Main Control Cover - 3.5L: Removal

With the vehicle in NEUTRAL, position it on a hoist. For additional information, refer to JACKING & LIFTING article.
Remove the Air Cleaner (ACL) assembly and outlet pipe. For additional information, refer to INTAKE AIR DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM & INTAKE AIR FILTERING SYSTEM article.
Remove the transmission fluid drain plug and allow the transmission fluid to drain.

Fig 1: Identifying Transmission Fluid Drain Plug
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Install the transmission fluid drain plug.
- Tighten to 9 Nm (80 lb-in).
  
  Fig 2: Identifying Transmission Fluid Drain Plug
  Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Loosen the transmission fluid cooler tube fitting from the transmission fluid cooler thermal bypass valve.

Fig 3: 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 4: Locating Transmission Fluid Cooler Tube And 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 5: Locating Transmission Fluid Cooler Tube Seal
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Disconnect the transaxle electrical connector and remove the wiring harness fastener from the main control cover stud.

Fig 6: 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 7: Locating Transmission Fluid Cooler Thermal Bypass Valve And Nuts
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

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

Fig 8: Locating Main Control Cover Bolts

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Remove the 14 bolts and the main control cover.