Tranny fluid change question

[valleyman]

My tranny fluid has been in the car for about 13K miles when the level II kit was put in. I'd like to change it. I figured I'd disconnect one of the hoses to the cooler and fire up the car and pump out the old fluid as I add new fluid and stop when the color changes. Since I've never done this before my question is -- hold your laughter please-- where's the filler tube for the transmission fluid? Is it the tube with the dipstick in it? :stupid:

[fastblackmerc]

My tranny fluid has been in the car for about 13K miles when the level II kit was put in. I'd like to change it. I figured I'd disconnect one of the hoses to the cooler and fire up the car and pump out the old fluid as I add new fluid and stop when the color changes. Since I've never done this before my question is -- hold your laughter please-- where's the filler tube for the transmission fluid? Is it the tube with the dipstick in it? :stupid:
Yes, the trans fill tube is at the rear of the engine, right hand / passenger side.

The oil dipstick tube is on the left / drivers side.

I wouldn't change the fluid using the method you mention. First, you'll have a mess all over the place, second you'll never get all the old fluid out, third, you'll most likely use more fnew fluid this way & fourth and most importantly you might do some damage to the trans because I don't think you can fill it fast enough to replace what is being pumped out. I'd find a good repair shop ( ask here for some recommendations ) that can pump out the old fluid, drain the TC, change the filter and refill with the correct Mercron V fluid. Do not let them refill with Mercron III or IV and use an additive to get Mercron V, you'll just have problems as some people on the board have had already. If they don't have the Mecron V, purchase it and give it to them to use in your MM. Let us know how it goes.

[RF Overlord]

Actually, using the method described by valleyman is acceptable...you CAN replenish the fluid through the dipstick tube fast enough. However, as fastblackmerc cautioned, DON'T let the fluid run dry while you're opening fresh bottles...and you WILL use more fluid than the book calls for.

There is no drain plug on the TC...Ford eliminated them somewhere in '01 IIRC...

If you can find a shop with a "T-Tech (http://www.cloreautomotive.com/site_prod.asp?sku_pk=151)" machine, that would be ideal; it's a kinder, gentler way of exchanging all the fluid. Also as FBM said, be sure they use ONLY Mercon V, not Mercon with some "miracle-in-a-can" additive; it's NOT the same. (BTW, there's no such thing as Mercon III or IV ;) )

Having said all that, with only 13,000 miles it's not necessary to do a complete flush unless the fluid is burnt or contaminated. Doing the much simpler "pan-drop" method will be more than adequate if done every 15,000 miles or so. Not to mention that doing a pan-drop yourself is MUCH cheaper: $30 for fluid & filter and a hour of your time (tops), compared to $100 or more for the flush...and most places that do a flush don't change the filter; that can be an extra $30 (or more).

['03BlkMM]

I used the method your talking about to change the fluid/filter in my tranny at 19k mi. The only difference is that I ran it until the flow dropped off (started bubbling) then shut the engine off. I didn't try and keep up by filling it while it ran. It'll take probably 30 secs for you to empty the pan with the car running. After the 1st draining, I dropped the pan and changed the filter then buttoned it back up. Filled the tranny back up then restarted it and waited for the flow to drop off again. Turned it off and filled the tranny again. I did it over and over until I used 12 qts of fluid, then I hooked the return hose back up. Its the cleanest way I've ever changed the tranny fluid. It may not get rid of 100% of the old fluid but I feel pretty confident that 90+% of it is new. Oh by the way, you want to disconnect the upper hose where it connects to the steel tubing by the front of the engine. Its a pretty small clamp there, I was able to sqeeze it and move it back by hand. Then direct the hose down into your catch bucket. Good luck...