This procedure performs a complete transmission fluid exchange on the 2015-2020 Ford F-150 with 5.0L V8 and 10R80 automatic transmission, including pan removal, filter replacement, and fluid refill.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Transmission pan gasket × 1 — Motorcraft OEM gasket for 10R80
• Transmission filter assembly × 1 — Motorcraft FT-198 or equivalent
• Drain plug crush washer × 1 — OEM copper washer if equipped

Fluids

• Motorcraft MERCON LV ATF — 11 qt

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Allow transmission to cool completely (minimum 2 hours after operation)
3. Raise front of vehicle and secure on jack stands at frame contact points
4. Verify adequate clearance to access transmission pan and fill plug
5. Locate transmission fill plug on passenger side of transmission case before beginning drain procedure

Procedure

1. 1

   Access and drain transmission fluid
   Position drain pan under transmission pan. If equipped with drain plug, remove drain plug using 10mm socket and allow fluid to drain completely. If no drain plug is present, carefully loosen all transmission pan bolts starting from one corner, allowing fluid to drain as pan tilts. Expect approximately 5-6 quarts to drain initially.
   Torque spec

   Drain Plug42 Nm (31 lb-ft)
2. 2

   Remove transmission pan
   Remove all transmission pan bolts in criss-cross pattern using 10mm socket. Carefully lower pan and pour remaining fluid into drain pan. Inspect pan for metal shavings or debris. Small amounts of fine material are normal; large chunks or excessive debris indicate internal wear.
   ℹ️Pan may stick to transmission case. Gently tap with rubber mallet if needed, but avoid prying which can damage sealing surfaces.
   Torque spec

   Pan Bolts20 Nm (15 lb-ft)
3. 3

   Remove old filter
   Locate transmission filter inside pan cavity. Remove filter retaining bolts using 10mm socket. Pull filter straight down to disconnect from valve body. Some residual fluid will drain from filter housing.
4. 4

   Clean transmission pan and mating surfaces
   Thoroughly clean inside of transmission pan using brake cleaner and lint-free rags. Remove all old gasket material from pan and transmission case mating surface using plastic gasket scraper. Inspect pan for cracks or damage. Clean magnet in pan bottom and reinstall if removable.
   ⚠Do not use metal scrapers on transmission case sealing surface. Scratches or gouges will cause leaks.
5. 5

   Install new filter
   Install new transmission filter into valve body opening, ensuring o-ring is properly seated. Align filter bolt holes and install retaining bolts. Do not overtighten filter bolts to avoid damaging plastic filter housing.
6. 6

   Install new gasket and transmission pan
   Position new gasket onto transmission pan, aligning all bolt holes. Some gaskets are adhesive-backed; others may require alignment pins or careful handling. Lift pan into position against transmission case. Start all pan bolts by hand to ensure proper thread engagement.
7. 7

   Torque transmission pan bolts
   Torque all transmission pan bolts in criss-cross pattern starting from center and working outward. Make multiple passes, gradually increasing torque to final specification. This ensures even gasket compression and prevents leaks.
   Torque spec

   Pan Bolts20 Nm (15 lb-ft)
8. 8

   Install drain plug if equipped
   If transmission pan has drain plug, install new copper crush washer onto drain plug. Thread drain plug into pan by hand, then torque to specification using torque wrench.
   Torque spec

   Drain Plug42 Nm (31 lb-ft)
9. 9

   Initial fluid fill
   Locate fill plug on passenger side of transmission case (typically requires 10mm hex socket). Remove fill plug. Using transmission fluid pump or funnel with extension tube inserted into fill hole, add 5 quarts of Motorcraft MERCON LV ATF. Reinstall fill plug hand-tight for now.
   ℹ️Fill plug location varies by model year. Consult service information if unsure. Some models require filling through dipstick tube if equipped.
10. 10

    Lower vehicle and run engine
    Lower vehicle from jack stands. Start engine and allow to idle in Park for 1-2 minutes. With foot on brake, shift through all gear positions (P-R-N-D and manual modes if equipped), pausing 3 seconds in each position. Return to Park.
11. 11

    Check and adjust fluid level
    Raise vehicle again and access fill plug. Connect scan tool to monitor transmission fluid temperature. With engine running at idle in Park, transmission fluid must reach 90-110°F (32-43°C) for accurate fill. Remove fill plug; fluid should drip slowly from hole. Add additional fluid in 1/2 quart increments until fluid drips from fill hole. Reinstall and torque fill plug to specification.
    ⚠Fluid level must be checked at specific temperature range. Checking when too cold or too hot will result in incorrect fill level.
    Torque spec

    Fill Plug42 Nm (31 lb-ft)
12. 12

    Perform final leak check
    With engine running, inspect transmission pan, drain plug, and fill plug for leaks. If leaks are present at pan, recheck bolt torque. Allow engine to reach normal operating temperature while monitoring for leaks.

Reassembly

1. Ensure all pan bolts are torqued to specification in proper sequence
2. Verify fill plug is torqued and not leaking
3. Clean any spilled transmission fluid from chassis and components
4. Lower vehicle and remove jack stands

Verification

• Start engine and verify no leaks at transmission pan or fill plug after 5 minutes of operation
• Test drive vehicle through all gears, verifying smooth shifting and no slipping
• Re-check fluid level after transmission reaches full operating temperature (190-210°F) using scan tool and fill plug weep method
• Monitor for proper shift quality over next 50-100 miles as transmission adapts to fresh fluid
• Inspect under vehicle after first drive for any signs of leakage

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