2015-2017 F150: Transfer Case Fluid Change

[@cwqrpportable]

What a great, informative video! Thanks very much for sharing. No silly music, attitude or comic relief, just a person who knows what they're doing and is relaying that info. Perfect...........

[@chrisstromberg6527]

I agree, the comedian/mechanic stuff gets old real quick!

[@ddpowell1811]

Looks like it needed it! A lot less came out than went in. Thanks for posting it.

[@jddotson7107]

And a ford dealership will charge you 520 and tax to do that which is why I do it myself dosnt take long at all

[@endisaragih]

Very neat job..

[@cap1398]

Good Job 👍

[@GeneMcEntire]

Awesome, freaking dealer wants $250 to do that job EFFF the dealer!!

[@mudslinger704]

Robbery

[@cessealbeach]

$260 at the dealer

[@ELJAGUAR1971]

Thank you buddy

[@copperheadharley]

Thank you

[@keepitreal5148]

2017 ford f150 4x4 can you use the merdcon lv fluid or does it have to be thr transfer case fluid?

[@joseph401]

I have been reading that there is a big controversy about the transfer case fluid. Apparently Ford came out with a fluid named TRANSFER CASE FLUID just to correct this problem. Its very confusing

[@anthonypazoz4323]

What is the transfer case ratio? (This is the Borg-Warner 4469 Transfer case?)

[@bv2010]

I’ve been getting a roar from my driveline somewhere in my 2016 F-150 with 65k. I checked my transfer case today while on level ground and noticed it was very low. I removed the fill plug, stuck my finger inside and never touched any fluid. I then stuck a tool down into the hole about 3-4 inches to determine the fluid level. The tool came out clean as well. I have seen no leaks whatsoever since purchasing this truck back in October. How can my transfer case fluid be so low? Also, when in 2x4, the front axles spin. The IWE’s are not engaged but the axles are spinning. I was under the impression the axles would not spin unless the vehicle was in 4x4. Maybe it has something to do with the transfer case fluid being so low/empty? I suppose that could cause the roaring as well. Btw, great video. Your channel is great. Thanks.

[@MasterJacks]

Noise and irregular operation (ie, front axles driving in 2WD) could very well be from a low fluid condition resulting in a mechanical failure of some kind. Not sure where your fluid went. Older style transfer cases used a vacuum solenoid that could suck the t-case fluid into the engine and burnt it if the solenoid went out. It's an electronic motor on this pickup, so your fluid disappearance is a mystery. Maybe the front seal is leaking fluid into the cavity between the engine and transmission? I think you'd see that kind of leak though, unless it's been so gradual it's never left a puddle. You could also be leaking the fluid into the transmission through the same front seal. Have you checked the transmission fluid level? Is it overfull? I have a video of doing a transmission filter that shows how to check the tranny fluid at the end. Anyway, if you haven't added fluid to the transfer case yet, maybe remove the fill plug and smell if it's burnt. Then I'd dump it and see how much you get out and if there's any metal in the fluid. Factory spec is 1.75 qts. The transfer case shouldn't be driving the front axles in 2WD. It's possible to get a little friction rotation but the t-case should not be driving the front axles. Let me know what you find out, prognosis doesn't sound too good...

[@bv2010]

MasterJacks, thanks for the reply. I drained the fluid and ended up with about 1 qt. The fluid itself seemed fine. Not burnt smelling or containing metal shavings. I filled the case back up with 1.75 qt and have been driving about a week now. Unfortunately, the problem still exists. The front axles are still spinning in 2wd. I believe this is the front end roaring I’m hearing as it really just sounds like in I’m 4wd. So I’m assuming the transfer case, for some reason or another, is allowing the front axles/diff to spin regardless of drive mode, which is creating the 4wd roaring we’re all familiar with. Also, I checked the trans fluid, it was perfect.

[@MasterJacks]

@@bv2010 sorry to hear that. That's frustrating. Hopefully you'll get to the bottom of it without too much trouble.

[@bv2010]

@Manny S. thanks for the reply. I ended up figuring mine out. It was the gears within the transfer case. I found a used one for a couple hundred dollars and swapped it out.

[@williamthompson5606]

@@bv2010 really ? Transfer case went out basicly ? But I too have the same problem other then the roar or maybe I just thought it was my tires making all that ruckis

[@john1josjohn1jos]

Is there a torque spec for the plugs?

[@chevynation2494]

Good and tight

[@jonfonts4050]

3.4 ugg uhh doug uhhs

[@jimbeamm36]

Snug is good. Older model T cases (91) will crack if over tightened. Be careful.

[@yruhatin100]

Is it ever okay to spray brake cleaner inside the transfer case or differential to clean out old fluid cruds? Brake cleaner should evaporate very quickly.

[@MasterJacks]

The concern is with internal seals and gaskets. Brake clean is not safe for solvents or rubber. You could pour in a little clean gear oil in the fill hole and let it run out the bottom hole.

[@TheJosesrt4]

Can I use Amsoil synthetic ATF

[@MasterJacks]

Verify the bottle you buy is Mercon LV equivalent, but from what I read on the Amsoil website, their full synthetic ATF is a good substitute.

[@TheJosesrt4]

@@MasterJacks the This specification has been updated from Motorcraft P/N XL-12 to Mercon LV for the Signature Series Fuel-Efficient Synthetic Automatic Transmission Fluid. thanks for the quick response.

[@rayray1846]

@@MasterJacks everything is Mercon or dexron 6 equivalent really, castrol, valvoline, amsoil.

[@danaratkovich7270]

Manual states to change at 150k miles. What do you recommend?

[@MasterJacks]

That's probably fine for a transfer case. The interval can be as low as every 30k for heavy towing or 4x4 use. I like somewhere between 60-100k.

[@robstanley5083]

@@MasterJacks how does heavy towing effect the transfer case? Just trying to learn Thanks for your time. Good video.

[@MasterJacks]

@@robstanley5083 thanks Rob. I misspoke. Towing doesn't affect the transfer case in the same way it would a differential or transmission. Transfer cases usually go out from loss of lubrication, user error, or just plain high mileage. The fluid breaks down over time from use and the gradual wear of parts. Contaminates make their way into the seals and cause leaks. Fluid can also evaporate over time as it churns and vents. I'd say checking it every 30k is a good idea, and replace it if it strays much from the original color. Thanks for watching!

[@robstanley5083]

@@MasterJacks ok cool. I'm learning all this stuff so just wanted to check. Thanks for much for the response!

[@robstanley5083]

I just changed my 18 F150 TC fluid at 42000 miles and it was 8oz low (out of about 48 total oz) and the fluid looked very dark. There's no way this fluid will last 150,000 miles. Not sure what Ford is thinking there.

[@Madshark01]

Mr, that fluid is using for Automatic transmission, what is contains Calutchs, transfer case contains gears!!!! Wrong fluid you using!! You need to use gears oil

[@MasterJacks]

It's the fluid required by Ford. Most modern transfer cases now call for ATF.

[@rapunzeleh546]

so, i was told the old stuff and LV aren't compatible and 'bad things happen' if you mix them. all sorts of warning online about having to completely drain and flush everything... i know for a long time there was a myth you couldn't mix conventional motor oil and synthetic, which has since been proved wrong... so what is the real deal with mercon V and transfer case liquid and mercon LV? be nice to get one story!

[@MasterJacks]

From what I have read, it replaces some fluids but not others. Most Ford pickups (like the one shown in this video) use Mercon XL. Mercon LV can be used in place of XL. Mecon LV should not replace or mix with Mercon V. www.fcsdchemicalsandlubricants.com/Main/product.asp?product=MERCON%AE+LV+Automatic+Transmission+Fluid&category=Transmission%20Fluid