Tranny fluid change question
Freshman User
Joined: Jul 2002
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Tranny fluid change question
I beleive I read where if you pull the tranny pan, you only change part of the fluid, but if you suck the fluid out through the filler neck, you remove more fluid. I have an '89 F-150 w/ 5.8L engine. Trany is 3 speed auto w/o OD. I'm pretty sure that when I pulled my pan I saw the bottom of the dipstick. So I don't see how there could be a difference in amount of fluid taken out via the two different methods described above. Can anyone explain? I ask because I removed the majority of fluid through the filler tube. I also had the pan off for several days, during which time fluid continually dripped. I put everything back together and filled it back up, but I'm now getting a constant ticking that seems to be coming from the tranny. Any ideas? Thanks 
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Joined: Oct 2000
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From: Southern MD
Tranny fluid change question
To do a complete fluid change, you need to drain the torque converter as well as the pan. The dipstick fills into the pan, and that's all you'll get, about 4 quarts, the same as if you pull the pan.
To drain the converter, pull the small, sort of a 1/2 round cover off the front bottom of the bell housing. Bump the starter until you see the drain plug, which if original is a brass plug. Fluid should be warm, or it will take forever to drain.
Remove the pan, replace the filter and a new gasket. Do not over-tighten the pan bolts, or you could warp the pan flange. Put about 4 quarts of the PROPER fluid in, start the engine in PARK and fill to the full mark on the dipstick. Put in drive and neutral a couple of times, then back in park. DO NOT overfill. Check your owner's manual for type and quanity of fluid. Check for leaks.
As for the ticking noise, I don't know. There are no moving parts associated with removing the pan.
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'94 E-150 Conversion Van 4.9 / C-6 -- '89 Mustang LX 5.0
To drain the converter, pull the small, sort of a 1/2 round cover off the front bottom of the bell housing. Bump the starter until you see the drain plug, which if original is a brass plug. Fluid should be warm, or it will take forever to drain.
Remove the pan, replace the filter and a new gasket. Do not over-tighten the pan bolts, or you could warp the pan flange. Put about 4 quarts of the PROPER fluid in, start the engine in PARK and fill to the full mark on the dipstick. Put in drive and neutral a couple of times, then back in park. DO NOT overfill. Check your owner's manual for type and quanity of fluid. Check for leaks.
As for the ticking noise, I don't know. There are no moving parts associated with removing the pan.
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