bolt. |
| 10 | 7B028 | Transmission fluid cooler return tube |
| 11 | 7A095 | OTA transmission fluid multi cooler |
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- With the vehicle in NEUTRAL, position it on a hoist. For additional information, refer to «JACKING & LIFTING»(ref-494560) .
- Remove the front bumper cover. For additional information, refer to «BUMPERS»(ref-494621) .
- Remove the air cleaner. For additional information, refer to «INTAKE AIR DISTRIBUTION & FILTERING»(ref-494599) .
- Remove the air cleaner outlet pipe. For additional information, refer to «INTAKE AIR DISTRIBUTION & FILTERING»(ref-494599) .
- Remove the battery. For additional information, refer to «BATTERY, MOUNTING AND CABLES»(ref-494597) .
- Detach the transmission fluid cooler inlet and return tubes from the transmission fluid cooler tube bracket.
- Remove the transmission fluid cooler inlet and return tubes clip.
- Cut the tie strap and remove the transmission fluid cooler inlet tube insulation.
- Remove the transmission fluid cooler return tube secondary latch.
- Using the Transmission Cooler Line Disconnect Tool, disconnect the transmission fluid cooler return tube from the OTA transmission fluid multi cooler.
- Disconnect the transmission fluid cooler inlet tube from the OTA transmission fluid multi cooler.
- Remove the 2 upper radiator support bracket bolts.
- Remove the LH upper radiator support bracket and insulator.
- Disconnect the cooling fan electrical connector and position the wiring harness aside.
- Remove the transmission fluid cooler inlet and return tube secondary latches at the transmission fluid thermal bypass valve.
- Using the Transmission Cooler Line Disconnect Tool, disconnect the transmission fluid cooler return and inlet cooler tubes from the transmission fluid thermal bypass valve.
- Remove the transmission fluid cooler return and inlet tubes from the vehicle.
- Remove and discard the 2 transmission mounted transmission fluid cooler tube bolts.
- Loosen the 2 transmission mounted transmission fluid cooler tube nuts and remove the 2 transmission mounted transmission fluid cooler tubes from the transmission fluid thermal bypass valve and the transaxle.
- Inspect the transaxle case to be sure that the transmission mounted transmission fluid cooler tube seals and backing rings were removed with the transmission mounted transmission fluid cooler tubes and are not stuck in the transaxle case. If the transmission fluid cooler tube seals or backing rings are stuck in the transaxle case, remove the seals and backing rings.
- Remove the 2 nuts and the transmission fluid thermal bypass valve.
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- Position the transmission fluid thermal bypass valve in place and install the 2 nuts. Tighten to 9 Nm (80 lb-in).
- Inspect the transmission mounted transmission fluid cooler tube backing rings and seals for damage and install new backing rings or seals if necessary. Lubricate the transmission mounted transmission fluid cooler tube seals with clean transmission fluid and install the backing rings and seals on the transmission mounted transmission fluid cooler tube assembly. Seal Backing ring
- Position the 2 transmission mounted transmission fluid cooler tubes on the transaxle and tighten the 2 transmission mounted transmission fluid cooler tube nuts. Tighten to 30 Nm (22 lb-ft).
- Install 2 new transmission mounted transmission fluid cooler tube assembly bolts. Tighten to 9 Nm (80 lb-in).
- Install the transmission return and inlet cooler tubes into the transmission fluid thermal bypass valve.
- Install the transmission fluid cooler inlet and return tubes secondary latches at the transmission fluid thermal bypass valve until they are fully seated.
- Position back the wiring harness and connect the cooling fan electrical connector.
- Install the LH upper radiator support bracket and insulator.
- Install the 2 upper radiator support bracket bolts. Tighten to 9 Nm (80 lb-in).
- Connect the transmission fluid cooler inlet tube to the OTA transmission fluid multi cooler. Tighten to 25 Nm (18 lb-ft).
- Connect the transmission fluid cooler return tube to the OTA transmission fluid multi cooler.
- Install the transmission fluid cooler return tube secondary latch until it is fully seated.
- Install the transmission fluid cooler inlet tube insulation and secure with a new tie strap.
- Install the transmission fluid cooler inlet and return tubes clip.
- Attach the transmission fluid cooler inlet and return tubes to the transmission fluid cooler tube bracket.
- Install the battery. For additional information, refer to «BATTERY, MOUNTING AND CABLES»(ref-494597) .
- Install the air cleaner outlet pipe. For additional information, refer to «INTAKE AIR DISTRIBUTION & FILTERING»(ref-494599) .
- Install the air cleaner. For additional information, refer to «INTAKE AIR DISTRIBUTION & FILTERING»(ref-494599) .
- Install the front bumper cover. For additional information, refer to «BUMPERS»(ref-494621) .
- Check the transmission fluid level and add transmission fluid as necessary.