Notices
1999 - 2016 Super Duty 1999 to 2016 Ford F250, F350, F450 and F550 Super Duty with diesel V8 and gas V8 and V10 engines
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by: Real Truck

Transmission fluid replacement

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Oct 13, 2002 | 03:44 PM
  #1  
valvestud's Avatar
valvestud
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 111
Likes: 0
From: Houston USA
Transmission fluid replacement

Hi all,

Just replaced the tranny fluid in a 4R100 and have a problem/question. I have one of the older convertors that has a drain plug. I removed it and between the convertor and tranny itself, I removed 16 qts. of fluid. Closed everything up and started adding the new fluid. I figured I'd stop at 15 qts. and check the level. Unfortunately when I had just finished putting in the 15th, fluid came pouring out the front of the tranny pan at the front left corner. Once it stopped, I started up the engine drove around and all seems fine. After warmup the level looks to be about a 1/2 to 1 quart high and I'll adjust it downward. I lost about 1/2 a qt. on the floor.

The confusion is why did it leak, from where, and why does it not leak under normal conditions? It's possbile the level was high previously, but I must be missing something related to the re-fill and where the fluid goes until the engine is started.

Thanks in advance for your help!
 
Reply
Old Oct 13, 2002 | 04:56 PM
  #2  
CEEJR's Avatar
CEEJR
Senior User
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 205
Likes: 0
From: Chicopee USA
Transmission fluid replacement

It probally leaked because most of the 16 qt's is in the converter not the tranny itself, so the tranny was probally overfilled. If I remember correctly your supposed to add 4 or 5 qt's then start the engine so the fluid will be pumped into the converter and continue adding the rest of the fluid with the engine running pausing to shift between all the gears.

Chuck
 
Reply
Old Oct 13, 2002 | 05:39 PM
  #3  
Monsta's Avatar
Monsta
Sit. Stay.
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 18,308
Likes: 20
From: Washington State
Club FTE Silver Member

Transmission fluid replacement

Maybe Mark K can chime in.

Here's how to change it properly courtesy of Mark K. and FTE.

https://www.ford-trucks.com/articles/july2002/changingatf.php
 
Reply
Old Oct 13, 2002 | 06:50 PM
  #4  
Mark Kovalsky's Avatar
Mark Kovalsky
Frmr Ford Trans Engr
25 Year Member
Liked
Community Favorite
Top Answer: 3
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 24,704
Likes: 2,626
From: SE Florida
Transmission fluid replacement

Chuck is correct. You can't add all 16 quarts at once. The engine has to run to fill the torque converter.

The procedure Monsta linked to will explain how to do it next time.
 
Reply
Old Oct 13, 2002 | 09:35 PM
  #5  
valvestud's Avatar
valvestud
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 111
Likes: 0
From: Houston USA
Transmission fluid replacement

Thanks to all for the replies. I bought the Haynes shop manuals and there's no reference to partial filling, but then I'm sure Techs know how to do it in the real world. I'd still like to know where the extra fluid was leaking from and why it doesn't under normal circumstances. Kinda strange unless there's an overflow I can't see. I had mark's procedure, but I didn't want to do the pump out as suggested. I should have paid more attention though regarding the filling instructions.

Thanks again.
 
Reply
Old Oct 14, 2002 | 11:03 AM
  #6  
busdriver1's Avatar
busdriver1
Senior User
20 Year Member
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 212
Likes: 0
Transmission fluid replacement

 
Reply
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
pawpaw
1983 - 2012 Ranger & B-Series
17
Apr 26, 2014 08:52 PM
knash0727
1994.5 - 1997 7.3L Power Stroke Diesel
10
Aug 3, 2010 11:35 AM
Garyl53
Explorer, Sport Trac, Mountaineer & Aviator
2
Nov 23, 2007 01:28 PM
skyrader
Clutch, Transmission, Differential, Axle & Transfer Case
2
Mar 3, 2003 02:56 PM




All times are GMT -5. The time now is 09:46 AM.

story-0
Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies

Slideshow: Top 10 Ford truck tragedies.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-18 19:34:33


VIEW MORE
story-1
AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make

And it might be even better than that.

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-18 19:26:42


VIEW MORE
story-2
Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!

Slideshow: Does lowering an F-150 Lobo RUIN the ride quality?

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-05-18 19:20:37


VIEW MORE
story-3
Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home

Slideshow: Ford's bizarre fishing-themed Explorer concept has resurfaced after spending decades largely forgotten.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-12 18:07:46


VIEW MORE
story-4
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!

Slideshow: The 10 best Ford truck engines we miss the most.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-12 13:09:47


VIEW MORE
story-5
2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road: Better Than a Raptor R?

Slideshow: first look at the 810 hp 2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road!

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-12 12:50:07


VIEW MORE
story-6
2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package First Look: 12 Things You NEED to Know!

Slideshow: Everything You Need to Know about the 2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package!

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-05-07 17:51:06


VIEW MORE
story-7
10 Most Surprising 2026 Ford Truck Features!

Slideshow: 10 most surprising Ford truck options/features in 2026.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-05 11:17:22


VIEW MORE
story-8
Top 10 Ford Trucks Coming to Mecum Indy 2026

Slideshow: Here are the top 10 Fords coming to Mecum Indy 2026.

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-04 13:49:49


VIEW MORE
story-9
5 Best / 5 Worst Ford Truck Wheels of All Time

Slideshow: The 5 best and 5 worst Ford truck wheels of all time

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-04-29 16:49:01


VIEW MORE