Tranny filter change on 2001 Explorer Sport, V-6, automaitc 4x4

[F15E_WSO]

All,
have trolled the tranny section for 3 days now and still not sure on removal of the pan for my model. If someone will explain the door decal for me I will post that additional information in order to get some better information.

My son's new Explorer has 91K, previous owner said he did a service about 60K but I think he said that based on the loaded question I asked him "did you do a tranny service about 60K?" to which he replied "yes". I think he said that b/c he felt that is what I wanted to hear (needed the truth). Regardless, after reading here the plan of attack is replace filter and top off with fresh fluid, drive 500-1,000 miles then do a FULL tranny flush of ALL fluid.

Looking into the pan thing I am seeing some horror stories on getting the pan off and getting to the filter.

My Brother in law is a Mgr at a Ford dealer ship and his service guys said just do a full flush, no filter change and you will be good to go. Little help offered on the pan removal.

SO bottom-line if any one has insight on pan removal for a 2001 Exp Sport with 4x4 automatic please share.
THanks

 

[imp]

What could possibly be "horrifying" about removal of a transmission pan? Have you looked under there to see just what the impediment might be? Something blocking the way? Exhaust pipes? Crossmember? Maybe in reality the deal is, remove pan bolts, pan falls off right in my face, as usual! imp

 

[F15E_WSO]

Oh the horror

What could possibly be "horrifying" about removal of a transmission pan? Have you looked under there to see just what the impediment might be? Something blocking the way? Exhaust pipes? Crossmember? Maybe in reality the deal is, remove pan bolts, pan falls off right in my face, as usual! imp

Some have run into exhaust pipe (very rusted, couldn't loosen bolt(s)), drive shaft impediment, heat shield, possibly some others. I thought it would be as easy as you say but there are conflicting stories based on model.

I have not looked under there from a lift. I go to the Auto Skills shop at my local base, hate to get there and find out the job is either more than I can handle in the given time or I dont have the necessary equipment.

I am hoping to be well informed before I go and tackle this.

Cheers

 

[waskly]

the pan comes right out, the exhaust and other stuff is when removing the trans from the vehicle all you are doing is taking out the pan bolts bringing the pan. nothing is in the way but 1 heat sheild on the pass side. which needs to come out.

the reason your ford rep says its better to flush no filter is its cleaner and faster to do. they have a flush machine but tbh i never liked that process since its the techs job to put in what was taken out also this is done running.

found a pic. http://img810.imageshack.us/img810/9996/stkusenfiled15761agifge.gif

 

[300IL6]

I just removed my pan off my 2000 explorer 4x4 auto and had to remove the heat shield on pass side of transmission (there's two clips that slide off when pried to the side), I removed the side bolts then the rear which then the fluid started draining out.
The pan needed to be tilted a little to fit between the crossmember and exhaust pipe.
I would recommend a wide drain pan to catch the fluid though.

 

[F15E_WSO]

the pan comes right out, the exhaust and other stuff is when removing the trans from the vehicle all you are doing is taking out the pan bolts bringing the pan. nothing is in the way but 1 heat sheild on the pass side. which needs to come out.

the reason your ford rep says its better to flush no filter is its cleaner and faster to do. they have a flush machine but tbh i never liked that process since its the techs job to put in what was taken out also this is done running.

found a pic. http://img810.imageshack.us/img810/9996/stkusenfiled15761agifge.gif

Waskly, thanks this is the sort of data I need. IRT the flush, are you saying that the tech can be short on fluid replaced? I thought the machine sort of handled it and took out the human element? The service you get is so much based on "attention to detail" and sometimes the human variable can cause problems--though my relative inexpereince carries the same risk.

again thanks for the feedback.

 

[F15E_WSO]

I just removed my pan off my 2000 explorer 4x4 auto and had to remove the heat shield on pass side of transmission (there's two clips that slide off when pried to the side), I removed the side bolts then the rear which then the fluid started draining out.
The pan needed to be tilted a little to fit between the crossmember and exhaust pipe.
I would recommend a wide drain pan to catch the fluid though.

300IL6,
Thanks for the tip on the heatshield and sequencing on the bolts; not rocket science but like most jobs I'm better at them when I am done then when I started so any expereince gained is good. I live by the adage "see one, do one, teach one.." In this case you are helping me "see one". I'm all about the big wide drain pan, a tranny fluid change can get messy in a hurry.

Cheers

 

[waskly]

Waskly, thanks this is the sort of data I need. IRT the flush, are you saying that the tech can be short on fluid replaced? I thought the machine sort of handled it and took out the human element? The service you get is so much based on "attention to detail" and sometimes the human variable can cause problems--though my relative inexpereince carries the same risk.

again thanks for the feedback.

i got issues with a machine forcing fluid in while the pump is pumping fluid.

ideal the pump will pump fluid to the machine the machine will pump fluid on the return line in. the thing is, what if the machine pump pressure is higher then what the trans can hold?

also with most trans flush machines the trans is running 2 quarrts or more low on fluid.

i like the old fashion method. also a new filter is always a good thing. whats the point of adding fresh fluid even if 1/2 gets exchanged for new, while that filter is still loaded with crap.

when you change your oil do you just change oil or put a new filter in it.

 

[F15E_WSO]

Fair enough

I see your point(s), suspect that the machine is designed to not impede or harm the system regardless of the pressures.

I got the filter today and the gasket from Ford dealer, 32$ for the filter, $23 for the gasket (YGTBSM). Sort of ticked me off on the gasket price and if nothing else bury it with the filter and charge me 49$ for both.

Do you know how much fluid will need replacing after the filter change? I bought 6 quarts of MERC-V.

THanks
+40

 

[94explorerboy]

I took the pan of my 2001 Explorer sport not too long ago. Was not difficult at all. I didnt take the heat shield off. I just pushed it to the side and took all of the pan bolts out. Only issue is that there is no drain plug so prepare for a fluid bath if you are not careful.

 

[F15E_WSO]

Pretty standard event. Removed bolts rather easily, lots of leaks and what didn't go in the pan was on my elbows and my shirt. Heat shield is a royal PITA. If there is a trick I didn't figure it out.

Inside of pan was clean, filter seemed clean, some gunk on the magnet, wiped it all out, No plastic "top" thingy so guess it has been done before, needed 3+ qts nearly 4 to refill. Will do do a full flush in 500 miles.