My owners manual says that I have 16.4 qt. of transmission fluid in my '97 5.4L Expy.

When I inquired about a transmission fluid & filter change at a service shop, The check-in technician scoffed at this volume. He said that I would only need about 6 qt. in a routine fluid and filter change and that the rest of the volume would remain in the torque converter.

Which is correct?

I have 45K miles now and would like to switch to Mobil-1 synthetic transmission fluid for towing purposes. I have misgivings of leaving 10 quarts of old fluid behind if the normal practice is to only change 6 qt.

Thanks for the feedback...

Dino F.

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Low-Tech Ideas, Tips, Hints and Solutions for RV Trailering

 

As a follow-up to my own question...

Last week I took my Expedition to my Ford dealer for transmission service. I gave them 3 cases of Mobil-1 ATF fluid that I had purchased elsewhere, and asked that any unused fluid be returned to me.

They dropped the pan, cleaned the sediment and magnet, etc.

I got 3 of the 18 quarts back unused.

Dino

 

There is a rubber plug in the bottom of the bell housing, and a corresponding 11mm plug in the converter. Ford reccommends that the converter be drained with each trans service hence the 16 qts. You may have to turn the engine to get the plugs to line up...