DIY Transmission Change

[BootyDo]

Hi All,

I'm in desperate need to change my transmission fluid on my Auto 6-speed 2006 Limited. I purchased the filter and replacement Motorcraft Mercon and one of those fluid pumps. When I change my oil, I can just get under the car but this is a different beast. After researching a bit, it looks like you need this level and technically should have the truck running when refilling. Wow...

So I'm curious who's been able to successfully do this without a lift? I have 4 3-Ton Jack Stands from Harbor Freight and an extra set of 2-Ton stands just to help relieve some weight if needed, but I've never fully jacked the truck up.

Any advice?

 

[Mbrooks420]

Should be easy without a lift. Being level, and running is only for the final fluid check. Losses the pan bolts on one side, and then remove the other so the pan tilts and pours off some of the excess fluid. Can save you some of the tranny fluid bath.

 

[Bill MacLeod]

I drive on ramps to get the front end off the ground, then jack the rear and use stands for support. That should give you room to work underneath.
You'll need a very large drain pan. Check out Lisle #17892. Its like a large funnel that you place into a standard size drain pan. Very slick.
As said above, you only need the truck running to check fluid level.

 

[Explorer_PL]

I used a concrete mixing plastic tub from Home Depot. Costs about 10 bucks, and it's large enough to catch all fluid. Just measure how much went out and put same much in. Make sure you get the o ring from the old filter out before you put the new one in that comes with a new o ring. Make sure you use Mercon SP, not LV. Refill with the engine running.

 

[Mountain_Dewd]

Like Explorer_PL stated, make sure you use Mercon SP not LV (or even V).

My biggest tip is to get familiar and comfortable with checking the fluid level. Do it a few times. I can reach mine and check it while parked on the ground quick and easy because I've done it a few times. Check it while it's hot. I use an OBD2 reader to make sure the fluid is at the hot temp before checking. Also, check it when it's cold. Know where the fluid should be cold with engine off and with engine running. Having an idea of where the fluid should be cold will help you get it correct when you refill. I just verify my level hot, but if I got the cold level correct my hot level is too.

I use my fluid pump to suck out some of the fluid before I drop the pan . Makes it a little less messy. Also undo the nuts in a order that forces the pan to angle and drain the fluid out one end. Catch and measure how much came out to know how much should go back in.

 

[BootyDo]

Thanks for the input all! Quick question though about actually checking the fluid, (and I guess this is especially important since I suspect it's low from when I changed my radiator), how easy it is to do blind with the car running and not raised? Only reason I ask is because I'm fearful the runnerboard will prevent me from seeing what's going on and I think the thing is right next to the catalytic converter (that's from memory, not verified).

 

[Explorer_PL]

It will be hard, with running boards, there is very small clearance and very small elbow room.