Auto Trans fluid change

[85Dave]

I have used a hand pump and some small hose to extract some fluid through the fill tube. I can only get about 2 quarts out using this method. When I dropped the pan to change the filter, I noticed that the dipstick does not go all the way down into the transmission sump. There is a plate or something between the stick and the sump. That's why I can only get 2 quarts out using the hand pump. The hose will go only so far until it hits the plate.

 

[BajaXplorer]

You could also use a pump like this for ALOT less money.


http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/Displayitem.taf?itemnumber=37739

 

[Maniak]

I had one of those pumps. It worked great for most things.. Thick Gear oil isn't one of them. I kept popping the hoses off. I went to use it this time and it wouldn't even pump (finally died).. It wasn't too bad.. I sure helped when I had to put gear oil in and as long as I pumped it slowly (or put the oil in the sun for a while) it wasn't too bad..

I used it for other fluids (much thinner) and it worked great for them..

~Mark

 

[mikeh]

Hey there,

I tried the two bucket meathod and it didn't work. It pumped it out but it didn't pick up the new fluid. Here is what I did instead.

You need.

6' 5/8 transmission hose.
1 hose clamp for the hose.
1 5 gallon bucket.
14 quarts of transmission fluid.
1 long transmission fluid funnel.

Make sure you do this before you drive your truck for the day so that the oil is cool.

Detach the top oil cooler line that is near the top of the radiator. Attach the 6' hose to the line that you detached. It's hard to get over the flare but you can do it. Mark one quart lines on your bucket by taking an empty quart container and filling it with water and pouring it in the bucket until you get to 14 quarts. Or you can just mark it for every other quart. Pull out the dip stick for the transmission fluid and stick your funnel in the tube for your stick. Now you are ready. I would suggest a friend to crank the engine over for you.

Turn the engine on until 1 quart flows out and turn it off. Pour a quart in the funnel. Do this again 14 times and you will notice the fluid turns color and looks new when it is coming out the end of the tube. Also after a few quarts it couldn't hurt to check the level in the transmission by pulling the funnel and sticking the dipstick back in.

This does not change the filter. However the Ford dealer doesn't change the filter either. I wouldn't worry about the filter until about 100K. I understand that the filter is just a catch screen anyway. I also understand that when you do change the filter you need to drain the pan and clean a magnet that is in the bottom of the pan.

No guarentees but this worked for me.