Expedition 2WD V8-281 4.6L VIN W EFI (1997)
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Fluid - A/T: Service and Repair
4R70W
Adding Fluid
NOTE: MERCON Automatic Transmission Fluid is being replaced by MERCON V as a service fluid.
A fluid level that is too high may cause the fluid to become aerated due to the churning action of the rotating parts of the transmission. Aerated fluid will
cause erratic control pressure, and the aerated fluid may be forced from the vent.
A fluid level that is too low will affect transmission operation. Low fluid level may indicate fluid leaks that may cause transmission damage.
CAUTION: Use of any fluid other than specified could result in transmission malfunction or failure.
Use only Motorcraft MERCON or MERCON V Automatic Transmission Fluid or equivalent meeting FORD specification. Before adding any fluid,
make sure the correct type will be used.
Add fluid in 0.24 L (0.5 pint) increments through the fluid filler tube to bring the level to the correct area on the fluid level indicator. If an overfill
occurs, remove excess fluid.
Partial Drain and Refill
NOTE: MERCON Automatic Transmission Fluid is being replaced by MERCON V as a service fluid.
Normal maintenance requires periodic automatic transmission fluid changes. If a major service, such as a clutch, band, bearing, etc., is required, the
automatic transmission fluid will also have to be removed for service. At this time, the torque converter, transmission cooler, cooler inlet tube and cooler
tube must be thoroughly flushed to remove any dirt. When used under continuous or severe conditions, the transmission and torque converter should be
drained and refilled with fluid as specified.
Normal Maintenance
Change fluid at 48,279 km (30,000 miles).
Severe Duty/Major Overhaul
Change fluid at 33,795 km (21,000 miles).
CAUTION: Use of a fluid other than specified could result in transmission malfunction and/or failure.
Refer to the vehicle certification label affixed to the LH front door lock face panel or door pillar for the transmission code.
Procedures for partial drain and refill are as follows:
1. Raise vehicle on a hoist and position suitable safety stands under vehicle.
WARNING: The electrical power to the air suspension system must be shut OFF prior to hoisting, jacking or towing an air suspension
vehiclE. This can be accomplished by turning OFF the air suspension switch located in the RH kick panel area. Failure to do so may
result in unexpected inflation or deflation of the air springs which may result in shifting of the vehicle during these operations.
2. Place drain pan under transmission.
3. Loosen transmission pan retaining bolts and allow fluid to drain from transmission.
4. When fluid has drained to level of pan flange, remove the transmission pan retaining bolts working from the right-hand side of the transmission.
Carefully lower the transmission pan and drain remaining fluid.
5. Remove the pan to case gasket and thoroughly clean the transmission pan and pan magnet.
6. Drain the torque converter by removing the torque converter drain plug.
7. Thoroughly flush torque converter, auxiliary fluid cooler and lines.
8. After torque converter has been drained, install new torque converter drain plug.
9. Replace transmission fluid filter and seal as required.
CAUTION: If replacing the filter and the seal remains in main control bore, carefully use a small screwdriver to remove it. Take care not to
damage main control bore.
NOTE: If servicing for contamination-related failure, use a new filter and seal. Filter may be reused if no excessive contamination is present.
10. Clean and inspect transmission pan to case gasket. If OK, reuse. Install pan to case gasket on transmission pan.