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

 

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.

 

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.

 

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.

 

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.

 

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.

 

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.

 

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.