🔧 Transmission Fluid Change - Fluid Service

This service drains the old automatic transmission fluid and refills it with the correct spec fluid. On your Explorer, the transmission is serviced through drain and fill plugs, then the final level is checked with the vehicle running at the correct temperature.

Difficulty Level: Intermediate | Estimated Time: 1.5-2.5 hours

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• Use only the specified automatic transmission fluid: MERCON LV.
• Transmission fluid can be very hot. Let the vehicle cool before draining.
• Keep the vehicle level during the final fluid level check.
• Do not overfill. An incorrect fluid level can damage the transmission.
• If your Explorer has underbody shields, support them carefully when removing.

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🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• Floor jack (rated 3-ton minimum)
• Jack stands (rated for vehicle weight)
• Wheel chocks
• Safety glasses
• Nitrile gloves
• Ratchet
• 8mm socket
• 10mm socket
• 3/8-inch drive ratchet
• Fluid pump or hand pump
• Drain pan
• Torque wrench
• Fluid temperature scan tool (specialty)
• Catch container
• Shop towels

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🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• MERCON LV automatic transmission fluid - Qty: 5-7 quarts
• Transmission drain plug washer - Qty: 1
• Transmission fill plug washer - Qty: 1

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📋 Before You Begin

• Park on level ground and set the parking brake.
• Chock the rear wheels.
• Raise and support the vehicle safely on jack stands so it stays level.
• Let the transmission cool if the vehicle was recently driven.
• Have the new fluid ready before opening the drain plug.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Access the transmission pan area

• Use an 8mm socket or 10mm socket to remove any lower splash shield or cover blocking access.
• Set the fasteners aside in order so they go back in the same places.

Step 2: Drain the old fluid

• Place the drain pan under the transmission drain plug.
• Use a ratchet and the correct socket to loosen the drain plug slowly.
• Let the fluid drain fully into the pan.
• Install a new transmission drain plug washer if equipped.
• Torque to 12 Nm (106 in-lbs) unless your plug is marked differently.

Step 3: Reinstall the drain plug

• Clean the plug and sealing surface with shop towels.
• Reinstall the drain plug by hand first, then tighten with a torque wrench.
• Torque to 12 Nm (106 in-lbs).

Step 4: Remove the fill plug

• Locate the transmission fill plug on the case.
• Use the correct ratchet and socket to remove the fill plug.
• Install a new transmission fill plug washer if equipped.

Step 5: Add new fluid

• Use a fluid pump to add MERCON LV automatic transmission fluid through the fill hole.
• Add fluid until it begins to dribble from the fill opening.
• Reinstall the fill plug finger-tight for now.

Step 6: Warm the transmission and check level

• Start the engine and keep the vehicle level.
• Use a fluid temperature scan tool (specialty) to monitor transmission fluid temperature.
• Move the shifter through each gear position, pausing briefly in each one.
• With the fluid at the correct service temperature range, remove the fill plug again.
• Add fluid until a thin stream or steady dribble comes out of the fill hole.
• Check level only at the correct fluid temperature.

Step 7: Final tighten and reassemble

• Install the fill plug and tighten with a torque wrench.
• Torque to 12 Nm (106 in-lbs).
• Reinstall the splash shield or cover using the 8mm socket or 10mm socket.
• Lower the vehicle.

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✅ After Repair

• Start the engine and check underneath for leaks.
• Drive slowly and confirm smooth shifting.
• Recheck the fluid level if you notice slipping, delayed shifts, or leaks.
• If fluid was severely burnt or contaminated, consider a second drain-and-fill service soon to dilute remaining old fluid.

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: $220-$380 (parts + labor)

DIY Cost: $70-$140 (parts only)

You Save: $150-$240 by doing it yourself!

Shop labor rates vary but typically run $100-$150/hour. This repair takes a shop approximately 1.5-2.5 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.