- This topic has 4 replies, 2 voices, and was last updated 9 years, 5 months ago by
.
-
Topic
-
OK, I am back with the 1994 Ford Taurus GL, 3.0L, Engine Code U, Non-flex fuel, 4-dr sedan. Thanks to all of the help here, I am nearly done with all known issues and have the car in good service!
Was doing a “tune up” and the last item is Change the Automatic Transmission Fluid. So here is the crux of the issue –
a) Could not find a drain plug on the A/T pan
b) Service Manual says the capacity of the system is 11 quarts! nearly 3-gallons! At $18/gallon ( or worse) that is $54 worth of fluid!Since I could not find a drain plug, I did discover a hose clamp on the Transmission Oil Cooler Inlet Tube (P/N-7A030). I took that hose apart and some fluid dribbled out. Fired up the car and old fluid came pumping out! Tried adding a little A/T fluid as the discharge was happening, but could not monitor the flow and was not sure if this was a good idea or not? Probably pumped out about 3 quarts of A/T fluid into my catch pan. The fluid was NOT brown, it was still red, but dark colored and not translucent. Service manual suggested taking the pan off the car and replacing the gasket, then cleaning the screen. Wasn’t sure if I needed to do that? or if it was worth $54 worth of fluid? Then again, I suspect I can get the pan off, but not sure I would know what to do next or what a screen looks like?
How did I do? Did I do enough? Should I do more?
Ideas????
-
Replies
-
I usually like to flush out all of the old fluid but sometimes it’s not possible to do yourself. To drain the fluid you will need to remove the transmission pan. Most times that trans has a reusable gasket but to be sure you can purchase a fllter kit from any auto parts store. The filter change is fairly straight forward but be sure the new seal is installed when you reattach the filter. Tighten the pan bolts snuggly but don’t over tighten them.
Fill with 3 Quarts/Liters of fluid. Start the engine and shift through the gears and recheck the level. Add fluid a little at a time if needed until it’s in the cross marked area on the dipstick. Take it for a 10 minute drive and recheck fluid level. Top up as needed. Check for leaks.
This method will exchange more than half of the fluid but is better than nothing.Hi Bill – Thank you for the tips and info! Funny that I could not find much in the manual about changing the fluid or filter. Appreciate that advice. Found A/T filter & gasket kits for $13-$25,
Hey, I’m the curious type – What would happen if I took that hose clamp loose and started the engine and let it run with the pump pushing fluid out – until there was no more fluid? Would that get ALL of the fluid out of the system?
- You must be logged in to reply to this topic.