4R70W fluid change DIY first time

[stryker]

Greetings Marauderers experts I came with you looking for advice.

First of all I let you Know I have a 2004 Crown victoria LX, I want to do the tranny change by myself and I have all filter, fluigs, additive and a extra capacity transmission aluminum pan & gasket I need technical help on the process to extract the old fluid I check it and is not brownish still red and smells soft and cleanIf you can help me with pictures, videos and steps I will thank you for the help I went to the flaps but the cost for the replacing and flushing is too high and i want to save some bucks which i can use it to make another maintenance procedures, hope you can help this older Panther brother.

[RubberCtyRauder]

There is no extraction , you remove the pan to dump it. Best way is to loosen front or back bolts more than opposite end and let pan tilt to remove some of fluid then you will have to remove the whole pan . It's messy with no drain plug

[stryker]

There is no extraction , you remove the pan to dump it. Best way is to loosen front or back bolts more than opposite end and let pan tilt to remove some of fluid then you will have to remove the whole pan . It's messy with no drain plugThat's why i will replace the OEM tranny pan with a extended capacity pan, it has the drain plug but remember that in the torque converter there's a considerable quantity of fluid which not drain as the rest in the tranny body. :confused::help:

[fastblackmerc]

That's why i will replace the OEM tranny pan with a extended capacity pan, it has the drain plug but remember that in the torque converter there's a considerable quantity of fluid which not drain as the rest in the tranny body. :confused::help:

The converter has no drain plug. Your best bet is the drop the pan, refill the fluid. At the next oil change drain the pan and add new fluid.

You can remove one of the cooled lines to drain the fluid but you take a risk of running the pump dry.

[stryker]

any more advices please

[RubberCtyRauder]

dont worry about the converter

[stryker]

I don't want to do something harm to the tranny that's why I need advice, pics or videos on how to service the safe fluid change on the transmission of my Panther
The converter has no drain plug. Your best bet is the drop the pan, refill the fluid. At the next oil change drain the pan and add new fluid.

You can remove one of the cooled lines to drain the fluid but you take a risk of running the pump dry.

[fastblackmerc]

BTW... If you are using a good quality Mercon V ATF you don't need any additives and the OEM pan gasket is reuseable.

When you take the pan down no need to ask about the "lollipop" in the bottom of the pan... just throw it out.

Another thing to look for....... when you remove the filter make sure the o-ring comes with it, if not make sure you get it out.

I'd also reinstall the magnet from the old pan into the new pan.

[8UWITH6]

IF you are replacing the trans pan carefully drill a hole in the stock pan and let it drain. Remove the pan bolts and drop the pan with little fluid left in it. This will reduce the chances of an "ATF shower". Read above for the rest of the steps it is pretty straight forward. Buy 5 or 6 quarts of fluid and a good funnel. If you do not feel comfortable with this process I would suggest taking it to a professional repair facility.

[RF Overlord]

Osvaldo, is the current fluid still reasonably red? Not brown or smelly?

If so, then doing a simple pan drop with filter will be adequate. Once you have the new pan on it, perhaps do another quick drain & fill in a week and you'll be golden.

[fastblackmerc]

IF you are replacing the trans pan carefully drill a hole in the stock pan and let it drain. Remove the pan bolts and drop the pan with little fluid left in it. This will reduce the chances of an "ATF shower". Read above for the rest of the steps it is pretty straight forward. Buy 5 or 6 quarts of fluid and a good funnel. If you do not feel comfortable with this process I would suggest taking it to a professional repair facility.

I wouldn't put a hole in the old pan in case you want to use it.

The proper way to remove the pan with fluid in the tranny is to:

Get a large drain pan.
Take out all the pan bolts except the four corner bolts.
With the drain pan in place loosen two of the corner bolts two or three turns.
Carefully pry the pan loose between the bolts that you just loosened.
When the fluid drains out some, loosen the bolts more allowing fluid to drain.
After most of the fluid is out, prop up the pan, remove all the bolts and drop the pan.
As long as you don't damage the gasket you can reuse it.

[stryker]

:thanks: To Fastblackmerc,RF Overlord,8UWITH6 and RubbercityMarauder for your advises and recommendations now I feel more comfortable to do the job I gor the bigger drain pan to collect the used fluid and I have two gaskets one is the plastic reusable and the other is a some kind of paper material I will post pics of the process and parts but i will do it from the Tapatalk app in my iphone and ipad due that here in my laptop can't do it, I have other question how many quarts of Mercon V loose the transmission when I remove the pan ? just in case I have 14 Qts of Mercon V

[8UWITH6]

I wouldn't put a hole in the old pan in case you want to use it.

The proper way to remove the pan with fluid in the tranny is to:

Get a large drain pan.
Take out all the pan bolts except the four corner bolts.
With the drain pan in place loosen two of the corner bolts two or three turns.
Carefully pry the pan loose between the bolts that you just loosened.
When the fluid drains out some, loosen the bolts more allowing fluid to drain.
After most of the fluid is out, prop up the pan, remove all the bolts and drop the pan.
As long as you don't damage the gasket you can reuse it.


Drill a hole. Buy this for hole. No mess. But what do I know?

http://www.summitracing.com/parts/rnb-65128

[fastblackmerc]

Drill a hole. Buy this for hole. No mess. But what do I know?

http://www.summitracing.com/parts/rnb-65128

That's great, but the OP has a new pan with a drain plug so why mess up the old pan?

[RF Overlord]

: I have two gaskets one is the plastic reusable and the other is a some kind of paper materialUse the original one that came on the car. It's designed to be reused unless it's damaged.
how many quarts of Mercon V loose the transmission when I remove the pan ? just in case I have 14 Qts of Mercon VYou'll need 4 quarts to refill if you change the filter...just under 4 quarts if you don't.

[babbage]

as others have said it's best to replace the transmission pan because you're going to need to change the fluid again relatively soon.

take out all bolts except the four corner bolts. put a large drip tray and then loosen 2 on gas tank side, so pan is still attached to the transmission but tilted and let it dump out for three or four min then you can lower the pan in the level fashion and empty - without taking a bath.

if you remove the filter and wait a half an hour another quart will come out

you can also wipe off the valve body gently with lint free shop towels carefully. clean the old pan and magnet really well before you put it back on if you're going to reuse it

http://www.yourcovers.com/transpan_9685.php

I have above pan and like it...
good luck

[ChiTownMaraud3r]

Drill a hole. Buy this for hole. No mess. But what do I know?

http://www.summitracing.com/parts/rnb-65128

I love this.

[stryker]

i'm working right now on the tranny oil replace wish me luck and to replace the OEM one for a high capacity one, two qts more or three than stock.

[fastblackmerc]

i'm working right now on the tranny oil replace wish me luck and to replace the OEM one for a high capacity one, two qts more or three than stock.

Luck, No. Tools and skills, Yes!

[stryker]

I think found a problem i took a sample of the existing fluid in transmission and comparing with the new one it is darker than fresh one please urgent recomendations.

[fastblackmerc]

I think found a problem i took a sample of the existing fluid in transmission and comparing with the new one it is darker than fresh one please urgent recomendations.

Continue on with dropping the pan. Post a picture of what the bottom of the pan looks like before you clean it out.

[stryker]

I can't post pics i'm in my ipad and I have problems with tapatalk, to post pics I will have to turn on the laptop and post ir as an attachment

[stryker]

Ok this is what I found when removed the trans pan as you can see it has the reusable gasket and in the center is the mysterious "lolipop" and the magnet covered with metal particles

[RubberCtyRauder]

Looks fine. Clean it out and throw yellow piece away . That is nothing. It means first time an has been dropped . Remove filter and make sure o ring comes with it

[stryker]

Looks fine. Clean it out and throw yellow piece away . That is nothing. It means first time an has been dropped . Remove filter and make sure o ring comes with itO ring ???

[RubberCtyRauder]

There is generally a rubber o ring on the filter. Do you know what a o ring even is?

[stryker]

I have a new tranny filter so I will check prior to install the new and the high capacity trans pan with drain plug, so I will keep working and posting.

[fastblackmerc]

I have a new tranny filter so I will check prior to install the new and the high capacity trans pan with drain plug, so I will keep working and posting.

Pan looks good. Continue.

[BeeDamn]

I heared that you can disconnect the cold line that going to the Trans cooler and star the car the fluid should come out all the way out! Is this better than loosen the nuts on the pan?

[fastblackmerc]

I heared that you can disconnect the cold line that going to the Trans cooler and star the car the fluid should come out all the way out! Is this better than loosen the nuts on the pan?

What do you want to do?

R & R the fluid?

Replace the tranny filter?

Replace the pan?

[stryker]

What do you want to do?

R & R the fluid?

Replace the tranny filter?

Replace the pan?well I was to do all three but I think I will do for now two replace the filter and install the new transmission pan I can add two more qts of fluid and later I just remove the bolt drain and put more new fluid, what you think ???

[RubberCtyRauder]

You have to add fluid now + the extra capacity , not later

[stryker]

You have to add fluid now + the extra capacity , not laterWell mangs it's done I successfully installed the transmission filter and replace the stock Pan for a extra capacity one with drain plug (allen bolt) and fill with 6 qts of Mercon V I start the Panther and until now no leaks but right now i'm so tired i'll go sleep and tomorrow I will do a ride to see if responds good the only fluid that needs to change is the Differential and I have the sport aluminum cover with drain plug and three qts of Amsoil gear fluid

[stryker]

:cool: Today I finish the maintenance job part fluid replace and installation of a more capacity pan with drain plug I did a test ride and it works perfect and even I note some more performance from the transmission I will do a large trip to check function and performance of the transmission after the replacement of a part of the fluid 6 qts was necessary due to the increase of the extended capacity pan and I add later a half qt and a additive to the fluid due that part of the old fluid still inside ( Torque converter) I could not put two bolts due that the large bar that cross side by side the Panther and rests the nose of the transmission other than that the other bolts were screwed with no problem, later I will post another update to report status of the transmission function thanks to the Marauderers who help me and give me advises :thanks: so much to all God bless you. :up:

[jaywish]

You probably know this but since you did not mention it. After a nice 15 mile drive. Stop the car, put her in park, leave the engine running and check the trans fluid level. If not in the crosshatch area of the dipstick, adjust the fluid level up or down.

[fastblackmerc]

:cool: Today I finish the maintenance job part fluid replace and installation of a more capacity pan with drain plug I did a test ride and it works perfect and even I note some more performance from the transmission I will do a large trip to check function and performance of the transmission after the replacement of a part of the fluid 6 qts was necessary due to the increase of the extended capacity pan and I add later a half qt and a additive to the fluid due that part of the old fluid still inside ( Torque converter) I could not put two bolts due that the large bar that cross side by side the Panther and rests the nose of the transmission other than that the other bolts were screwed with no problem, later I will post another update to report status of the transmission function thanks to the Marauderers who help me and give me advises :thanks: so much to all God bless you. :up:
If you used "real" Mercon V fluid then no additive is necessary.

You left two bolts out of the pan?!?!?!?!?!? Not good. They are there for a reason.

[stryker]

If you used "real" Mercon V fluid then no additive is necessary.

You left two bolts out of the pan?!?!?!?!?!? Not good. They are there for a reason. Yes Fastblackmerc Motorcraft Mercon V I use the additive due that in the transmission still a portion of the old fluid and i use the it to reinforce the new one until comes the next fluid change, about the two bolts they are located near the wider steel bar that cross side to side and where the nose of the transmission rest and any of my tools can't reach there.

[Seneca]

Yes Fastblackmerc Motorcraft Mercon V I use the additive due that in the transmission still a portion of the old fluid and i use the it to reinforce the new one until comes the next fluid change, about the two bolts they are located near the wider steel bar that cross side to side and where the nose of the transmission rest and any of my tools can't reach there.

I used a 1/4 extension and a shallow 10mm socket a to get around the cross trans cross member. Its tight but can be done and should be done. Dont want any Leaks over time

[stryker]

I used a 1/4 extension and a shallow 10mm socket a to get around the cross trans cross member. Its tight but can be done and should be done. Dont want any Leaks over time I tried with that extension but don't work either, but I was checking various times and there's no leak of fluid at this moment and i'm keep in watch.

[fastblackmerc]

I used a 1/4 extension and a shallow 10mm socket a to get around the cross trans cross member. Its tight but can be done and should be done. Dont want any Leaks over time


Yes Fastblackmerc Motorcraft Mercon V I use the additive due that in the transmission still a portion of the old fluid and i use the it to reinforce the new one until comes the next fluid change, about the two bolts they are located near the wider steel bar that cross side to side and where the nose of the transmission rest and any of my tools can't reach there.


I tried with that extension but don't work either, but I was checking various times and there's no leak of fluid at this moment and i'm keep in watch.

That wide steel bar is called the crossmember.

You need to install those two bolts. Use a wrench.

How did you get them out?

Again.......... you don't need any additives.

[Marauderjack]

Jim...he removed a stock pan so they were easy to access!!:beer:

Stryker....you need to used a 1/4" extension with a shallow socket and put the bolt in the socket then slide it from the side of the trans pan above the pan lip between the pan lip and cross member......takes a little practice but it can and should be done to assure good sealing!! ;)

Give it a try.....you can do it!!:beer:

[stryker]

http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160122/d3c8f8d345b2b610fe5288bd063c45 53.jpghttp://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160122/8b059bdb64e6ab5e2d1bd28339ec9f ce.jpghttp://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160122/6ec9e67f6e238c3aa18a7c13ac4209 24.jpghttp://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160122/06c29725440f049237101fb58af1f9 ad.jpg these are random pictures during the service of the transmission until now there's no leaks and transmission is responding excelent


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[MyBlackBeasts]

I tried with that extension but don't work either, but I was checking various times and there's no leak of fluid at this moment and i'm keep in watch.

Get some Allen head bolts to replace them and you will have easy access with a T-handle Allen wrench vs. fighting with a socket. The casing & pan are engineered to have the bolts supporting and tensioning the gasket there.

There may be no leakage now but a few miles down the road that section of gasket may start weeping and lose expensive ATF, make a mess under the car or it can blow out or suck in causing a large $$$ repair for the blown tranny.

[stryker]

http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160124/df3451ce9a2aeb4531d2766a9d8722 a7.jpghttp://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160124/ebccdadee81f49aa4d46e55052ac70 6d.jpg two pictures taken after removing the pan of the transmission, the first one are two samples of the transmission fluid the one at left the existing fluid on tranny and the one at right is the newer Motorcraft Mercon V prior to pour in the transmission. The second picture are the OEM pan removed note the mysterious yellow object that looks like a "lollipop" with a o ring and the magnet covered with steel particles which I removed and cleaned very well before to put it in the new extended capacity Aluminum pan along with a new tranny filter ups ! almost forgot see the rubber re usable transmission gasket OEM but the new pan include two gaskets, one rubber and other paper like I use the rubber one.


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[RF Overlord]

Osvaldo, if you did not use the original gasket, you definitely want to put those remaining two bolts in.

Transmission fluid does normally turn dark with age and use, so your original fluid was not particularly "bad", but fresh fluid is always better. :)

The yellow lollipop is a dust plug for the dipstick tube that is dislodged when the factory first fills the transmission. It's perfectly normal to see it floating around in there...just throw it away.

If you don't want to do a cooler-line flush, then do a drain & fill in another week. That will get the majority of the old fluid out. No need to change the filter again, unless the transmission needs repair at some future time. Do another drain & fill at your next oil change and then yearly thereafter.

[stryker]

Thank you RF Overlord for that advice, I will have to remove the crossmember due that where these bolts are located is impossible to put it back.



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[fastblackmerc]

Thank you RF Overlord for that advice, I will have to remove the crossmember due that where these bolts are located is impossible to put it back.



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Good luck with that!

[stryker]

Thank you Bro


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[Chayton]

That's great, but the OP has a new pan with a drain plug so why mess up the old pan?

cuzz then he could have two pans with drain plugs duhhh

[stryker]

cuzz then he could have two pans with drain plugs duhhh


Sorry but the old pan don't have a drain plug
http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160126/0c9591e402c5cf8b89c6c89005b058 1a.jpg


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[RubberCtyRauder]

You can add a drain plug, they sell them as a drain plug kit

[RF Overlord]

Good luck with that!


Thank you BroOsvaldo, Jim is being sarcastic...the crossmember in these cars is notoriously difficult to remove.

[MyBlackBeasts]

Thank you RF Overlord for that advice, I will have to remove the crossmember due that where these bolts are located is impossible to put it back.



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If you use Allen head bolts you won't have to remove the cross-member or have any difficulty installing them.

The deep aluminum pan I got for my MM actually came with a full set of Allen bolts to install it. Install the back bolts with a T-handle Allen wrench in seconds. Easy Peezy job.

[stryker]

If you use Allen head bolts you won't have to remove the cross-member or have any difficulty installing them.

The deep aluminum pan I got for my MM actually came with a full set of Allen bolts to install it. Install the back bolts with a T-handle Allen wrench in seconds. Easy Peezy job.


I visit two flaps looking for the allen T wrench but they don't have it I think I have to visit other tools shop


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[stryker]

Osvaldo, Jim is being sarcastic...the crossmember in these cars is notoriously difficult to remove.


Ahh ok I understand about what Jim post. Overlord, why is hard to remove the crossmember ?


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[MyBlackBeasts]

I visit two flaps looking for the allen T wrench but they don't have it I think I have to visit other tools shop


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Common tool, easy to order online if needed.

Either buy a set of them or get the bolts (don't know the size off hand but I'm sure someone can chime in and tell you) 1st and just get a single that is the size you need.

Sample single: http://www.mscdirect.com/product/details/50895796?src=pla&cid=PLA-Google-PLA+-+Test&CS_003=7867724&CS_010=50895796

Sample set: http://www.globalindustrial.com/p/tools/hex-keys-and-drivers/t-handle/set-6-hex-t-handles-6-length-2-6mm-15248?infoParam.campaignId=T9F&gclid=CIiVuM-FyMoCFQ8zaQodGeEE1A

[stryker]

Common tool, easy to order online if needed.

Either buy a set of them or get the bolts (don't know the size off hand but I'm sure someone can chime in and tell you) 1st and just get a single that is the size you need.

Sample single: http://www.mscdirect.com/product/details/50895796?src=pla&cid=PLA-Google-PLA+-+Test&CS_003=7867724&CS_010=50895796

Sample set: http://www.globalindustrial.com/p/tools/hex-keys-and-drivers/t-handle/set-6-hex-t-handles-6-length-2-6mm-15248?infoParam.campaignId=T9F&gclid=CIiVuM-FyMoCFQ8zaQodGeEE1A


I have the allen bolts in fact these two last ones was a PITA to put it due to the lack of space to accommodate the bolt as same to the tool. I will try to post a picture for reference


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[Chayton]

Sorry but the old pan don't have a drain plug
http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160126/0c9591e402c5cf8b89c6c89005b058 1a.jpg


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Yes.....tap a new one in 5 minutes and sell it for profit

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[fastblackmerc]

Ahh ok I understand about what Jim post. Overlord, why is hard to remove the crossmember ?


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Because it's pressed / jammed into place.

[stryker]

So there's no way to move it even a little ??


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[fastblackmerc]

So there's no way to move it even a little ??


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Give it a try...............

[stryker]

Here's the pics of the two allen bolts that needs to be put it but due to the uncomfortable space to accommodate the wrench is hard to do it.
http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160126/61d3cbc97d68fc636bcad8e47ce597 bb.jpghttp://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160126/e5d96b854b1c45215e10238227fc06 2a.jpghttp://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160126/884831671c2b313e88c4c79ce724b9 e9.jpghttp://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160126/9a2b1bce2c8f404b9ca3d2ed4f4b04 bb.jpg


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[fastblackmerc]

You need a long hex key wrench with a ball end.

http://www.harborfreight.com/13-piece-metric-ball-end-hex-key-set-96416.html

[junior]

You need a long hex key wrench with a ball end.

http://www.harborfreight.com/13-piece-metric-ball-end-hex-key-set-96416.html


If you have any friends that are Machinists, they would have them in their toolbox. If you don't have any Machinist friends, you can make a workable one with an allen wrench and grinding a radius on the end.

[fastblackmerc]

If you have any friends that are Machinists, they would have them in their toolbox. If you don't have any Machinist friends, you can make a workable one with an allen wrench and grinding a radius on the end.

Most FLAPS will carry a set of them too.

[Marauderjack]

I said it before......put the bolt on the wrench and slide it in from the side to install it!!;)

[RF Overlord]

^^^ that's the way I do it.

[RubberCtyRauder]

You want him to hand grind a radius on a Allen wrench to make it a ball end when he thought the vent tube was used for filling the rear end....mmmmok

[MyBlackBeasts]

I have the allen bolts in fact these two last ones was a PITA to put it due to the lack of space to accommodate the bolt as same to the tool. I will try to post a picture for reference


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That's why the T-handle makes it easy. Just the thin allen shaft going between pan & crossmember.

If you get a T-handle ball Allen - it's even easier than Std T-handle Allen.

[Chayton]

You want him to hand grind a radius on a Allen wrench to make it a ball end when he thought the vent tube was used for filling the rear end....mmmmok
Lmfao touche

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[stryker]

Well guys, I went to a tool and bolt store and find the T allen wrench and I have to buy two short allen bolts same length as the metric ones and I will work on that now wish me luck by the way I post a pic for illustration with comments
http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160129/60f49fd29f48bda579ed41e9581a5b 1c.jpg from left to right. 6mm allen T wrench, longer allen bolt which came with the new Tranny pan, the two shorter allen bolts same as the metric bolt ones and the OEM metric bolt of the old tranny pan.


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[Spectragod]

I'm not sure those shorter bolts will work sufficiently.

[stryker]

I'm not sure those shorter bolts will work sufficiently.. I have no other choice to get them same length as the metric OEM due that in some areas the longer bolt get too tight and don't screw complete but fortunately I made it and now all bolts are screwed and thighed equal no leaks at the moment and transmission is working efficiently.


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[MyBlackBeasts]

. I have no other choice to get them same length as the metric OEM due that in some areas the longer bolt get too tight and don't screw complete but fortunately I made it and now all bolts are screwed and thighed equal no leaks at the moment and transmission is working efficiently.


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Great! Good to hear. :up: