Transmission Fluid Drain and Refill

MATERIALS

Item	Specification
MERCON® V Automatic Transmission Fluid XT-5-QM (or XT-5-QMC) (US); CXT-5-LM12 (Canada)	MERCON® V

With the engine running, check the transmission fluid level and condition. If the fluid level and fluid condition is not within specification, adjust to correct level. For additional information, refer to PRELIMINARY INSPECTION in this article.
Turn the engine OFF.
With the vehicle in NEUTRAL, position it on a hoist. For additional information, refer to JACKING AND LIFTING .
Remove the lower retaining clip from the lower transaxle cooler line fitting.

Fig 1: Identifying Transaxle Lower Retaining Clip
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Depress the tabs on the plastic insert retainer and remove cooler line from fitting.

Fig 2: Identifying Plastic Tabs
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Attach a flexible hose, approximately 0.9 m (3 ft) in length, to the fluid cooler tube with the other end in a suitable, 15-quart container.

Fig 3: Locating Flexible Hose
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

CAUTION: When plugging the cooler tube fitting, make sure the plug is made of a soft material to prevent damage to the internal seal of the cooler tube fitting.

Fig 4: Locating Cooler Tube Fitting

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Insert a plug into the cooler tube fitting on the transaxle.

CAUTION: When the steady stream of transmission fluid stops flowing, the engine must be turned off to prevent damage to the transaxle. Engine RPM should not exceed curb idle speed while draining the transmission fluid.

Fig 5: Identifying Flexible Hose

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Start the engine and run at idle while observing the flexible hose for 40-60 seconds until the steady stream of fluid stops flowing. Turn the engine off. This step will drain approximately 1.9-2.8 liters (2-3 quarts) of transmission fluid.
Fill the transaxle with 9.5 liters (10 quarts) of clean automatic transmission fluid.

Fig 6: Locating Flexible Hose

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Start the engine and run at idle while observing the flexible hose for 2-3 minutes until the steady stream of fluid stops flowing. Turn the engine off. This step will drain approximately 9.5 liters (10 quarts).
Remove the plug from the cooler tube fitting.

Fig 7: Locating Cooler Tube Fitting
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Remove the flex hose from the cooler tube.

Fig 8: Locating Flex Hose
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

NOTE: Clean the cooler tube fitting before installing it to verify a good connection and to prevent any leaks.

Fig 9: Installing Lower Cooler Tube

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Install the lower cooler tube.
Install the lower retaining clip

Fig 10: Locating Lower Retaining Clip
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Fill the transaxle with clean automatic transmission fluid.
Start the engine and move the transaxle range selector lever through all the ranges allowing the transaxle to engage in each position.
Check the transaxle at normal operating temperature. Fluid should be within the crosshatched area of the fluid level indicator. If the fluid is not within the crosshatched area add fluid in 0.2365 liter (1/2 pint) increments until the correct level is achieved.