🔧 Transmission Fluid - Drain and Refill

Your Explorer uses a sealed automatic transmission, so the fluid change is done by draining through the pan and refilling through the level/fill plug. The key part is setting the final fluid level at the correct temperature, so don’t skip the warm-up and level-check steps.

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

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• Use jack stands on level ground. Never work under a vehicle supported only by a jack.
• Transmission fluid can be hot. Let the vehicle cool before draining.
• Keep dirt out of the transmission. Clean the area around all plugs before opening them.
• This transmission is level-sensitive. Overfilling or underfilling can cause shifting issues.
• No battery disconnect is required for this repair.

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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
• Metric socket set
• 8mm socket
• 10mm socket
• 3/8-inch drive ratchet
• Torque wrench
• Drain pan
• Fluid transfer pump (specialty)
• Funnel with hose
• Scan tool with transmission temperature readout (specialty)
• Safety glasses
• Nitrile gloves
• Shop towels

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🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• MERCON LV automatic transmission fluid - Qty: 10 quarts
• Transmission drain plug seal - Qty: 1
• Transmission pan gasket - Qty: 1
• Transmission filter - Qty: 1

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📋 Before You Begin

• Park on level ground and set the parking brake.
• Chock the rear wheels.
• Raise the vehicle high enough to reach the transmission pan and level plug.
• Have the scan tool ready to read transmission fluid temperature.
• Work with the vehicle level.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Warm the transmission slightly

• Start the engine and let it idle for a few minutes.
• Move the shifter through each gear position with your foot on the brake, then return to Park.
• Use your scan tool to confirm transmission fluid temperature is in a safe draining range.
• Warm, not hot, is best.

Step 2: Raise and support the vehicle

• Use the floor jack to lift the vehicle at the proper lift points.
• Set it securely on jack stands.
• Keep the vehicle as level as possible.

Step 3: Remove the underbody shield

• Use the 8mm socket and 3/8-inch drive ratchet to remove the fasteners holding the lower shield.
• Set the shield and hardware aside.

Step 4: Drain the transmission fluid

• Place the drain pan under the transmission pan.
• Use the correct metric socket set to remove the drain plug.
• Let the fluid drain completely.
• Inspect the drain plug and replace the seal if needed.

Step 5: Replace the filter and pan gasket

• Use the 10mm socket to remove the transmission pan bolts.
• Lower the pan carefully and drain the remaining fluid into the drain pan.
• Remove the old transmission filter and install the new one.
• Clean the pan and magnets with shop towels.
• Install the new transmission pan gasket.
• Reinstall the pan and start all bolts by hand.
• Torque to 10 Nm (89 in-lbs).

Step 6: Reinstall the drain plug

• Install the drain plug with the new seal.
• Torque to 25 Nm (18 ft-lbs).

Step 7: Add new fluid

• Use the fluid transfer pump and funnel with hose to add MERCON LV automatic transmission fluid through the fill/level opening.
• Add about the same amount you drained out to start.
• Reinstall the fill plug loosely for now.

Step 8: Set the final fluid level

• Start the engine with the vehicle still level.
• With your foot on the brake, move the shifter slowly through all gear positions and back to Park.
• Use the scan tool with transmission temperature readout and let the fluid reach the specified level-check temperature.
• Remove the level/fill plug and top off fluid until a steady thin stream drips out.
• Install the plug once the flow becomes a slow drip.
• Torque to 35 Nm (26 ft-lbs).

Step 9: Reinstall the shield and lower the vehicle

• Reinstall the lower shield with the 8mm socket.
• Lower the vehicle carefully from the jack stands.

Step 10: Verify operation

• Start the engine and check for leaks.
• Road test the vehicle for normal shift quality.
• Recheck for leaks after the test drive.

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✅ After Repair

• Check the transmission area for drips after the first drive.
• Verify smooth shifting in all gears.
• If you see delayed shifts or harsh engagement, recheck fluid level at the correct temperature.
• Dispose of used fluid properly at a recycling center.

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

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

DIY Cost: $90-$160 (parts only)

You Save: $160-$290 by doing it yourself!

Shop labor rates vary but typically run $100-$150/hour. This repair takes a shop approximately 1.5-2.0 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.