2007 Ford explorer properly adding trans fluid

[Zachsharp1989]

Ok, so after removing the trans plug i had let out about three quarts maybe four of my trans fluid. I think it was strange because that's all that had came out. I read that the system capacity was between nine and twelve.my question is would their still be most of the fluid in the trans/cooling system? My plan is to add the amount that was lost and I'm not very educated on the sealed trans that is on my truck.second question being what should i be weary of when adding? From what I've researched i will need to pump the trans fluid in,roughly four quarts then start the truck with fluid nipple still in place then proceed to warm up to operating temp at that point wait until steady stream of fluid turns to a drip that would be topped off then replace torqx bolt. Sound right? I'll be doing this today so input associated.also i read allot of back and forth on the use of mercon sp and Ford changing the standard recommended atf from mercon sp to lv as the sp it's supposed to be discontinued. Anyways, Thanks!
Zach

 

[07LTDDSM]

Sounds like you let out fluid from the transfer case. The actual transmission is sealed and you would need to drop the pan to let the ATF out. Make sure you are adding Mercon SP if you have the 6R60 trans. Your manual should tell you what you need. Here is a video of how to change out your fluid and filter.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uQe11789HsQ

 

[Flag Gibby]

The actual transmission is sealed and you would need to drop the pan to let the ATF out.

Sorry, not true at all. The bolt on the bottom of the pan is for 1) adding fluid when needed 2) checking the fluid level and 3) draining the fluid. If you look at the bolt, the one in the center of it is for checking the level and adding fluid and if you remove the outer (also removing the inner at the same time) you will drain the pan.
There is a one way check valve in the cooler line that does not open until the fluid is up to temperature so yes it is possible that you are not getting the fluid that is still in the cooler and that is why you are not getting the amount out of it that you are expecting (11.2 quarts total on the 6 speed). Unless, like mentioned by 07LTDDSM, you accidently drained the transfer case instead which only holds about 1.5 quarts and you would want to change anyway. Fluid specs on the transfer case fluid is Mercon (now Mercon V) equivalent and the transmission fluid spec is still Mercon SP for your year (at some point you may have to switch to LV but SP is still available and called for so I would use it), but I have read of individuals using LV and indicating that it seems to help with some shift issues. Ford chart for fluid spec. as of 2014: https://www.fcsdchemicalsandlubricants.com/Main/quickref/atf.pdf

Here is a ford tech's take on how it should always be done: http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=413476&highlight=6r60+transmission+fluid+change

Pros and Cons of pan drop vs. flush: http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=405359&highlight=6r60+transmission+fluid+change

Here is Amsoil's reccomendations for fluid fill specs and amounts for your year: http://www.amsoil.com/mygarage/vehiclelookuppage.aspx?url2=2007+FORD TRUCKS+EXPLORER+8

 

[Zachsharp1989]

Got it. You are right.used sp...I'll never open this trans no thanks

 

[Zachsharp1989]

I plan on having a mechanic do anything past topping off. I really didn't like messing with it especially with all the reports of failing trans for this year but I'm back to right. Onto u joints cause 4 low is kind of scary sounding.anyone drive a 2007 explorer get really close shifts in 4 low.i mean i know it's a big rev deal but I'm talking head snapping shifts lol. This problem has been ongoing

 

[Zachsharp1989]

You know i thought of using lv after reading a Ford bulletin but also heard the swap being cause to failure.hit the stores to find sp

 

[MotorCityFats13]

I plan on having a mechanic do anything past topping off. I really didn't like messing with it especially with all the reports of failing trans for this year but I'm back to right. Onto u joints cause 4 low is kind of scary sounding.anyone drive a 2007 explorer get really close shifts in 4 low.i mean i know it's a big rev deal but I'm talking head snapping shifts lol. This problem has been ongoing

Ive never ran out all the gears in low... I will have to try it and see how it shifts... I once tried to pull a hole-shot and before the shift out of 1st gear it started slipping like a safety measure to not break stuff... Ive only used low like 3 times and none of them have been because I needed it once because I wanted to know if it worked before I bought it and 2 times playing around in a parking lot

 

[Zachsharp1989]

Yeah same pretty much my truck sounds like it's going to self destruct in 4 low i mean it seems really hard on the trans. Not to mention almost a dozen u joints i need to replace

 

[Zachsharp1989]

Sorry, not true at all. The bolt on the bottom of the pan is for 1) adding fluid when needed 2) checking the fluid level and 3) draining the fluid. If you look at the bolt, the one in the center of it is for checking the level and adding fluid and if you remove the outer (also removing the inner at the same time) you will drain the pan.
There is a one way check valve in the cooler line that does not open until the fluid is up to temperature so yes it is possible that you are not getting the fluid that is still in the cooler and that is why you are not getting the amount out of it that you are expecting (11.2 quarts total on the 6 speed). Unless, like mentioned by 07LTDDSM, you accidently drained the transfer case instead which only holds about 1.5 quarts and you would want to change anyway. Fluid specs on the transfer case fluid is Mercon (now Mercon V) equivalent and the transmission fluid spec is still Mercon SP for your year (at some point you may have to switch to LV but SP is still available and called for so I would use it), but I have read of individuals using LV and indicating that it seems to help with some shift issues. Ford chart for fluid spec. as of 2014: https://www.fcsdchemicalsandlubricants.com/Main/quickref/atf.pdf

Here is a ford tech's take on how it should always be done: http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=413476&highlight=6r60+transmission+fluid+change

Pros and Cons of pan drop vs. flush: http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=405359&highlight=6r60+transmission+fluid+change

Here is Amsoil's reccomendations for fluid fill specs and amounts for your year: http://www.amsoil.com/mygarage/vehiclelookuppage.aspx?url2=2007+FORD TRUCKS+EXPLORER+8

First tech link is a different trans then the one mentioned. no level adjust plug line mine has.i seen same tech tutorial on mine it was a little tougher but the rest info was legit appreciate it

 

[Zachsharp1989]

Ive never ran out all the gears in low... I will have to try it and see how it shifts... I once tried to pull a hole-shot and before the shift out of 1st gear it started slipping like a safety measure to not break stuff... Ive only used low like 3 times and none of them have been because I needed it once because I wanted to know if it worked before I bought it and 2 times playing around in a parking lot

You should and tell me bout it!!!! Hah

 

[Bill MacLeod]

Zach - For clarity, what engine do you have in your X ?
(really helps when you somehow identify just what engine or trans is in question)

 

[Zachsharp1989]

I guess your right bill. 2007 Ford explorer limited 4.0 sohc with the 6r60 6 speed transmission. 186K with the trans replaced at around 90. Service record indicated dealer maintenance of all fluids.

 

[Zachsharp1989]

I suppose my research on it lead me to believe the year and model came with some notoriety lol..

 

[Bill MacLeod]

I guess your right bill. 2007 Ford explorer limited 4.0 sohc with the 6r60 6 speed transmission. 186K with the trans replaced at around 90. Service record indicated dealer maintenance of all fluids.

Thought so. ( You do not have a 6R60 trans)

V6 uses 5R55S (5 spd trans)
V8 uses 6R60 (6 spd) from 06 t0 07/08, then switched to 6R80.

DO NOT use Mercon SP (or LV) in a 5 spd trans. Its for 6 spd only.

Use Mercon V only.

 

[Zachsharp1989]

Damn i didn't see that i was wrong and did add sp to top off. Hopefully no damage but the next thing to do would be to tow to get flushed or what do you think?

 

[Bobmbx]

Damn i didn't see that i was wrong and did add sp to top off. Hopefully no damage but the next thing to do would be to tow to get flushed or what do you think?

Have you started the engine with the SP in it yet?

How much SP did you put in?

 

[Bill MacLeod]

Ok, so after removing the trans plug i had let out about three quarts maybe four of my trans fluid. I think it was strange because that's all that had came out. I read that the system capacity was between nine and twelve.my question is would their still be most of the fluid in the trans/cooling system? My plan is to add the amount that was lost and I'm not very educated on the sealed trans that is on my truck.second question being what should i be weary of when adding? From what I've researched i will need to pump the trans fluid in,roughly four quarts then start the truck with fluid nipple still in place then proceed to warm up to operating temp at that point wait until steady stream of fluid turns to a drip that would be topped off then replace torqx bolt. Sound right? I'll be doing this today so input associated.also i read allot of back and forth on the use of mercon sp and Ford changing the standard recommended atf from mercon sp to lv as the sp it's supposed to be discontinued. Anyways, Thanks!
Zach

You have drained the fluid from a 5 speed, 5r55S trans pan . The total capacity is 13 qts of MERCON V only, so the remainder is in the bottom of the pan below the drain plug, in the valve body, torque converter, lines and cooler. Replace what you removed as per your description above. (You can use a cheap "garden type" sprayer to pump new fluid in.)

When removing the drain plug, the pan should then be removed, thoroughly cleaned and filter replaced.

 

[Zachsharp1989]

Yes a little more then 2.5 quarts then it drained about half a quart until level then i plugged out and stopped the motor

 

[07LTDDSM]

Sorry, not true at all. The bolt on the bottom of the pan is for 1) adding fluid when needed 2) checking the fluid level and 3) draining the fluid. If you look at the bolt, the one in the center of it is for checking the level and adding fluid and if you remove the outer (also removing the inner at the same time) you will drain the pan.
There is a one way check valve in the cooler line that does not open until the fluid is up to temperature so yes it is possible that you are not getting the fluid that is still in the cooler and that is why you are not getting the amount out of it that you are expecting (11.2 quarts total on the 6 speed). Unless, like mentioned by 07LTDDSM, you accidently drained the transfer case instead which only holds about 1.5 quarts and you would want to change anyway. Fluid specs on the transfer case fluid is Mercon (now Mercon V) equivalent and the transmission fluid spec is still Mercon SP for your year (at some point you may have to switch to LV but SP is still available and called for so I would use it), but I have read of individuals using LV and indicating that it seems to help with some shift issues. Ford chart for fluid spec. as of 2014: https://www.fcsdchemicalsandlubricants.com/Main/quickref/atf.pdf

Here is a ford tech's take on how it should always be done: http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=413476&highlight=6r60+transmission+fluid+change

Pros and Cons of pan drop vs. flush: http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=405359&highlight=6r60+transmission+fluid+change

Here is Amsoil's reccomendations for fluid fill specs and amounts for your year: http://www.amsoil.com/mygarage/vehiclelookuppage.aspx?url2=2007+FORD TRUCKS+EXPLORER+8

I thought he had the 6R60. Which is a sealed trans with no drain plug on pan, only a fill plug and mini dip stick.

 

[Flag Gibby]

Not a problem, I was getting the two transmissions mixed up too since he was saying 6 speed but had a fill/drain plug on it indicating it was the 5 speed. Should have asked him to clarify what engine he had, like Bill did, and save us all the grief.