Changing trans fluid 4R44E trans

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May 10, 2008 | 09:41 AM

billj6

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From: Cheswick, Pa.

Changing trans fluid 4R44E trans

'99 Ranger, 3.0 liter, 95,000 mi. automatic 4 speed.
I'm about to drop the pan and remove a line to get out as much fluid as I can. Which line on the cooler do I take off and is the cooler the little one that sits alone? I can follow the lines but would like a hint. Never done this before. Yes, I read the technical page but it wasn't clear which line or what the cooler looks like.

May 10, 2008 | 12:30 PM

fordboy_52

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Joined: May 2004

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From: Abilene Kansas

if you drop a line and run the vehicle, u will need to add new fluid as you do it.

Matt

May 10, 2008 | 06:42 PM

billj6

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Joined: May 2004

Posts: 164

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From: Cheswick, Pa.

Drop tranny line, add fluid.

Thanks, Fordboy. The job is done now and what a mess. Wasn't ready for all the red stuff that got on me and my driveway. Dropping pan, cleaning it and replacing it was pretty straightforward. Found the cooler in front of the main radiator, good spot for it. Released return line and turned on engine. Saw how fast it was pumping and raced back to turn it off. Got about 3 quarts out that way. Added four after pan job, 3 more after pumping out. Forgot to run motor after hose was reconnected and I ran to parts store for two more quarts. When I returned a puddle of maybe five ounces of new fluid had collected under the truck. I jumped under and started tightening 18 bolts until I realized it was coming from a seam above the pan. Quickly started motor to allow lines and valves to fill with excess fluid. All dripping stopped and I let it run for a while to get a reading. Level was right and the cleanup began with towels, a bucket of soapy water and a push broom. Took it for a ride and it shifts fine, as it did before. Fluid was very dark red with about a tablespoon of ground metal in catch bucket. Magnet had no metal attached.