🔧 Explorer - Automatic Transmission Fluid Change

You’ll be doing a drain-and-fill on the transmission fluid. This refreshes a good portion of the old fluid without using a machine and is safe for a DIY beginner if you work slowly and carefully.

Difficulty Level: Intermediate (for a beginner) | Estimated Time: 2–3 hours

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• ⚠️ Only work on a completely cool engine and exhaust to avoid burns.
• ⚠️ Support the Explorer on four jack stands; never rely only on a floor jack.
• ⚠️ Transmission fluid (ATF) can be hot and slippery—wear gloves and safety glasses.
• ⚠️ Keep the vehicle level front-to-back and side-to-side; fluid level depends on this.
• ⚠️ Park in a well-ventilated area; you’ll be running the engine for level check.
• ⚠️ Do not overtighten aluminum case bolts; you can crack the transmission.
• ⚠️ Clean up any spills immediately to avoid slipping.
• ⚠️ Battery disconnect is not required for this job.

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🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• 🛠️ Floor jack (rated 3-ton minimum)
• 🛠️ Jack stands (rated 3-ton, set of 4)
• 🛠️ Wheel chocks
• 🛠️ Metric socket set (8mm–19mm)
• 🛠️ 3/8" drive ratchet
• 🛠️ 3/8" drive torque wrench (5–80 ft-lbs range)
• 🛠️ Hex/Allen socket set (metric)
• 🛠️ Flathead screwdriver (medium)
• 🛠️ Drain pan (at least 10-quart capacity)
• 🛠️ Funnel with long flexible hose
• 🛠️ Clean measuring container with quart markings
• 🛠️ Infrared thermometer
• 🛠️ Shop rags or paper towels
• 🛠️ Brake cleaner spray
• 🛠️ Plastic scraper
• 🛠️ Safety glasses
• 🛠️ Nitrile or mechanic’s gloves

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🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• 🔩 Automatic transmission fluid (Mercon LV) - Qty: 6–8 quarts
• 🔩 Transmission pan gasket - Qty: 1
• 🔩 Transmission drain plug gasket or sealing washer - Qty: 1
• 🔩 Brake cleaner (aerosol) - Qty: 1–2 cans
• 🔩 Shop towels - Qty: 1 pack

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📋 Before You Begin

• Park the Explorer on a flat, solid surface with plenty of room.
• Engage the parking brake and place the shifter in P (Park).
• Chock the rear wheels with wheel chocks so the vehicle cannot roll.
• Gather all tools and parts before lifting the vehicle.
• Plan to keep the vehicle level when raised; use four jack stands.
• Transmission fluid type is Mercon LV. Do not mix with other types.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Lift and Support the Explorer

• Use the floor jack to lift the front of the Explorer at the front jacking point (behind the front crossmember).
• Place jack stands under the front pinch welds or frame points and lower the vehicle onto them.
• Repeat for the rear so the vehicle sits level on four jack stands.
• Give the vehicle a firm shake to confirm it’s stable.

Step 2: Locate the Transmission Pan, Drain Plug, and Fill Point

• Slide under the vehicle with a flashlight and identify the transmission pan: a flat metal pan on the driver side of the engine bay area.
• Find the drain plug on the pan bottom (center or slightly offset).
• On this transmission, fluid is usually filled through a fill plug on the side/top of the transmission case or through a fill port under the air intake tube. Use a metric socket set and hex socket set to identify which plug fits.
• Confirm fill plug can be opened before draining.

Step 3: Loosen the Fill Plug First

• Position the drain pan under the general transmission area as a precaution.
• Use the appropriate metric socket or hex socket with a 3/8" ratchet to carefully crack loose the fill plug (do not remove it fully yet).
• If fill plug won’t move, do not drain fluid.

Step 4: Drain the Old Fluid

• Move the drain pan directly under the transmission drain plug.
• Use the correct metric socket or hex socket with the 3/8" ratchet to slowly remove the drain plug.
• Allow fluid to drain completely. This may take 10–15 minutes.
• Once flow slows to drips, pour the used fluid from the drain pan into a clean measuring container to see exactly how much came out.
• You’ll refill with the same amount you removed.

Step 5: Inspect and Reinstall the Drain Plug

• Inspect the drain plug and its gasket or sealing washer. Replace the washer with a new one.
• Clean the plug with a shop rag and check for metal shavings; a small amount of fine dust is normal.
• Reinstall the drain plug by hand to avoid cross-threading.
• Use a 3/8" ratchet and then a torque wrench with the correct socket to tighten the plug to 26 Nm (19 ft-lbs).

Step 6: (Optional but Recommended) Remove and Clean the Pan

• If you are comfortable, you can remove the entire pan to clean it and replace the gasket.
• Support the pan with one hand and use the metric socket set and 3/8" ratchet to remove the pan bolts around the perimeter.
• Keep a drain pan under the pan, as more fluid will spill when the seal breaks.
• Lower the pan carefully; it may still have some fluid inside.
• Clean the pan thoroughly with brake cleaner and a shop rag. Remove any sludge and wipe the magnet clean.
• Use a plastic scraper to gently remove the old gasket from the pan and transmission mating surface.
• Install the new pan gasket onto the pan.
• Reinstall the pan and start all bolts by hand.
• Use the 3/8" ratchet with the correct socket to snug the bolts in a crisscross pattern.
• Finish with the torque wrench, tightening pan bolts to 12 Nm (106 in-lbs).

Step 7: Add New Transmission Fluid (Engine Off)

• Remove the fill plug completely using the socket or hex socket and 3/8" ratchet.
• Insert the funnel with long hose into the fill hole.
• Slowly pour in Mercon LV ATF, using your measuring container reading to match the amount drained.
• Pour slowly to avoid air pockets or overflow.
• Reinstall the fill plug by hand, then snug lightly with the ratchet (you will recheck level shortly).

Step 8: Warm Up the Transmission for Level Check

• Lower the Explorer by raising each corner with the floor jack and removing the jack stands, then set it back on the ground.
• Start the engine with your foot on the brake.
• With the engine idling, move the shifter slowly through all gears (P–R–N–D–S and back to P), pausing 2–3 seconds in each position.
• This fills all the internal passages with fluid.
• Let the vehicle idle until the transmission reaches around 30–40°C (86–104°F). Use the infrared thermometer on the transmission pan to estimate temperature.

Step 9: Final Fluid Level Check and Adjustment

• With the engine idling and the vehicle on level ground in P, carefully get under the car again.
• Remove the fill/level plug using the socket or hex socket and 3/8" ratchet.
• If fluid begins to dribble out in a thin stream, the level is correct. Allow it to drip until it becomes a slow drip.
• If no fluid comes out, use the funnel with hose to add a small amount of ATF (about 200 ml at a time) until a thin stream starts to flow from the level hole.
• Reinstall the fill/level plug and tighten with the torque wrench to 14 Nm (10 ft-lbs).
• Shut off the engine.

Step 10: Clean Up and Lower the Vehicle

• Spray any spilled ATF off the pan and surrounding areas with brake cleaner and wipe with shop rags.
• Double-check that the drain plug and fill plug are both tight and clean.
• Ensure all tools are removed from under the vehicle.
• Dispose of old ATF at a proper recycling location; do not pour it on the ground or into drains.

Step 11: Optional Second Drain-and-Fill

• Because you only changed the fluid in the pan, some old fluid remains in the torque converter and cooler.
• After driving 200–500 km, you can repeat the drain-and-fill process (Steps 4–10) again for a higher percentage of new fluid.

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✅ After Repair

• Start the engine and check that it shifts smoothly through all gears while driving gently.
• After a short 10–15 minute drive, park on a level surface and check underneath for any leaks around the pan, drain plug, and fill plug.
• If you feel any slipping, harsh shifts, or see warning lights, stop driving and recheck fluid level or have a professional inspect it.
• Keep an eye on the parking spot for a few days for any new fluid drips.

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: $250–$400 (parts + labor)

DIY Cost: $80–$150 (parts only)

You Save: $170–$250 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?

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