This procedure drains and refills the automatic transmission fluid on a 2015-2020 Ford F-150 with 5.0L V8 Coyote engine and RWD configuration, using the transmission pan removal method.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Transmission pan gasket × 1 — Motorcraft RG-5 or equivalent for 6R80 transmission
• Transmission filter × 1 — Motorcraft FT-189 or equivalent
• Gasket sealant × 1 — Motorcraft TA-357 or RTV silicone

Fluids

• Motorcraft MERCON LV ATF — 6 qt

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Allow transmission to cool if vehicle was recently operated
3. Lift front and rear of vehicle to ensure it is level, then secure on jack stands
4. Verify you have the correct MERCON LV fluid; do not substitute with other ATF types
5. Locate transmission pan underneath vehicle, between transmission and rear differential
6. Position drain pan underneath transmission pan area

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove transmission pan bolts
   Locate all transmission pan bolts around the perimeter of the pan. Begin loosening bolts in a criss-cross pattern, leaving two bolts at one corner slightly snug. Loosen remaining bolts gradually to allow pan to tilt and begin draining fluid into your drain pan. Once fluid flow slows, remove the final two bolts and carefully lower the transmission pan.
2. 2

   Drain fluid and remove pan
   Allow all fluid to drain completely from the pan. Remove the transmission pan carefully, keeping it level to avoid spilling residual fluid. Pour any remaining fluid from the pan into your drain pan. Inspect the pan for metal shavings or debris; small amounts are normal, but excessive material may indicate transmission wear.
3. 3

   Remove and replace transmission filter
   Locate the transmission filter inside the transmission housing. Remove the filter by pulling it straight down from the valve body; it may require gentle twisting. Inspect the filter seal area on the valve body for damage. Install the new filter by pushing it straight up into position until it seats completely. Ensure the filter O-ring is properly positioned.
4. 4

   Clean pan and mating surfaces
   Use a plastic or brass scraper to carefully remove all old gasket material from both the transmission pan and the transmission case mating surface. Do not use steel scrapers or abrasive pads that could damage the aluminum surfaces. Clean both surfaces thoroughly with brake cleaner and wipe dry with shop towels. Ensure no gasket debris falls into the transmission.
5. 5

   Install new gasket and prepare pan
   Install the new gasket onto the transmission pan. Some gaskets are adhesive-backed and stick to the pan; others may require a thin bead of RTV sealant on the pan flange. If using RTV, apply a continuous 2-3mm bead around the inside of the bolt holes, then position the gasket. Ensure the magnet is clean and properly positioned in the pan.
6. 6

   Install transmission pan
   Carefully position the transmission pan up to the transmission case, aligning all bolt holes. Start all pan bolts by hand to ensure proper threading. Once all bolts are started, tighten them gradually in a criss-cross pattern working from the center outward to ensure even gasket compression and prevent warping the pan.
   Torque spec

   Pan Bolts20 Nm (15 lb-ft)
7. 7

   Refill transmission with fluid
   Locate the transmission fluid fill plug on the passenger side of the transmission case. Remove the fill plug. Using a fluid transfer pump, add approximately 5-6 quarts of Motorcraft MERCON LV ATF through the fill hole. Install and tighten the fill plug to specification. Start with 5 quarts and check level after running the transmission.
   Torque spec

   Fill Plug42 Nm (31 lb-ft)
8. 8

   Check for leaks and initial level
   Lower the vehicle to the ground. Start the engine and allow it to idle. With your foot on the brake, shift through all gear positions (P-R-N-D and back to P), pausing 2-3 seconds in each position. This circulates fluid through the transmission. Check underneath for any leaks at the pan gasket.
   ⚠Keep foot firmly on brake pedal when shifting through gears with engine running.
9. 9

   Verify final fluid level
   With the engine at operating temperature and idling in Park on level ground, remove the fill plug. Fluid should slowly drip from the fill hole when at proper level. If no fluid drips, add additional MERCON LV in 0.5 quart increments until fluid begins to drip. When correct level is achieved, reinstall the fill plug to specification.
   ⚠Transmission fluid will be hot at operating temperature. Use caution when removing fill plug.
   Torque spec

   Fill Plug42 Nm (31 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Ensure all pan bolts are torqued to specification in the correct criss-cross pattern
2. Verify fill plug is properly torqued after final level check
3. Double-check that no tools or materials were left in the work area

Verification

• Start engine and verify no leaks from transmission pan gasket after reaching operating temperature
• Verify smooth shifting through all gear ranges with no slipping or harsh engagement
• Confirm fluid level is correct using the fill plug method with transmission at operating temperature
• Test drive vehicle to ensure normal transmission operation under load
• Recheck fluid level and inspect for leaks after test drive

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