🔧 Transmission Fluid - Drain and Refill

This service replaces the old automatic transmission fluid with fresh fluid to help shifting stay smooth and protect the transmission. Your F-150 uses a sealed, dipstick-free automatic transmission, so the fill level must be set at the correct fluid temperature.

Difficulty Level: Intermediate | Estimated Time: 2-3 hours

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• Work on a level surface. The fluid level is temperature-sensitive.
• The transmission fluid will be hot. Let the truck cool before draining.
• Use jack stands. Never rely on a floor jack alone.
• Do not overfill. Too much fluid can cause shift problems and leaks.
• No battery disconnect is required for this service.
• Assumption: your truck has the factory 6-speed automatic.

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🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• Floor jack (rated 3-ton minimum)
• Jack stands
• Wheel chocks
• Safety glasses
• Nitrile gloves
• Drain pan
• Ratchet
• 10mm socket
• Torx T30 screwdriver
• 3/8-inch drive torque wrench
• Fluid transfer pump
• Scan tool with transmission temperature readout (specialty)
• Fluid level check plug tool
• Funnel with hose
• Shop towels

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🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• MERCON LV automatic transmission fluid - Qty: 13 quarts
• Transmission pan gasket - Qty: 1
• Transmission filter - Qty: 1
• Transmission pan bolts - Qty: 1 set
• Drain plug seal - Qty: 1

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📋 Before You Begin

• Park on level ground and set the parking brake.
• Let the truck sit until the transmission is warm, not hot.
• Raise and support the truck safely with jack stands.
• Keep the truck level when checking the fluid level.
• Have the scan tool ready to read transmission fluid temperature.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Raise and secure the truck

• Use a floor jack and jack stands to raise the truck safely.
• Make sure the truck sits level side-to-side as much as possible.
• Chock the rear wheels if the front is raised, or chock the front if the rear is raised.

Step 2: Drain the old fluid

• Place a drain pan under the transmission pan.
• Use a 10mm socket to remove the drain plug, if equipped.
• Let the fluid drain fully.
• Reinstall the drain plug with a new seal and tighten it to 12 Nm (106 in-lbs).

Step 3: Remove the transmission pan

• Use a 10mm socket to remove the pan bolts.
• Lower the pan carefully. More fluid will spill out.
• Clean the pan thoroughly with shop towels.
• Remove and replace the pan gasket.

Step 4: Replace the filter

• Use a Torx T30 screwdriver to remove the filter if required by your transmission setup.
• Pull the old filter down carefully.
• Install the new filter and make sure it seats fully.
• Tip: Keep the old filter upright to reduce spills.

Step 5: Reinstall the pan

• Hold the pan in place and start all bolts by hand.
• Use a 10mm socket to tighten the pan bolts in a crisscross pattern.
• Tighten the pan bolts to 12 Nm (106 in-lbs).

Step 6: Add fresh fluid

• Use a fluid transfer pump or funnel with hose to fill the transmission through the fill port.
• Add about 10 quarts first, then start the engine.
• With the engine idling and foot on the brake, slowly move the shifter through each gear position, then return to Park.

Step 7: Set the final fluid level

• Use a scan tool with transmission temperature readout to monitor fluid temperature.
• When the fluid reaches the correct check range, remove the level check plug.
• Add fluid until it just begins to dribble from the check port.
• Reinstall the check plug and tighten it to 12 Nm (106 in-lbs).
• Tip: A small drip is correct. A stream means too much fluid.

Step 8: Lower the truck and inspect

• Lower the truck carefully.
• Start the engine and check for leaks around the pan and drain plug.
• Test drive gently and make sure shifts feel normal.

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✅ After Repair

• Recheck for leaks after the first drive.
• Confirm shift quality in all gears.
• If the fluid was changed because of a shift concern, scan for transmission codes after the drive.
• Dispose of used fluid at a recycling center.

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: $250-$450 (parts + labor)

DIY Cost: $120-$220 (parts only)

You Save: $130-$230 by doing it yourself!

Shop labor rates vary but typically run $100-$150/hour. This repair takes a shop approximately 2-3 hours.

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🎯 Ready to get started?

HowToo makes it easy: same-day/2-day shipping on every part, plus all the tools and specialty tools you need! Check out the parts and tools sections below to add everything to your cart.