This procedure replaces the transmission pan gasket on a 2021-2024 Ford F-150 with the 10R80 automatic transmission, including fluid drain and refill.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Transmission pan gasket × 1 — Use OEM Ford specification for 10R80 transmission
• Transmission drain plug washer × 1 — Use OEM specification

Fluids

• Motorcraft MERCON LV ATF — 6 qt

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Allow engine and transmission to cool completely (minimum 2 hours)
3. Raise front of vehicle and support securely on jack stands at frame rails
4. Verify adequate clearance to access transmission pan from underneath
5. Position drain pan underneath transmission pan with sufficient capacity
6. Have all replacement parts and fluids ready before draining

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove transmission drain plug
   Locate the drain plug on the transmission pan. Using a 10mm socket, slowly loosen the drain plug. Once loose, carefully remove by hand and allow fluid to drain completely into the drain pan. This will take several minutes. Remove and inspect the drain plug washer.
   Torque spec

   Drain Plug39 Nm (29 lb-ft)
2. 2

   Remove transmission pan bolts
   Once fluid has finished draining, locate all transmission pan bolts around the perimeter of the pan. Using a 10mm socket, loosen all bolts in a criss-cross pattern, working from the outside toward the center. Remove all bolts except for two at opposite corners to support the pan weight.
   Torque spec

   Pan Bolts19 Nm (14 lb-ft)
3. 3

   Lower transmission pan
   Support the transmission pan with one hand while removing the final two bolts. Carefully lower the pan, being aware that residual fluid (approximately 1-2 quarts) will still be inside. Tilt the pan to drain remaining fluid into the drain pan. Set the pan aside on a clean surface.
4. 4

   Inspect transmission filter and magnet
   With the pan removed, visually inspect the transmission filter (if accessible) for damage or debris. Check the magnet in the transmission pan for metal shavings. Small amounts of fine metallic dust are normal, but large particles or chunks indicate internal wear and require further diagnosis before proceeding.
5. 5

   Remove old gasket material
   Using a plastic scraper or flat blade screwdriver, carefully remove all old gasket material from both the transmission pan mating surface and the transmission case surface. Take care not to gouge or scratch the aluminum surfaces. Clean both surfaces thoroughly with brake cleaner and lint-free rags until completely clean and dry. Inspect for any damage or warping.
6. 6

   Clean transmission pan
   Thoroughly clean the inside of the transmission pan with brake cleaner, removing all residual fluid and debris. Clean the magnet completely. Wipe dry with lint-free rags. Inspect the pan for cracks, dents, or damage. Check the drain plug threads for damage and clean thoroughly.
7. 7

   Install new gasket on pan
   Position the new transmission pan gasket on the pan, ensuring all bolt holes align correctly. Most Ford 10R80 pan gaskets are rubber molded design with locating features. Verify the gasket is oriented correctly and seated properly in the pan groove if equipped. Do not use additional sealant unless specifically required by the gasket manufacturer.
8. 8

   Install transmission pan
   Carefully lift the transmission pan with gasket into position, aligning it with the transmission case. Start all pan bolts by hand, threading them in a few turns each to ensure proper alignment. Verify the gasket remains properly positioned around the entire perimeter before tightening any bolts.
   Torque spec

   Pan Bolts19 Nm (14 lb-ft)
9. 9

   Torque transmission pan bolts
   Using a torque wrench, tighten the transmission pan bolts to 12 Nm (9 lb-ft) in a criss-cross pattern, starting from the center and working outward. Make multiple passes, gradually increasing torque until all bolts reach the final specification. Verify all bolts are tight and recheck torque on each bolt.
   Torque spec

   Pan Bolts19 Nm (14 lb-ft)
10. 10

    Install drain plug with new washer
    Install the new drain plug washer onto the drain plug. Thread the drain plug into the transmission pan by hand until snug, then torque to 30 Nm (22 lb-ft) using a torque wrench. Do not overtighten as this can strip the aluminum pan threads.
    Torque spec

    Drain Plug39 Nm (29 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Refill transmission fluid
    Locate the transmission fill plug on the side of the transmission case (typically passenger side). Remove the fill plug using a 10mm socket. Using a fluid transfer pump, add approximately 5.5 quarts of Motorcraft MERCON LV ATF through the fill hole. Fill until fluid begins to seep from the fill hole with the vehicle level. The transmission must be at operating temperature for accurate fill level verification.
    Torque spec

    Fill Plug39 Nm (29 lb-ft)
12. 12

    Install fill plug and lower vehicle
    Install the fill plug and torque to 39 Nm (29 lb-ft). Wipe away any spilled fluid from the transmission case. Lower the vehicle from jack stands to the ground. Check underneath for any signs of leakage around the pan and drain plug.
    Torque spec

    Fill Plug39 Nm (29 lb-ft)
13. 13

    Verify fluid level and check for leaks
    Start the engine and allow it to idle. With the parking brake engaged and your foot on the brake pedal, shift through all gear positions (P-R-N-D and manual positions), pausing 2-3 seconds in each. Return to Park. Allow the transmission to reach operating temperature (approximately 10-15 minutes of idling). Raise the vehicle again and remove the fill plug - a small amount of fluid should drip out when at proper level and temperature. Add fluid if necessary, then reinstall fill plug to specification. Recheck for leaks around pan and drain plug.
    Torque spec

    Fill Plug39 Nm (29 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Reassembly is covered in the main procedure steps as this is a removal and installation job
2. Ensure all torque specifications are met during reassembly
3. Verify no tools or rags were left in the work area before lowering vehicle

Verification

• Start engine and verify no transmission fluid leaks from pan or drain plug while idling
• Test drive vehicle through all gears to verify normal transmission operation
• After test drive, recheck fluid level with transmission at operating temperature using fill plug method
• Inspect underneath vehicle after test drive for any signs of seepage or leaks
• Monitor transmission fluid level and condition over the next few days of driving

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