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Automatic Transmission fluid drain and fill - vacuum extraction method

Cdubya

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#1
This method is for the DIYer who wants to drain and fill their 10R60 with the least amount of hassle.

The conventional method is dropping the transmission oil pan, with oil pouring out, maybe replacing the filter while you are there, sealing it back up with or without a new gasket, filling it with about 5 qts or oil, driving it around, then checking the oil level again and topping it off as needed. You will be draining and filling approximately 5-6 qts out of the 12.6 qts that are in the transmission doing it by the book. See Factory Service Manual: https://www.foexplorer.com/ford_exp..._transmission_fluid_drain_and_refill-777.html

This method uses a vacuum extractor that many of you already are using to change your engine oil. You will be checking the transmission oil level (normal operating temperature), extract oil through the same fill hole, measuring the qty of oil extracted and replacing roughly the same amount (depending on initial level) and checking a final level. It will take about 45 minutes with a good chunk of that time getting the vehicle in the air (i used ramps in front and jack stands in the rear) and back down. Granted, I was only able to drain and fill about 4 qts and the filter does not get changed--but, the method is so easy and mess-free that I can see myself doing this once a year.

Information:
Automatic Transmission oil: Mercon ULV
Full level: 3 - 4.5 on the mini dipstick (temp 206-215F). I would recommend 2.5. Make sure also that engine is running, in neutral, and after cycling through R and D several times, and car is level. Also when topping off, I'm going to guess it's a little more than a 1/2 qt to go up one point on the level, so start there.


Tools used:
-19mm wrench for fill plug
-Vacuum Extractor: OEMTOOLS 24397 10 Quarts (2.5 Gallons) Manual Fluid Extractor, Oil Extractor Pump, Transmission Fluid Pump, Oversized Handle Manual Oil Pump Extractor https://a.co/d/1aTYPlo
-Oil transfer pump: Motive Products 1745 Power Fill... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0119DHX7O?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

IMG_8274.jpeg
Location of trans fill plug--view from Driver's side, above trans cooler. The mini dipstick underneath that.

IMG_8259.jpeg
Fill plug and mini dipstick: note the numbers in circles 1 - 6.

IMG_8260.jpeg
My level: 2... overfilled.

IMG_8261.jpeg
Vacuum extractor.

IMG_8263.jpeg
IMG_8264.jpeg
At 73k miles, oil looks spent compared to new oil. Would definitely recommend not waiting this long.

IMG_8266.jpeg
IMG_8268.jpeg
Pressure filler: $100 well spent. So much easier and less messy than hand operated oil transfer pumps. USA made too.

IMG_8272.jpeg
Final level.

Update: my second go at this, I used a sleeve to protect my skin from burns. I also filled to 2.5 level.

IMG_9657.jpeg
 

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#2
I was thinking about checking my transmission fluid level at least once a year, but was not sure about changing it myself, what type of ramps are you using?
 

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Cdubya

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Thread Starter #3
I was thinking about checking my transmission fluid level at least once a year, but was not sure about changing it myself, what type of ramps are you using?
Race Ramps (2 piece). Make sure to use wheel chocks with them (learned this the hard way).
 

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GearHead_1

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#4
I second the Race Ramps for in the garage or driveway work. Having said that, remember the car must be level when checking the transmission fluid. Something's got to be used to get the back end up too.
 

UNBROKEN

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#5
I was thinking about checking my transmission fluid level at least once a year, but was not sure about changing it myself, what type of ramps are you using?
If you have no leaks the fluid level won’t change.
 

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#6
so
If you have no leaks the fluid level won’t change.
True, but I just want to check it a few times for piece of mind. I also plan on checking the drive train for leaks a few times a year.
 

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Cdubya

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Thread Starter #7
so
True, but I just want to check it a few times for piece of mind. I also plan on checking the drive train for leaks a few times a year.
Nothing wrong with that! I used the opportunity to spray some undercarriage rust with Fluid Film and also keep an eye on my fix for the axle hub actuator leak.
 

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#8
I might do this soon. I have an electric pump. How far did you have to feed the hose into the fill plug?

Do you notice any difference now that you have the correct amount, and fresh fluid?
 

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Cdubya

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Thread Starter #9
I might do this soon. I have an electric pump. How far did you have to feed the hose into the fill plug?

Do you notice any difference now that you have the correct amount, and fresh fluid?
Hose inserts about 3" if I recall. Seems like shifting is smoother but could be wishful thinking.
 

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#11
2020 Explorer, with 110k km. Mostly City driving in Canada. The fluid looked used, however still in good condition.

After the first extraction & fill, run your engine for 40 seconds, you can change another 4 quarts of old fluid. Within 40s (10s in park, 10s in R, 10s in N, 10s in drive). The new fluid is pulled into the transmission and old fluid moves back to the pan. Allowing for a total service of 8qt. You should purchase approx 9 quarts (8 used, one backup)

I attempted to do a third extraction/fill, however, it only appeared to be new fluid on the dip stick (perhaps if I had done 25-30sec instead of 40, maybe I could have gone a third cycle?).
So I stuck to two cycles of extraction/fill. My fluid level from factory was at the 3 mark with the transmission at around 170F, consistent with info on forums.

Prior to the fluid change, I was monitoring my transmission temperatures. The results are (180F all highway with 80-90F ambient temp, 205 in heavy bumper to bumper traffic 80-90F ambient, under 175 on general short trips). Never seen above 205F.

I did the same extract/fill technique several years ago on my previous 2015 F150 with the 6r80, and worked just as well.

After 100km or so, rechecking, the fluid was still bright pink. While I had no prior issues, the trans is now much smoother and quieter.

Hope all of this helps!



This method is for the DIYer who wants to drain and fill their 10R60 with the least amount of hassle.

The conventional method is dropping the transmission oil pan, with oil pouring out, maybe replacing the filter while you are there, sealing it back up with or without a new gasket, filling it with about 5 qts or oil, driving it around, then checking the oil level again and topping it off as needed. You will be draining and filling approximately 5-6 qts out of the 12.6 qts that are in the transmission doing it by the book. See Factory Service Manual: https://www.foexplorer.com/ford_exp..._transmission_fluid_drain_and_refill-777.html

This method uses a vacuum extractor that many of you already are using to change your engine oil. You will be checking the transmission oil level (normal operating temperature), extract oil through the same fill hole, measuring the qty of oil extracted and replacing roughly the same amount (depending on initial level) and checking a final level. It will take about 45 minutes with a good chunk of that time getting the vehicle in the air (i used ramps in front and jack stands in the rear) and back down. Granted, I was only able to drain and fill about 4 qts and the filter does not get changed--but, the method is so easy and mess-free that I can see myself doing this once a year.

Information:
Automatic Transmission oil: Mercon ULV
Full level: 3 - 4.5 on the mini dipstick (temp 206-215F). I would recommend 2.5. Make sure also that engine is running, in neutral, and after cycling through R and D several times, and car is level. Also when topping off, I'm going to guess it's a little more than a 1/2 qt to go up one point on the level, so start there.


Tools used:
-19mm wrench for fill plug
-Vacuum Extractor: OEMTOOLS 24397 10 Quarts (2.5 Gallons) Manual Fluid Extractor, Oil Extractor Pump, Transmission Fluid Pump, Oversized Handle Manual Oil Pump Extractor https://a.co/d/1aTYPlo
-Oil transfer pump: Motive Products 1745 Power Fill... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0119DHX7O?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

View attachment 19442
Location of trans fill plug--view from Driver's side, above trans cooler. The mini dipstick underneath that.

View attachment 19450
Fill plug and mini dipstick: note the numbers in circles 1 - 6.

View attachment 19449
My level: 2... overfilled.

View attachment 19448
Vacuum extractor.

View attachment 19447
View attachment 19446
At 73k miles, oil looks spent compared to new oil. Would definitely recommend not waiting this long.

View attachment 19445
View attachment 19444
Pressure filler: $100 well spent. So much easier and less messy than hand operated oil transfer pumps. USA made too.

View attachment 19443
Final level.

Update: my second go at this, I used a sleeve to protect my skin from burns. I also filled to 2.5 level.

View attachment 23769
 

Attachments

Last edited:


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