transmission
Torque Converter
for 2012 Ford F-150 5.0L V8 Coyote · 4WD
Difficulty
Expert
Time
7.2 h
Tools
13
Steps
15
This procedure covers removal and replacement of the torque converter on a 2011-2014 Ford F-150 with 5.0L Coyote V8 and 4WD, requiring transmission removal for access.
Warnings
⚠️Vehicle must be supported on jack stands rated for the weight. Never work under a vehicle supported only by a floor jack.
⚠️Transmission and torque converter assembly weighs over 200 lbs. Use a transmission jack and have assistance available.
⚠Transmission fluid will drain when disconnecting cooler lines. Have drain pans positioned appropriately.
⚠New torque converter must be properly seated on transmission pump before installation or pump damage will occur.
ℹ️Mark driveshaft and differential yoke orientation before removal to maintain balance during reassembly.
Tools required
Jack stands rated for vehicle weightEssential
Hydraulic floor jackEssential
Transmission jackEssential
Torque wrench (10-100 lb-ft range)Essential
Socket set (metric and SAE)Essential
Breaker barEssential
Pry bar
Drain pan (minimum 12 quart capacity)Essential
Torx bit setEssential
Marker or paint pen
Wire brush
Transmission fluid pump
Crankshaft turning tool or socketEssential
Parts
- Torque converter × 1 — Use OEM specification
- Transmission fluid filter × 1 — Motorcraft FT-182
- Transmission pan gasket × 1 — Use OEM specification
- Flexplate bolts × 8 — Use new OEM bolts
- Transmission mounting bolts × 1 — Reuse unless damaged
- Transfer case gasket × 1 — Use OEM specification
Fluids
- Motorcraft MERCON LV ATF — 11 qt
- Motorcraft Transfer Case Fluid — 2.5 qt
Preparation
- Disconnect negative battery cable and secure away from terminal
- Raise vehicle and support securely on jack stands at frame points
- Remove skid plates and belly pans for access to transmission and transfer case
- Drain transmission fluid by removing pan bolts and filter
- Remove both front wheels for access to front driveshaft
- Support engine with jack and block of wood under oil pan to prevent movement
Procedure
- 1Remove driveshaftsMark front and rear driveshaft positions relative to differential/transfer case yokes. Remove front driveshaft bolts at front differential and transfer case. Remove rear driveshaft bolts at rear differential and transfer case. Support and remove both driveshafts. Cap transfer case outputs to prevent fluid loss.
- 2Disconnect transmission electrical connections and cooler linesDisconnect transmission range sensor connector, output speed sensor, and turbine shaft speed sensor. Disconnect transmission cooler lines at transmission using line disconnect tool. Cap lines and transmission ports. Disconnect shift cable from transmission lever and bracket.⚠Transmission fluid will drain from cooler lines. Position drain pan before disconnecting.
- 3Remove transfer casePlace drain pan under transfer case and remove transfer case drain plug to drain fluid. Support transfer case with transmission jack. Remove transfer case mounting bolts. Separate transfer case from transmission by pulling straight back. Lower transfer case from vehicle.⚠Transfer case weighs approximately 90 lbs. Ensure transmission jack is positioned securely.
- 4Remove transmission crossmember and supportsSupport transmission with transmission jack positioned at center of transmission pan. Remove transmission mount nuts from crossmember. Remove crossmember mounting bolts and remove crossmember from vehicle. Remove transmission mount from transmission if necessary.
- 5Access torque converter boltsRemove starter motor to access torque converter inspection cover. Remove torque converter inspection cover bolts and remove cover. Rotate crankshaft using crankshaft pulley bolt to access each torque converter bolt through inspection opening. Remove all torque converter to flexplate bolts.ℹ️There are typically 4 torque converter bolts. Mark flexplate position relative to crankshaft for reassembly reference.Torque specCover Screws14 Nm (10 lb-ft)
- 6Remove transmission to engine boltsRemove all transmission to engine bell housing bolts. Note bolt lengths and positions for reassembly. Verify all electrical connections, cooler lines, and linkages are disconnected. Ensure transmission jack is securely supporting transmission weight.⚠️Transmission weighs over 200 lbs. Ensure transmission jack is centered and secure before removing final bolts.
- 7Separate transmission from engineCarefully slide transmission straight back away from engine while supporting on transmission jack. Pull transmission back until input shaft clears bell housing. Torque converter should remain with transmission. Lower transmission from vehicle. Keep transmission level to prevent torque converter from sliding out.⚠Do not allow transmission to tilt excessively or torque converter will fall out and can be damaged.
- 8Remove old torque converterWith transmission on bench, carefully pull torque converter straight out from transmission. Note depth of torque converter seating for reference. Inspect flexplate for cracks or damage. Inspect transmission pump seal for damage. Clean bell housing mating surface with wire brush.
- 9Install new torque converterFill new torque converter with approximately 1 quart of MERCON LV ATF through hub. Install torque converter into transmission by carefully aligning splines and rotating converter while pushing inward. Converter must seat through three stages: pump drive gear, turbine shaft, and stator support. Verify converter is fully seated by measuring from front of transmission case to converter mounting surface - should be at least 1/2 inch recessed.⚠️Torque converter MUST be fully seated or transmission pump will be destroyed upon installation. Verify proper seating depth before proceeding.
- 10Install transmission to engineRaise transmission into position using transmission jack. Align torque converter pilot with crankshaft. Carefully slide transmission forward ensuring torque converter hub engages crankshaft. Install transmission to engine bolts and tighten mounting bolts per specification. Verify torque converter rotates freely and has not fallen out of position.⚠Do not force transmission against engine. If transmission does not slide easily, torque converter is not properly aligned or seated.Torque specMounting Bolts76 Nm (56 lb-ft)
- 11Install torque converter to flexplateRotate crankshaft to align torque converter bolt holes with flexplate. Install new flexplate bolts through torque converter inspection opening. Tighten torque converter bolts evenly in a star pattern while rotating crankshaft to access each bolt. Install torque converter inspection cover and cover screws.ℹ️Use only new flexplate bolts. Old bolts may have stretched and can fail.Torque specFlexplate Bolts85 Nm (63 lb-ft)Cover Screws14 Nm (10 lb-ft)
- 12Install crossmember and transmission mountInstall transmission mount to transmission if removed. Raise transmission slightly with jack. Position crossmember and install crossmember mounting bolts. Install transmission mount to crossmember nuts. Tighten all mounting fasteners to specification.Torque specMounting Bolts76 Nm (56 lb-ft)
- 13Install transfer caseInstall new transfer case to transmission gasket. Raise transfer case into position with transmission jack. Align transfer case with transmission output shaft and push together ensuring proper spline engagement. Install transfer case mounting bolts and tighten to specification. Refill transfer case with Motorcraft Transfer Case Fluid to proper level.
- 14Reconnect transmission componentsInstall starter motor. Reconnect transmission cooler lines ensuring proper seating of quick-connect fittings. Reconnect all electrical connectors: transmission range sensor, output speed sensor, and turbine shaft speed sensor. Reconnect shift cable to transmission lever and bracket. Verify all connections are secure.
- 15Install driveshaftsInstall rear driveshaft aligning marks made during disassembly. Install front driveshaft aligning marks at transfer case and front differential. Tighten all driveshaft bolts to specification. Install front wheels and tighten lug nuts to specification.
Reassembly
- Install new transmission filter and pan with new gasket, tighten pan bolts to specification in criss-cross pattern
- Install skid plates and belly pans
- Reconnect negative battery cable
- Fill transmission with MERCON LV ATF through dipstick tube (approximately 6 quarts initially)
- Start engine and add additional ATF while cycling through all gear ranges
Verification
- With engine running and transmission in Park, check fluid level on dipstick at operating temperature (160-180°F)
- Check for leaks at pan gasket, cooler lines, and transfer case mating surface
- Test drive vehicle through all gear ranges verifying smooth shifts with no slipping or shuddering
- Verify no unusual noises from transmission or transfer case during operation
- Recheck fluid level after test drive and top off if necessary
- Check transmission fluid temperature using scan tool - should reach 160-180°F during normal operation