Transaxle/transmission Cooling: Maintenance Ford Thunderbird XI

Transmission Fluid Cooler - Backflushing and Cleaning

When internal wear or damage has occurred in the transmission, metal particles, clutch plate material, or band material may have been carried into the transmission cooler. These contaminants are a major cause of recurring transmission concerns .

Scheme 64

1. Using a suitable torque converter/fluid cooler cleaner, backflush the fluid cooler and lines. Test the equipment to make sure that a vigorous fluid flow is present before proceeding. Install a new filter in the flushing equipment if flow is weak or contaminated.
2. To aid in attaching the cleaner to the transmission steel cooler tubes, connect two additional rubber hoses to the transmission end of the steel transmission cooler tubes. Connect the cleaner tank pressure line to the steel transmission inlet tube. Connect a tank return hose to the steel transmission outlet tube. Place the outlet end of this hose in the solvent.
3. Turn on the solvent pump and allow the solvent to circulate a minimum of 5 minutes (cycling the switch on and off will help dislodge contaminants in the cooler system).
4. Switch off the solvent pump and disconnect the solvent pressure hose from the transmission cooler return line.
5. Use compressed air to blow out the cooler(s) and tubes (blow air into the transmission cooler return line) until all solvent is removed.
6. Remove the rubber return hose from the remaining steel cooler line.

Scheme 65

Scheme 66

1. Remove the A/C condenser core. For additional information, refer to «AIR CONDITIONING»(ref-204570) .
2. Remove and discard the six hose clamps.
3. Disconnect the six hoses from the cooler. Plug the hoses and the cooler.
4. Remove the cooler. Remove the two bolts. Lift the cooler from the retainers and remove the cooler.

Scheme 67

1. Install the cooler. Position the cooler on the retainers. Install the two bolts.
2. Position new hose clamps on the six hoses.
3. Remove the plugs from the six hoses and the cooler. Connect the six hoses to the cooler.
4. Using the special tool, tighten the six hose clamps.
5. Install the A/C condenser. For additional information, refer to «AIR CONDITIONING»(ref-204570) .
6. Fill and leak check the power steering system. For additional information, refer to «STEERING SYSTEM-GENERAL INFORMATION»(ref-204554) .
7. Fill and leak check the cooling fan system. For additional information, refer to «ENGINE COOLING»(ref-204560) .
8. Fill the automatic transmission and leak check the cooling system. For additional information, refer to «AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - 5R55N»(ref-204561) .

Scheme 68

Scheme 69

Scheme 70

Scheme 71

Scheme 72

1. Disconnect the battery. For additional information, refer to «BATTERY, MOUNTING & CABLES»(ref-204581) .
2. Disconnect the rubber fluid cooling hoses from the steel fluid cooling tubes.
3. Remove the steel fluid cooling tube routing bracket from the fluid cooling tubes.
4. Remove the two screws, one pushpin, and the RH splash shield.
5. Remove the wire harness retainer from the steel fluid cooling tube support bracket.
6. Remove the steel fluid cooling tube support bracket.
7. Remove the steel fluid cooling tube support bracket from the fluid cooling tubes.
8. Disconnect the steel fluid cooling tubes from the transmission.
9. Remove the generator. For additional information, refer to «GENERATOR»(ref-163638-S28188765712004070800000) .
10. Remove the right engine mount. For additional information, refer to «ENGINE MOUNT»(ref-204559-S08985637492005111300000) .
11. Remove the steel fluid cooling tubes individually.

Scheme 73

Scheme 74

Scheme 75

Scheme 76

Scheme 77

1. Position the steel fluid cooling tubes in the vehicle and install the fluid cooling tube support bracket on the tubes.
2. Install the right engine mount. For additional information, refer to «ENGINE MOUNT»(ref-204559-S08985637492005111300000) .
3. Install the steel fluid cooling tube support bracket.
4. Install the wire harness connector.
5. Connect the steel fluid cooling tubes to the transmission.
6. Install the generator. For additional information, refer to «GENERATOR»(ref-163638-S28188765712004070800000) .
7. Install the RH splash shield with two screws and one pushpin.
8. Install the steel fluid cooling tube routing bracket.
9. Connect the steel fluid cooling tubes to the rubber fluid cooling hoses.
10. Connect the battery. For additional information, refer to «BATTERY, MOUNTING & CABLES»(ref-204581) .

Scheme 78

Scheme 79

Scheme 80

1. Remove the A/C condenser core. For additional information, refer to «AIR CONDITIONING»(ref-204570) .
2. Disconnect the rubber fluid cooler hoses from the fluid cooler. Cut and discard the clamps.
3. Disconnect the rubber fluid cooling hoses from the steel fluid cooling tubes.
4. Remove the rubber fluid cooling hoses.

Scheme 81

1. Install new clamps on the rubber fluid hoses.
2. Connect the rubber fluid cooler hoses to the fluid cooler.
3. Using the special tool, tighten the clamps.
4. Connect the rubber fluid cooling hoses to the steel fluid cooling tubes.
5. Install the A/C condenser core. For additional information, refer to «AIR CONDITIONING»(ref-204570) .