Notices
1997 - 2003 F150 1997-2003 F150, 1997-1999 F250LD, 7700 & 2004 F150 Heritage
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by: Auxito

Trans Service

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Nov 8, 2009 | 02:20 PM
  #1  
cv18sro's Avatar
cv18sro
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 154
Likes: 0
Trans Service

I plan on servicing my transmission next weekend. I bought all my supplies yesterday 14 quarts of Mercon V and a trans filter.

I understand that there is a plug on the converter and this allows more fluid to be drained.

I want to save some money and do it myself. I just turned 95K on my 01 F-150 4x4.

Do I need to do anything else other than drain fluid and change filter and then replace fluid and fire it up. I don't want to ruin anything if there is something else that needs to be done.

I guess my question is how long will it take to fill the converter once I start it and how much fluid should I start with in the trans. I really can't afford to replace it if I ruin. Thanks in advance for all help
 
Reply
Old Nov 8, 2009 | 05:59 PM
  #2  
galaxie641's Avatar
galaxie641
Postmaster
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 4,517
Likes: 3
From: SE Wyoming
Check the level on the dipstick with the engine off and take note of it, this will give you an idea of where the fluid needs to be when you are refilling it before starting. Try to get an idea of how much came out as well, take note of how many qt's your catch can is and compare the old fluid to the full level in the can. That will also give you an idea of how much to put back in, if you start overfilling it will seep out at the tranny, if you don't have enough in when you put the truck in gear it won't move, not really a big deal just put more in. You really don't have to be exact, close will do and you'll need to run the truck and warm the fluid up to do the proper level check anyway. Just don't put some in and go for a 300 mile drive, that's how you can ruin the tranny. When you take it on the first test drive take a few qt's with you and a funnel just in case you need some fluid.
 
Reply
Old Nov 8, 2009 | 07:42 PM
  #3  
shorebird's Avatar
shorebird
Hotshot
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 11,537
Likes: 27
From: Long Beach, Ms.
Make sure that you get the old filter seal out of where the filter is seated. Maybe while you have the pan off you could install a drain plug.
 
Reply
Old Nov 8, 2009 | 09:36 PM
  #4  
steve(ill)'s Avatar
steve(ill)
Hotshot
20 Year Member
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 11,931
Likes: 180
remove the pan and you will get out 5 quarts. pull off the filter, make sure to install new rubber seals (o-rings) on the tube. make sure the old rings come out. wipe off the valve body and internals when the pan is off. there will be some sediment on it. wash out the oil pan, clean the magnet. if it has never been apart, there will be a plastic cork in teh pan that was in the dipstick hole from the factory- throw it away. reinstall the pan with new filter.--- On bottom of the torque converter you will see a plug like 1/8 inch pipe (approx). if not, bar the motor with a screw driver on the flywheel teeth untill you see the plug. You will get 8 more quarts out of the converter. Pu the plug back in with loctite and snug it up good. Pour in about 10 quarts of oil into thte dip stick hole. Run the truck 60 seconds in park. Add the other 3 quarts. Drive truck a couple miles till warm, park in driveway. While running, check level on the stick. Add as needed.
 
Reply
Old Nov 8, 2009 | 09:45 PM
  #5  
superrangerman2002's Avatar
superrangerman2002
Logistics Pro
20 Year Member
Liked
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 4,821
Likes: 19
From: South Dakota
IMO, I'd rather not drain the converter, I use the process below, and then I don't have to worry about running anything with out oil. You end up using a few more quarts, but it is worth it. Lot cleaner too.

Instead of draining the converter, just drain the pan, clean it up and replace the filter.

Bolt the pan back on and fill up the pan with 4 quarts of new ATF.

Disconnect the top return line on the drivers side of the radiator and hook a hose to it with a clamp. Put the other end in a large pail that is marked at 1 gallon increments.

Put truck in neutral, set the brake, and start the truck. Run the truck until the old fluid being pushed out meets the one gallon mark. Shut truck off.

Fill 4 more quarts in the pan and repeat the process. After the third gallon, repeat process one more time with 2qts.

Reattach line and top off truck with motor running and in park. Only fill to the cold line.
 
Reply
Old Nov 8, 2009 | 11:14 PM
  #6  
cv18sro's Avatar
cv18sro
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 154
Likes: 0
Superranger you idea sounds like something I might try. I hate laying on my back working since I tore a muscle in my back a few months ago. I ran outside with my flashlight just now to see how easy this seems and the line the right there easy access. How long does it take to pump it all out ie. a gallon at a time.

Thanks for info and this sounds almost to easy to be true. I do believe you!

Also I picked up the Walmart brand Mercon V. It was 3.12 a quart compared to 4.50 for the Valvoline at the local parts place. I think its supertech brand. Before I put it in, is it any good or should I return it and do the name brand.
 
Reply
Old Nov 9, 2009 | 03:13 PM
  #7  
slowsnake's Avatar
slowsnake
Freshman User
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 36
Likes: 0
i assume there is still a drain on the '02's torque converter?? My (117K mile) converter is showing signs of locking up a bit early lately, like excessively slow acceleration from a stop and an idle around 400rpm in drive, im hoping a good fluid change will help.
 
Reply
Old Nov 11, 2009 | 12:28 AM
  #8  
superrangerman2002's Avatar
superrangerman2002
Logistics Pro
20 Year Member
Liked
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 4,821
Likes: 19
From: South Dakota
Originally Posted by cv18sro
Superranger you idea sounds like something I might try. I hate laying on my back working since I tore a muscle in my back a few months ago. I ran outside with my flashlight just now to see how easy this seems and the line the right there easy access. How long does it take to pump it all out ie. a gallon at a time.

Thanks for info and this sounds almost to easy to be true. I do believe you!

Also I picked up the Walmart brand Mercon V. It was 3.12 a quart compared to 4.50 for the Valvoline at the local parts place. I think its supertech brand. Before I put it in, is it any good or should I return it and do the name brand.
It only takes about 30 to 40 seconds to pump out one gallon. It takes longer to pour the quarts back in.

Make sure to get a somewhat tight fitting hose with a hose clamp. A clear vinyl hose available at any hardware store works the best. I believe a 3/8'' id hose should work, but I'd double check.

Unhooking the air cleaner assembly makes getting a hose on the tube a bit easier.

Getting the pan off and filter back in will take the longest.

As far as time goes, I would allot at least two hours if it is your first time.

As far as the brand goes, IMO, as long as it is a clearly marked Mercon V product and not some sort of mixed bag, I'd use it in my truck if it were available to me at that price too.
 
Reply
FTE Stories

Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts

story-0

Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalytic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath

 Verdad Gallardo
story-1

Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer

 Joe Kucinski
story-2

2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)

 Brett Foote
story-3

Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies

 Joe Kucinski
story-4

AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make

 Brett Foote
story-5

Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!

 Michael S. Palmer
story-6

Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home

 Verdad Gallardo
story-7

10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!

 Joe Kucinski
story-8

2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road: Better Than a Raptor R?

 Brett Foote
story-9

2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package First Look: 12 Things You NEED to Know!

 Michael S. Palmer
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Liquid_force
Explorer, Sport Trac, Mountaineer & Aviator
3
May 19, 2014 05:31 PM
pdqford
1997 - 2006 Expedition & Navigator
5
Sep 15, 2009 07:15 AM
RobbyMartin
1997 - 2003 F150
2
Nov 3, 2008 01:50 PM
big yeller
1999 - 2016 Super Duty
15
Oct 30, 2008 08:28 PM
Point Blank
Clutch, Transmission, Differential, Axle & Transfer Case
2
Jun 28, 2005 08:01 AM




All times are GMT -5. The time now is 06:32 PM.

story-0
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalytic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath

Slideshow: Called the Fortress, the 850-horsepower pickup combines Raptor underpinnings with military-inspired features, survival equipment, and a starting price of $285,000.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-30 18:33:59


VIEW MORE
story-1
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer

Slideshow: 10 most expensive Ford trucks ever sold on Bring a Trailer.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-27 16:24:34


VIEW MORE
story-2
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)

Here's everything that has changed for the latest model year.

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-27 16:17:28


VIEW MORE
story-3
Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies

Slideshow: Top 10 Ford truck tragedies.

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


VIEW MORE
story-4
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-5
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-6
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-7
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-8
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-9
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