Transmission Pan Gasket

This procedure covers removal and replacement of the transmission pan gasket on a 2015-2020 Ford F-150 with 5.0L V8 and RWD transmission, including fluid drain and refill.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Transmission pan gasket × 1 — Use OEM Ford gasket or equivalent for 10R80 transmission
• Transmission drain plug crush washer (if equipped) × 1 — Check if drain plug uses reusable or replaceable washer

Fluids

• Motorcraft MERCON LV ATF — 6 qt

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and apply 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 support securely on jack stands rated for vehicle weight
5. Verify vehicle stability before working underneath
6. Position drain pan under transmission pan area

Procedure

1. 1

   Locate and access transmission pan
   From underneath the vehicle, locate the transmission pan on the bottom of the 10R80 transmission. The pan is rectangular and located behind the engine oil pan. Clean external surface of pan and surrounding area to prevent contamination during removal.
2. 2

   Drain transmission fluid via drain plug
   If equipped with a drain plug (some 10R80 pans have them, others do not), remove the drain plug using appropriate socket. Allow fluid to drain completely into drain pan. This will take 5-10 minutes. If no drain plug is present, proceed to next step and be prepared for fluid spillage when loosening pan bolts.
   Torque spec

   Drain Plug42 Nm (31 lb-ft)
3. 3

   Loosen transmission pan bolts
   Locate all transmission pan bolts around the perimeter (typically 17-20 bolts). Begin loosening bolts in a criss-cross pattern, working from the outside edges toward the center. Loosen all bolts 2-3 turns initially but do not remove. This allows fluid to drain gradually from pan seam.
   ⚠If pan does not have drain plug, fluid will begin draining as bolts are loosened. Position drain pan accordingly and expect 5-6 quarts of fluid.
4. 4

   Remove transmission pan bolts and lower pan
   Once fluid flow has slowed significantly, remove all pan bolts except for two bolts at opposite corners. Remove these final two bolts while supporting the pan with one hand. Carefully lower the pan, keeping it level to avoid spilling remaining fluid. Pour any residual fluid into drain pan.
5. 5

   Inspect transmission filter and internal components
   With pan removed, inspect the internal transmission filter (if accessible from pan opening). Look for metal shavings, debris, or excessive clutch material in the pan or on the magnet. Minor fine metallic dust on magnet is normal. Clean the magnet thoroughly with shop towels. Note: Full filter replacement on 10R80 typically requires more extensive disassembly and is not part of this basic pan gasket service.
6. 6

   Remove old gasket material
   Using plastic gasket scraper, carefully remove all old gasket material from both the transmission pan sealing surface and the transmission case sealing surface. Do not use metal scrapers that could gouge the aluminum surfaces. Remove all residue completely. Clean both surfaces with brake cleaner and allow to dry. Inspect surfaces for damage or warping.
7. 7

   Clean and prepare transmission pan
   Thoroughly clean inside of transmission pan, removing all old fluid, debris, and residue. Clean the pan magnet completely. Inspect pan for cracks, dents, or damage to bolt holes. Ensure pan sealing surface is flat and undamaged. Dry completely with shop towels.
8. 8

   Install new gasket and position pan
   Place new gasket on transmission pan, aligning all bolt holes. Some gaskets are adhesive-backed and will stick to pan; others may require careful alignment during installation. Lift pan with gasket into position against transmission case, ensuring gasket remains properly aligned. Thread 2-3 pan bolts by hand to hold pan in position.
9. 9

   Install and torque transmission pan bolts
   Install all remaining transmission pan bolts and hand-tighten. Using torque wrench, tighten bolts to specification in a criss-cross pattern starting from the center and working outward. Make multiple passes, gradually increasing torque to final specification to ensure even gasket compression and proper sealing.
   Torque spec

   Pan Bolts20 Nm (15 lb-ft)
10. 10

    Install drain plug if equipped
    If transmission pan is equipped with drain plug, install new crush washer (if applicable) and thread drain plug into pan by hand. Torque drain plug to specification.
    Torque spec

    Drain Plug42 Nm (31 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Refill transmission with fluid
    Locate transmission fill plug on side of transmission case (typically on driver's side of transmission). Remove fill plug. Using fluid transfer pump, add approximately 5-6 quarts of Motorcraft MERCON LV ATF through fill hole. Add fluid slowly and check level frequently. Fluid should reach bottom of fill hole when properly filled at ambient temperature. Do not overfill.
12. 12

    Install fill plug and lower vehicle
    Clean fill plug threads and install fill plug. Torque to specification. Verify all pan bolts are tight and no tools or materials remain under vehicle. Lower vehicle from jack stands carefully.
    Torque spec

    Fill Plug42 Nm (31 lb-ft)
13. 13

    Check fluid level and test operation
    Start engine and allow to idle. With foot on brake, shift transmission through all gear positions (P-R-N-D and back to P), pausing 2-3 seconds in each position. Check under vehicle for leaks around pan gasket. With engine at operating temperature and idling in Park, recheck transmission fluid level at fill plug. Fluid should just begin to drip from fill hole. Top off if necessary.

Reassembly

1. Ensure all transmission pan bolts are torqued to specification in proper criss-cross pattern
2. Verify drain plug and fill plug are properly installed and torqued
3. Double-check for any leaks around pan gasket after initial test drive
4. Dispose of used transmission fluid at proper recycling facility

Verification

• Start engine and verify no leaks from transmission pan gasket with engine running
• Shift through all gear positions to verify normal transmission operation
• Check transmission fluid level at operating temperature - fluid should be at bottom of fill hole
• Test drive vehicle through all gears and verify smooth shifting with no slipping or unusual noises
• After test drive, recheck pan area for any signs of fluid leakage
• Monitor transmission fluid level over next few days and top off if necessary

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