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

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Transmission pan gasket × 1 — Motorcraft FT-182 or equivalent
• Transmission filter kit × 1 — Motorcraft FT-180 or equivalent
• Transmission pan bolts (if corroded) × 18 — M8 x 1.25 x 20mm

Fluids

• Motorcraft MERCON LV ATF — 11 qt

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and allow transmission to cool to ambient temperature if recently driven
2. Engage parking brake and place wheel chocks behind rear wheels
3. Raise front of vehicle with floor jack and support on jack stands at manufacturer-approved lift points
4. Verify vehicle is stable before going underneath
5. Position large drain pan underneath transmission pan area
6. Have at least 6 quarts of fresh MERCON LV ATF ready and accessible

Procedure

1. 1

   Access transmission pan
   From underneath the vehicle, locate the transmission pan at the bottom of the transmission. Remove the plastic transmission pan shield if equipped by removing the push-pin fasteners. Note the location of all fasteners for reinstallation.
2. 2

   Drain transmission fluid
   Position drain pan directly under transmission pan. Starting at one rear corner, loosen (but do not remove) all 18 transmission pan bolts. Gradually loosen the bolts in a crisscross pattern to allow fluid to drain slowly from one corner. Be prepared for approximately 5-6 quarts of fluid to drain. Once fluid flow slows, carefully remove all pan bolts.
3. 3

   Remove transmission pan
   Carefully lower the transmission pan, being aware that residual fluid will spill out. Use a plastic mallet to gently tap the pan loose if it is stuck to the gasket. Set pan aside and allow remaining fluid to drain from transmission housing. Inspect drained fluid for metal particles or debris indicating internal transmission wear.
4. 4

   Remove old filter
   Locate the transmission filter inside the transmission. It is held in place by either bolts or a press-fit design. For bolt-on filters, remove the mounting bolts and lower the filter carefully. For press-fit filters, grasp firmly and pull straight down with a twisting motion to release. Inspect the old filter for excessive debris or metal particles.
5. 5

   Clean mating surfaces
   Use a plastic scraper to carefully remove all old gasket material from both the transmission pan and the transmission housing mating surface. Do not gouge or scratch the aluminum surfaces. Use a wire brush to clean the pan bolt holes. Wipe all surfaces clean with shop rags and ensure no debris falls into the transmission.
6. 6

   Install new filter
   Install the new transmission filter by aligning it with the mounting location. For press-fit filters, push firmly upward until it seats with an audible click. For bolt-on filters, install and torque the mounting bolts to specification. Ensure the filter is fully seated and the O-ring seal (if equipped) is properly positioned.
   Torque spec

   Mounting Bolts31 Nm (23 lb-ft)
7. 7

   Clean transmission pan
   Thoroughly clean the inside of the transmission pan, removing any sediment or residue. Clean the magnet (if equipped) to remove accumulated metal particles. Inspect the pan for cracks or damage. Do not reuse the pan if it is bent or damaged.
8. 8

   Install new gasket and pan
   Position the new gasket on the transmission pan, ensuring all bolt holes align properly. Some gaskets are adhesive-backed and will stick to the pan. Carefully lift the pan with gasket into position against the transmission housing. Thread all 18 pan bolts by hand to prevent cross-threading.
9. 9

   Torque pan bolts
   Torque the transmission pan bolts in a crisscross pattern starting from the center and working outward. First pass: snug all bolts finger-tight plus 1/4 turn. Second pass: torque all bolts to 12 Nm (9 lb-ft) in sequence. Do not overtighten as this will distort the pan and cause leaks.
   Torque spec

   Cover Screws12 Nm (9 lb-ft)
10. 10

    Reinstall shields and lower vehicle
    Reinstall the transmission pan shield if equipped. Remove drain pan from under vehicle. Carefully lower the vehicle from jack stands to the ground. Ensure all tools and materials are clear before lowering.
11. 11

    Add transmission fluid
    Locate the transmission fluid fill plug on the driver's side of the transmission. Remove the fill plug. Using a fluid transfer pump or long-neck funnel, add 5 quarts of MERCON LV ATF through the fill hole. This initial fill will bring fluid level close to operating range.
12. 12

    Check and adjust fluid level
    Connect a Ford IDS scan tool or equivalent transmission fluid level tool to the OBD-II port. Start the engine and allow it to reach normal operating temperature (approximately 160-180°F transmission fluid temperature as shown on scan tool). With engine running, shift through all gear positions (P-R-N-D) pausing 3 seconds in each position, then return to Park. With engine idling in Park and transmission at operating temperature, use the scan tool to monitor fluid level. Add fluid in 0.5 quart increments as needed until scan tool indicates proper fluid level. Do not overfill.

Reassembly

1. Reinstall the transmission fill plug once proper fluid level is confirmed
2. Perform a final inspection underneath the vehicle for any fluid leaks around the transmission pan
3. Verify the transmission pan shield is properly secured if equipped
4. Remove wheel chocks and verify parking brake is released before test drive

Verification

• Start the engine and verify no transmission fluid leaks are present around the pan gasket area
• Using scan tool, verify transmission fluid temperature reaches 160-180°F and fluid level is within specification
• Test drive the vehicle through all gears to verify smooth shifting and proper transmission operation
• After test drive, recheck fluid level with scan tool while at operating temperature in Park with engine running
• Perform final inspection for leaks after vehicle has been driven and is parked on level ground

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