Normal maintenance and lubrication requirements do not require periodic automatic transaxle fluid changes. If major service, such as a clutch band, bearing, etc. is required, the transaxle will have to be removed for service. At this time the converter, cooler and cooler lines must be thoroughly flushed to remove any contamination.
When used after 30,000 miles under continuous or severe conditions, the transaxle and torque converter should be drained and refilled with MERCON® transaxle fluid.
Use 8.8L (9.3 qts.) of MERCON® transaxle fluid, when filling a dry transaxle and converter. Check the fluid level.
Procedures for partial drain and refill, due to in-vehicle service operation, are as follows:
1. Raise and support the vehicle.
2. Position the drain pan(s) under the transaxle.
WARNING:
AVOID SPILLING TRANSAXLE FLUID; THE FLUID MAY BE HOT.
3. Remove the drainplug located at the transaxle cradle opening.
4. Loosen the oil pan mounting bolts and drain the fluid.
5. Slowly loosen the pan mounting bolts, working from the front LH corner to the rear, allowing the pan to gradually drop and the oil to drain slowly.
6. When all the fluid has been drained, remove and thoroughly clean the pan. Discard the oil pan gasket.
7. Remove and discard the oil filter and oil filter O-ring.
CAUTION:
DO NOT reuse or clean the filter. The filter element material will contaminate the transaxle.
8. Install a new oil filter and O-ring.
9. Place a new gasket on the oil pan, and install the pan. Tighten the oil pan mounting bolts to 8-10 N-m (71-88 lb-in).
10. Install a new drainplug copper washer. Tighten the drainplug to 40-50 N-m (30-36 lb-ft).
11. Check the fluid level.
12. Transaxle Fluid Level Check
13.
14. Use the following procedure to check the transaxle fluid level:
1. Make sure the vehicle is on a level surface, apply the parking brake and block the drive wheels.
2. Run the engine to warm up the transaxle fluid.
3. While the engine is idling, shift the selector lever from PARK to LOW, then shift back to PARK, while stopping in every gear selection.
4.Pull out the dipstick and be sure that the transaxle level is between the LOW and FULL marks. Use the low temperature scale when the fluid is 20° C(68° F). Use the high temperature scale when the fluid temperature is 65° C(149° F). If necessary, add Motorcraft MERCON ® transaxle fluid, or equivalent.
