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Changing Transmission Fluid (Need Tips)

dajoes90

Active Member
Joined
June 7, 2017
Messages
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City, State
Miami, FL
Year, Model & Trim Level
2004 Explorer 4.6L V8
Hello again to all,

I realized that the drain plug nut of the transmission case is leaking a little bit and before it goes too low, i'm planning doing a transmission fluid change and also change the pan gasket and the filter. I've watched a lot of videos and read a lot of posts about how to do it and i've already know which tools i need, but do you have any extra tip regarding this? Like the amount of trans oil that i'll need or what i have to be careful with.

Thanks in advance!
 



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everything I've read and seen in videos says add five to six quarts MerconV and then during the warm up to temp and then auto leveling process you will reach correct level. I have this on my list of projects to do soon and I bought a 5 quart jug of Motorcraft Mercon V for this purpose.

If that drain plug is leaking now you may want to examine and make sure it's going to seal for your refill. Is it the smaller plug on interior of larger nut of drain that seems to be leaking?
 






I'll say that is the smaller plug, maybe it's a little bit loose and i just have to tighten up a little bit, but also i see oil on the pan so i'll go on and dran all the fluid so i can change the gasket, God know when was the last time the last owner had it changed. Bought the car around 3 months ago and i'm taking care of the care of this kind of details.
 






The pan gasket is reusable. Plastic and metal grommets. Never see a pan gasket on these leak. I noted your location so breaking off pan bolts should not be an issue. Corrosion on case and bolts cause these things to snap off. Make sure the fluid is not coming from somewhere else and getting blown on pan. This transmission has the vent in the bell housing in will drip fluid from that area and fluid will mist back as you drive.
IMG_3781.JPG
 






I'll take a look on these, when i bought the car, had a plate from Texas, so some of the bolts have a little bit or corrosion but nothing that a little bit of W-40 and done. Also i've heard that changing the old fluid is bad for the transmission, can cause some slip. What do you think?
 






Also, which brand of transmission fluid would you recommend me to fill it? Castrol? Super Tech (Walmart)?
 






i personality use Motorcraft Merton V . Don't like the one size fits all fluid. Learned that over the years. And the "changing fluid causing issues" is a loaded question. Lol! I'm sure someone else will chime in on it .i will sit this one out.


I'll take a look on these, when i bought the car, had a plate from Texas, so some of the bolts have a little bit or corrosion but nothing that a little bit of W-40 and done. Also i've heard that changing the old fluid is bad for the transmission, can cause some slip. What do you think?
 






What is the correct temp for the ATF when adjusting the level via the auto level drain tube. ANyone have an actual number?
 












Between 80-120F the warmer the better as to make sure the cooler bypass valve is fully open.
 






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