This procedure covers the removal and replacement of the transmission oil cooler, which circulates ATF through the radiator or auxiliary cooler to maintain proper transmission operating temperature.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Transmission oil cooler assembly × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Transmission cooler line O-rings × 4 — Replace all connections
• Transmission fluid (MERCON LV) × 1 — Motorcraft XT-10-QLVC
• Shop towels × 1 — Standard

Fluids

• Motorcraft MERCON LV ATF — 4 qt

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level ground and engage parking brake
2. Allow engine and transmission to cool completely (minimum 2 hours after operation)
3. Raise front of vehicle and support securely on jack stands
4. Remove engine under-cover/splash shield if equipped
5. Place drain pan under transmission cooler area
6. Disconnect negative battery cable to prevent accidental cranking

Procedure

1. 1

   Drain transmission fluid
   Locate the transmission drain plug on the bottom of the transmission pan. Using a socket, remove the drain plug and allow fluid to drain completely into the drain pan. If vehicle does not have a drain plug, you will need to remove the transmission pan bolts to drain fluid.
   ⚠Fluid may still be warm. Wear protective gloves and ensure drain pan has adequate capacity.
   Torque spec

   Transmission Drain Plug30 Nm (22 lb-ft)
2. 2

   Locate transmission cooler lines
   Trace the transmission cooler lines from the transmission to the oil cooler. On 2011-2014 F-150s, the cooler may be integrated into the radiator (inside the tank) or mounted as an external auxiliary cooler in front of the radiator. Identify both the inlet and outlet lines and their connection points.
3. 3

   Disconnect cooler lines at transmission
   Using line wrenches to prevent rounding, loosen the cooler line fittings at the transmission case. These are typically quick-disconnect or threaded fittings. If equipped with quick-disconnect fittings, press the release tabs and pull the lines free. Cap or plug the transmission ports immediately to prevent contamination.
   ⚠Residual fluid will drain from the lines. Position drain pan to catch spillage.
4. 4

   Disconnect cooler lines at oil cooler
   If cooler is radiator-integrated, disconnect lines at the radiator tank fittings. If equipped with external auxiliary cooler, disconnect lines at the cooler inlet/outlet. Use line wrenches and note the routing and orientation of lines for reinstallation. Remove and discard old O-rings from all fittings.
5. 5

   Remove transmission oil cooler mounting
   For external auxiliary coolers: Remove the mounting bolts securing the cooler to its bracket or frame mount. For radiator-integrated coolers: This typically requires partial radiator removal - disconnect upper and lower radiator hoses, overflow hose, and remove radiator mounting bolts to access internal cooler assembly.
   ℹ️If removing radiator, drain coolant system first and be prepared for coolant loss. See coolant system service procedure.
   Torque spec

   Mounting Bolts34 Nm (25 lb-ft)
6. 6

   Remove old transmission oil cooler
   Carefully extract the old transmission oil cooler. For radiator-integrated units, the cooler is typically pressed or threaded into the radiator tank and may require special pulling tools. For external coolers, simply lift away once mounting bolts are removed. Inspect all fittings and ports for damage or debris.
7. 7

   Prepare new oil cooler
   Inspect new transmission oil cooler for shipping damage. Install new O-rings on all cooler inlet/outlet ports, lubricating lightly with clean ATF. Verify new cooler matches original configuration and fitting locations. If radiator-integrated, ensure proper seating depth alignment.
8. 8

   Install new transmission oil cooler
   Position new cooler into mounting location. For external coolers, align with mounting holes and start bolts by hand. For radiator-integrated coolers, carefully press or thread into radiator tank until fully seated. Install mounting bolts and tighten to specification in a criss-cross pattern.
   Torque spec

   Mounting Bolts34 Nm (25 lb-ft)
9. 9

   Reconnect transmission cooler lines
   Install new O-rings on transmission cooler line fittings, lubricated with clean ATF. Connect cooler lines to the new oil cooler first, ensuring proper routing and no kinks or sharp bends. Then connect lines to transmission case. For threaded fittings, hand-tighten first, then use line wrenches to snug. For quick-disconnect fittings, push until you hear/feel a click.
   ⚠Do not over-tighten cooler line fittings. Excessive torque can crack aluminum transmission case ports.
10. 10

    Reinstall radiator components if removed
    If radiator was removed for cooler access, reinstall radiator into mounting position. Install radiator mounting bolts to specification. Reconnect upper and lower radiator hoses and overflow hose. Secure all hose clamps.
    Torque spec

    Mounting Bolts34 Nm (25 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Install drain plug and refill transmission
    Clean drain plug and inspect crush washer (replace if equipped). Install drain plug and tighten to specification. Using a fluid transfer pump through the dipstick tube, add approximately 4 quarts of Motorcraft MERCON LV ATF to replace fluid lost during cooler replacement.
    ⚠Use only Motorcraft MERCON LV ATF. Other fluids are not compatible with the 6R80 transmission.
    Torque spec

    Transmission Drain Plug30 Nm (22 lb-ft)
12. 12

    Reinstall under-covers and lower vehicle
    Reinstall engine splash shield or under-cover if equipped. Remove jack stands and carefully lower vehicle to ground. Reconnect negative battery cable.

Reassembly

1. Double-check all cooler line connections for security and proper O-ring seating
2. Verify no tools or materials were left in engine bay
3. If radiator was removed, refill cooling system to proper level with Motorcraft Orange Coolant and bleed air
4. Check initial transmission fluid level with engine off

Verification

• Start engine and allow to idle. Shift through all gear ranges (P-R-N-D) with foot on brake, pausing 2-3 seconds in each position
• With engine at idle in Park, check transmission fluid level and add as needed to bring to cold full mark
• Inspect all cooler line connections for leaks while engine is running
• Test drive vehicle for 10-15 minutes to bring transmission to operating temperature (typically 180-200°F)
• Recheck fluid level with engine running at operating temperature in Park on level ground. Level should be in hot range on dipstick
• Perform final inspection under vehicle for any fluid leaks at cooler or line connections
• Monitor transmission operation over next several days for proper shifting and temperature control

More procedures for this vehicle