Automatic Transaxle Cooling System: Maintenance Ford Escape III

Transmission Cooling - vehicles equipped with an OTA transmission fluid cooler

The transmission fluid cooling system consists of the following

1. Transmission mounted transmission fluid cooler outlet tube
2. Transmission fluid cooler tube assembly
3. Transmission fluid cooler bypass valve
4. OTA transmission fluid cooler
5. Transmission fluid cooler coolant control valve
6. Transmission fluid heater coolant control valve
7. Transmission fluid cooler - warmer

These vehicles are equipped with a transmission fluid cooler - warmer assembly. The transmission fluid cooler - warmer maintains the transmission fluid at operating temperature. When the transmission fluid is below operating temperature the transmission fluid heater coolant control valve will direct heated engine coolant to the transmission fluid cooler - warmer to heat the transmission fluid to operating temperature in an optimal amount of time. When the transmission fluid rises above operating temperature the transmission fluid cooler coolant control valve will direct cooled engine coolant to the transmission fluid cooler - warmer to reduce the transmission fluid temperature to normal operating temperature. The transmission is also equipped with an OTA transmission fluid cooler. When the transmission fluid is at or above normal operating temperature, the transmission fluid cooler bypass valve opens allowing the transmission fluid to travel from the transmission through the OTA transmission fluid cooler then back to the transmission. The OTA transmission fluid cooler transfers heat from the transmission fluid to the outside air.

Scheme 44

MATERIAL SPECIFICATIONS

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 may need 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

To check the transmission fluid level, refer to AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE - 6F35 .

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 transmission malfunction and/or damage. If an overfill reading is indicated, refer to AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE - 6F35 .

Low Transmission Fluid Level

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

Transmission Fluid Condition Check

1. Check the transmission fluid level. Refer to «AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE - 6F35»(ref-569558) .
2. 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.
3. If evidence of solid material is found, the transmission fluid pan should be removed for further inspection.
4. If transmission fluid contamination or transmission failure is confirmed by the sediment in the bottom of the transmission fluid pan, repair the transmission and clean the transmission fluid cooler tubes and the transmission fluid cooler.
5. If the transmission is to be overhauled or if installing a new transmission, the transmission fluid cooler must be backflushed. Refer to «TRANSMISSION FLUID COOLER BACKFLUSHING AND CLEANING»(ref-569622-S27499889052013072700000) .

Transmission Fluid Cooler Backflushing and Cleaning

SPECIAL TOOLS Transmission Heated Cooler Line Flusher 222-00007

Scheme 45

MATERIAL SPECIFICATIONS

Note. Use transmission fluid specified for this transmission. Do not use any supplemental transmission fluid additives or cleaning agents. The use of these products could cause internal transmission components to fail, which will affect the operation of the transmission.

Note. Transmission fluid cooler backflushing will be carried out using the Transmission Heated Cooler Line Flusher. Follow the manufacturer's instructions included with the machine. Test the equipment to make sure that a vigorous fluid flow is present before proceeding.

1. Check and top off the fluid level of the cooler line flusher with transmission fluid.
2. Allow the fluid in the cooler line flusher 15-30 minutes to heat up to 60°C (140°F) before using.
3. Install the line adapters on the transmission fluid cooler tubes.
4. Attach the cooler line flusher red line to the transmission fluid cooler inlet tube assembly.
5. Attach the cooler line flusher blue line to the transmission fluid cooler outlet tube assembly.
6. Follow the equipment instructions to purge the transmission fluid cooler tubes and transmission fluid cooler prior to starting the flushing procedure.
7. Allow the transmission fluid cooling system to backflush for 10-15 minutes, then flush the transmission fluid cooler in a normal flow direction for an additional 10-15 minutes.
8. For vehicles equipped with an auxiliary transmission OTA fluid cooler, clean the transmission fluid cooler tubes by hand and replace the cooler bypass valve.

Transmission Fluid Cooler Tubes

SPECIAL TOOLS Disconnect Tool, Transmission Cooler Line 307-569

Scheme 46

MATERIAL SPECIFICATIONS

Transmission Fluid Cooler - Warmer

MATERIAL SPECIFICATIONS

Auxiliary Transmission Fluid Cooler - Oil-to-Air Fluid Cooler

SPECIAL TOOLS Disconnect Tool, Transmission Cooler Line 307-569

MATERIAL SPECIFICATIONS