Main Control Cover: Removal

NOTE: The use of any transmission fluid other than what is recommended for this transaxle will cause transaxle damage. Refer to the MATERIAL specification and/or the transmission fluid level indicator for the correct fluid. Use only clean transmission fluid designated for this transaxle and torque converter being serviced.

NOTE: Do not mix Mercon® V or Mercon® LV transmission fluid. This may cause erratic shift feel, erratic shift timing and/or transmission failure.

NOTE: Transmission fluid application:

Early build vehicles require MERCON® V
Late build vehicles require MERCON® LV

With the vehicle in NEUTRAL, position it on a hoist. For additional information, refer to JACKING & LIFTING .
Disconnect the Mass Air Flow (MAF) sensor electrical connector.

Fig 1: Locating Mass Air Flow (MAF) Sensor Electrical Connector
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Disconnect the engine breather from the Air Cleaner (ACL) assembly.

Fig 2: Locating Engine Breather
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Remove the 2 ACL assembly bracket bolts.

Fig 3: Locating ACL Assembly Bracket Bolts
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Loosen the ACL outlet pipe clamp at the Throttle Body (TB) and remove the ACL and ACL outlet pipe assembly.

Fig 4: Locating ACL Outlet Pipe Clamp
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Remove the transmission fluid drain plug and allow the transmission fluid to drain.

Fig 5: Locating Transmission Fluid Drain Plug
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Install the transmission fluid drain plug.
- Tighten to 9 Nm (80 lb-in).
  
  Fig 6: Locating Transmission Fluid Drain Plug
  Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Position aside the coolant hoses from the transmission fluid filler tube.

Fig 7: Locating Coolant Hoses
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

NOTE: Coolant hoses removed for clarity.

Fig 8: Locating Transmission Fluid Level Indicator

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Remove the transmission fluid level indicator.

NOTE: Coolant hoses removed for clarity.

Fig 9: Locating Transmission Fluid Filler Tube

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Remove the nut, rotate the transmission fluid filler tube counterclockwise 90 degrees and remove the transmission fluid filler tube.
Loosen the transmission fluid cooler tube fitting from the thermal bypass valve.

Fig 10: Locating Transmission Fluid Cooler Tube Fitting
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Remove and discard the transmission fluid cooler tube bolt and remove the transmission fluid cooler tube.

Fig 11: Locating Transmission Fluid Cooler Tube With Bolt
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Inspect the transaxle case to make sure that the transmission fluid cooler tube seal and backing ring were removed with the transmission fluid cooler tube and are not stuck in the transaxle case. If the transmission fluid cooler tube seal or backing ring are stuck in the transaxle case, remove the seal and backing ring.

Fig 12: Locating Transmission Fluid Cooler Tube Seal And Backing Ring
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Disconnect the transaxle electrical connector and remove the wiring harness fastener from the main control cover stud.

Fig 13: Locating Transaxle Electrical Connector
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Remove the 2 nuts, pull the transmission fluid cooler thermal bypass valve straight up and position it aside.

Fig 14: Pulling Transmission Fluid Cooler Thermal Bypass Valve
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

NOTE: Note the location of the of the studbolts for assembly.

Fig 15: Locating Main Control Cover Bolts

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Remove the 14 bolts and the main control cover.