Transmission Fluid Change

This procedure covers draining and refilling the automatic transmission fluid on a 2011-2014 Ford F-150 with the 3.5L EcoBoost V6 engine and 6R80 automatic transmission.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Transmission pan gasket × 1 — Ford BC3Z-7A191-A or equivalent
• Transmission fluid filter (internal) × 1 — Ford BC3Z-7A098-A
• Transmission drain plug crush washer (if equipped) × 1 — Use OEM specification

Fluids

• Motorcraft MERCON LV ATF — 11 qt

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Place wheel chocks behind rear wheels
3. Allow transmission to cool completely if recently driven (minimum 2 hours)
4. Raise front of vehicle and secure on jack stands at frame contact points
5. Verify transmission is cool enough to safely touch pan with bare hand

Procedure

1. 1

   Access transmission pan
   Locate the transmission pan on the underside of the transmission. Remove any skid plates or undertray panels that obstruct access to the transmission pan. The 6R80 pan is rectangular and located toward the rear of the transmission case.
2. 2

   Drain transmission fluid
   Position drain pan beneath transmission oil pan. If equipped with a drain plug, remove the drain plug using appropriate socket and allow fluid to drain completely. If no drain plug is present, carefully loosen all pan bolts 2-3 turns starting at one corner, allowing fluid to drain from that corner. Gradually loosen remaining bolts to control fluid flow. Once fluid flow slows, remove all pan bolts except two at opposite corners to support the pan.
   ⚠Fluid will drain quickly once pan seal breaks. Ensure drain pan is properly positioned to catch all fluid.
   Torque spec

   Transmission Drain Plug30 Nm (22 lb-ft)
3. 3

   Remove transmission pan
   Remove final two pan bolts while supporting the pan with one hand. Lower pan carefully, being aware that residual fluid remains in the pan. Pour remaining fluid from pan into drain container. Set pan aside for cleaning.
4. 4

   Remove old transmission filter
   Locate the transmission fluid filter inside the transmission. The 6R80 filter is secured with several bolts or clips. Remove the filter mounting fasteners and carefully pull filter straight down to disengage from valve body. Some additional fluid will drain when filter is removed.
5. 5

   Clean mating surfaces
   Using plastic gasket scraper and shop rags, thoroughly clean old gasket material from both transmission pan and transmission case mating surface. Ensure surfaces are completely clean and dry with no gasket residue, debris, or fluid remaining. Inspect pan for damage or cracks.
6. 6

   Install new transmission filter
   Install new transmission filter by aligning it with the valve body opening and pushing straight up until fully seated. Install and hand-tighten any filter mounting bolts. Torque filter mounting bolts to specification.
   Torque spec

   Sensor Bolts12 Nm (9 lb-ft)
7. 7

   Install new pan gasket and pan
   Position new gasket on transmission pan, ensuring all bolt holes align correctly. Lift pan with gasket into position against transmission case. Start all pan bolts by hand, threading each several turns to ensure proper alignment before tightening any bolts.
8. 8

   Torque transmission pan bolts
   Using torque wrench, tighten pan bolts in a criss-cross pattern starting from center and working outward. This ensures even gasket compression and prevents leaks. Make multiple passes, gradually increasing torque until all bolts reach final specification.
   ⚠Over-tightening pan bolts can distort the pan and cause leaks. Use torque wrench and follow criss-cross pattern.
   Torque spec

   Pan Bolts19 Nm (14 lb-ft)
9. 9

   Reinstall drain plug if equipped
   If vehicle is equipped with transmission drain plug, install new crush washer on drain plug. Thread drain plug into pan by hand, then torque to specification using torque wrench.
   Torque spec

   Transmission Drain Plug30 Nm (22 lb-ft)
10. 10

    Lower vehicle and refill transmission
    Reinstall any undertray panels or skid plates removed earlier. Lower vehicle from jack stands. Locate transmission dipstick tube at rear of engine bay. Remove dipstick and insert funnel or fluid transfer pump. Add approximately 5 quarts of Motorcraft MERCON LV transmission fluid initially.
11. 11

    Check and adjust fluid level
    Start engine and allow to idle in Park. With engine running and transmission in Park, check fluid level on dipstick. Fluid should be in the cool range. Add fluid in 1/2 quart increments as needed to bring level to proper cold range. Do not overfill.
12. 12

    Cycle transmission and recheck level
    With engine running and foot on brake, shift transmission through all gear positions (P-R-N-D-L), pausing 2-3 seconds in each position. Return to Park. Recheck fluid level and add if necessary. Allow vehicle to reach operating temperature (approximately 10 minutes of driving), then recheck fluid level with transmission at operating temperature. Adjust to proper hot range on dipstick.
    ℹ️Transmission fluid expands when hot. Final level check must be performed at operating temperature (180-200°F) with engine running.

Reassembly

1. Ensure all undertray panels and skid plates are properly reinstalled and secured
2. Verify no tools or materials were left in engine bay or under vehicle
3. Wipe up any spilled transmission fluid from frame and suspension components

Verification

• Start engine and verify no leaks from transmission pan or drain plug while engine idles for 3-5 minutes
• Drive vehicle and verify smooth shifting through all gears with no slipping or harsh engagement
• Recheck fluid level after test drive with transmission at operating temperature and engine running in Park
• Inspect ground under vehicle after overnight parking to confirm no fluid leaks
• Monitor transmission performance over next 100 miles and recheck fluid level after first week of normal driving

Related trouble codes on this vehicle

Codes that commonly send this job to the bay — tap one for symptoms, causes, and diagnostic steps.

Chasing one of these codes and not sure which part is guilty? Ask a master mechanic about YOUR car →

More procedures for this vehicle