Transmission Service

This procedure covers draining and refilling the automatic transmission fluid on a 2015-2020 Ford F-150 with the 5.0L Coyote V8 engine and rear-wheel drive configuration.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Transmission pan gasket × 1 — Ford BC3Z-7A191-A or equivalent
• Transmission filter with O-ring seal × 1 — Motorcraft FT-188 or equivalent
• Oil drain plug crush washer × 1 — Use OEM specification

Fluids

• Motorcraft MERCON LV ATF — 6.5 qt

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level ground and engage parking brake firmly
2. Place wheel chocks behind rear wheels
3. Start engine and allow to reach normal operating temperature, then shut off and wait 2 hours for cooling
4. Raise front of vehicle with floor jack and secure on jack stands at manufacturer-specified lift points
5. Remove front wheels to improve access and workspace beneath vehicle

Procedure

1. 1

   Access transmission pan
   Position drain pan beneath transmission oil pan. The pan is located toward the rear of the transmission, centered under the vehicle. Identify the transmission pan and locate all pan bolts around the perimeter.
2. 2

   Drain transmission fluid
   Loosen all transmission pan bolts gradually in a crisscross pattern, leaving two bolts at one corner partially threaded. Carefully pry the opposite corner down to allow fluid to drain in a controlled manner. Once draining slows, remove remaining bolts and lower pan carefully. Expect approximately 6-7 quarts to drain.
   ⚠Fluid will pour out rapidly once pan seal breaks. Keep hands clear and ensure drain pan is properly positioned.
3. 3

   Remove and inspect old filter
   Locate the transmission filter assembly attached to the valve body inside the transmission. Remove the filter by pulling straight down firmly - it is held by an O-ring seal. Inspect the magnet in the transmission pan for excessive metal debris. Small amounts of fine particles are normal; large chunks or excessive material indicate internal wear.
4. 4

   Clean transmission pan and mating surfaces
   Thoroughly clean the transmission pan interior, removing all old gasket material and fluid residue. Clean the transmission case mating surface with a plastic scraper, being careful not to gouge the aluminum. Wipe both surfaces completely clean and dry. Clean the pan magnet thoroughly and reinstall it in the pan.
5. 5

   Install new transmission filter
   Lubricate the new filter O-ring with clean MERCON LV fluid. Push the new filter straight up into the valve body until it seats completely. The filter should be firmly seated and not rotate or pull down easily.
6. 6

   Install new gasket and pan
   Position the new gasket on the transmission pan, ensuring all bolt holes align correctly. Lift the pan into position against the transmission case. Start all pan bolts by hand to ensure proper alignment before tightening any bolts.
7. 7

   Torque transmission pan bolts
   Tighten pan bolts in a crisscross pattern starting from the center and working outward. Torque all bolts evenly to specification. Make a second pass to verify all bolts are properly torqued.
   Torque spec

   Cover Screws14 Nm (10 lb-ft)
8. 8

   Refill transmission with fluid
   Locate the transmission fluid dipstick tube at the rear of the engine bay on the passenger side. Remove the dipstick and insert a fluid transfer pump or long-neck funnel. Add 6 quarts of Motorcraft MERCON LV ATF initially. This is less than what drained because some fluid remains in the torque converter.
9. 9

   Reinstall wheels and lower vehicle
   Reinstall front wheels, threading lug nuts by hand initially. Torque lug nuts in a star pattern to specification. Carefully lower vehicle from jack stands and remove jack stands. Lower vehicle completely to ground.
   Torque spec

   Wheel Lug Nuts140 Nm (103 lb-ft)
10. 10

    Check and adjust fluid level
    Start engine and allow to idle. With engine running and transmission in Park, check fluid level on dipstick. Add additional fluid in 0.5 quart increments until level reaches the cold range on dipstick. Do not overfill. The fluid level will rise as it warms up.
    ⚠Check for leaks around the pan gasket while engine is running. If leaking, shut off engine immediately and re-torque pan bolts.
11. 11

    Perform fluid level warm-up procedure
    With engine running, cycle transmission through all gear positions (P-R-N-D and back to P), pausing 3 seconds in each position. Drive vehicle for 10-15 minutes to bring transmission to normal operating temperature (160-180°F). Recheck fluid level with engine running and transmission in Park on level ground. Fluid should be in the hot range on dipstick. Add or remove fluid as necessary to achieve proper level.

Reassembly

1. Ensure transmission pan bolts are torqued evenly in a crisscross pattern to prevent gasket leaks
2. Verify wheel lug nuts are torqued to specification in a star pattern
3. Double-check that transmission dipstick is fully seated after final fluid level check

Verification

• Check for fluid leaks around transmission pan after test drive
• Verify transmission fluid level is in the hot range on dipstick with engine running at operating temperature
• Confirm smooth transmission operation through all gears with no slipping or delayed engagement
• Inspect ground under vehicle after parking overnight to confirm no fluid leaks are present

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