Ford CD4E 4 Speed Transmission: Fluid Change Procedure

[@movaughn20]

Glad I checked for a Makuloko video before ordering fluid. Some google results said to use LV, and 125inch pounds of torque! LOL

[@JT-kr3dg]

Your videos have already saved me several hundred bucks. Thanks so much for sharing your pro knowledge. My 04 Escape Limited thanks you as well.

[@whiteyshark5826]

Just did my 08 Escape. Thanks for the video. Literally took 6 minutes after watching this and having everything ready to go.

[@boomerguy9935]

Yeah, this drain bolt is also on my 2008 Escape. It turns out that Ford continued the Gen 1 engine (non-VVT) and CD4E transmission (4-speed) on the Gen 2 Escape. The next 3.0 V6 (VVT) engine and 6-speed auto transmission started on the 2009 Escapes. Thank you, Ford, for making this confusing. Even though the engine has less horsepower and fewer mpg's, and the tranny is only 4-speeds, I prefer both over the Gen 2 models because of the simplicty.

[@BENDPAK7000]

I have the same transmission in my '03 Mazda Tribute. Nice video,Brian.

[@3613jeremy]

So that's why everyone talks about draining and filling the transmission and nothing about a filter change wow I bet the designer that came up with that idea of a internal filter got a big bonus

[@Backbeat1992]

I have an 01 Escape and have been reading the forums about the drain and fill procedure. Thanks for the visual. I appreciate your vids and have been watching for a while as I'm a long time Ford fan. Also picked up some of the black gloves you recommended and they are great.

[@2010challengerRT]

Love your videos. I'm not even a Ford guy but I enjoy watching and learning.

[@pjmckee1]

I just hit 300k miles in my 05 escape v6. The engine and trans have never needed any internal work; Once I realized how easy the fluid was to change I do it probably more than necessary (every few oil changes) but its so cheap and easy why not?! Trans isn't silky smooth but still seems to work fine. Engine gets good maintenance and valvoline maxlife every 3k, no signs of sludge or anything. It might be overkill but I swear by my regimen. Wonder how many of these trans have hit 300k with only regular maintenance?

[@thastinger345]

185K on my 04 3L 4x4 Escape, I thought I had the record for longevity of the CD4E transmission. When people never change the fluid these things routinely fail at 80K, but if taken care of they can go a long time...Don't forget the change that PTU fluid as well.

[@BlackGriffin43]

Just wanted to say you are my hero! You are a bad ass Tech. and you actually love what you do. You motivate me to be better.One day i am going to get my own shop and make good work and great diag Happen. appreciate your vids

[@at6098]

great video as always!

[@adriandecu6846]

Thanks a lot, man! I will do this myself!

[@boomerguy9935]

Excellent video! I make it a point to measure the amount of old ATF drained by pouring it from the catch pan into a 5-quart motor oil jug. This amount can vary, depending on the temperature of the ATF and how long it has been sitting before draining. I always replace EXACTLY this amount and running the transmission through the all the gears twice with the brakes on before I check the level on level ground. Then I will top off as needed. Then I check the level again after driving it a few times, just to be sure. I never lose any fluid between my 30k mile ATF changes.

[@mrficks1838]

Great video, Thanks.

[@dg98adams]

Picked up some Motorcraft Mercon V quarts at my local dealer... for this same job on my 08 Escape this weekend! Thanks!!!

[@HarryRacer18]

DG Adams you could buy any brand Mercon V and would do fine. Motorcraft brand is just over priced Ford stuff. But synthetic Mercon V and you be fine.

[@dg98adams]

HarryRacer18 - yeah I figured since I was right by the dealer and I spent my Ford Service "bucks" ($3)....

[@coffeeandsugar20]

Next up, you should show us how to replace a CD4E transmission. Since they explode so much, it would be useful to know how to replace it.

[@RyanPowerhouse]

Mine has 350,000km on it runs smooth as butter man. Some are lemons and some are diehard.

[@gustavomercado1599]

The 2 4 band just went on mine. Spare par cost 11 and the shop is quoting 650. Piece of junk

[@erickhidalgo3037]

Thanks man its going to help me out alot.

[@GrimYak]

Hi Brian, i sense a lot more vibrations now on my 2010 Ford Escape Philippine Spec that has the 2.3 liter Petrol Engine. Maybe its the same as some 2.3 liter escapes in the US like year 2007? Maybe you have a video showing replacement of Engine and transmission mounts?

[@luisherrera3896]

Hello, you measured the level fluid right after finished to add the 3.5 quarter or you added them and then waith to the engine to get warm and change the gears before you measured it? Thanks

[@oz_medias]

Keep in mind, this is just a partial drain and fill, should be done more frequently to get all fluid changed over time. The CD4E takes about 8.5/l for full fill. This is an excellent regular maintenance technique though , I ran a trans shop and used to have a machine (Transtech4+)which would drain and fill repeatedly through the disptick tube to get it all swapped out as the pumps clearns the torque converter, transmission cooler lines etc. but we would run 10+ liters through as it mixes old and new fluid and takes about 20% more.

[@joseduranjr3241]

Is this the same procedure for the 2014-2017 Ford transit connect titanium with the 2.5 four cylinder engine. THANKS. Joseph

[@-LiFe-ej5mv]

A question when you were pouring the fluid below your hand what is that part its rectangular just above the ac line?

[@dirkturrell6460]

It's not hard to do a full flush on one of these either but you need two people to do it! The good old disconnect the return from the trans cooler trick haha

[@chipmccoy5077]

Have a 2003 Escape XLS with 73,000 miles. Trans fluid has never been changed. Do you recommend changing the fluid. Fluid has a light brownish tint. Thanks for your help and advice. All the mileage is highway use.

[@Maleekus]

my wife drove her '05 Escape with a broken front tone ring for 6 months without telling me. Her 4wd light was flashing and her abs light was on. She said her car was making cracking sounds. Could any damage have happened? Love your videos!

[@gruntlifetruckingserio8914]

Definitely help thank you

[@pfelgner]

Is that the same trans used in the 4x4 with the v6?

[@JayCMoney808]

I have a 1997 mazda 626 Es shifts hard sometimes. What should i do? Let me know, much appreciated

[@gamerofretro5111]

Got 232k on my escapes cd4e. Changed every 30k interval since new. Started slipping after the last fluid change so I added some lucas stop slip. Should I still change it or just leave it in there at this point? I'm trying to keep it going as long as I can but I don't want to change fluid and it won't go out of park

[@maureendewland5611]

Brain, I just got a well kept mercury Mariner and I got mercon 5 to change trans fluid. But owners manual says not to mix mercon and mercon 5 together yet you say mercon V is good for all years. I dont want to cause an issue so now what? Is it ok or not thanks

[@bernie472]

Good video. Looks simple. Just curious though, do you have to shift through all the gears, then drain, and fill it again? Or is that not needed?

[@JorgeFabrizio]

2 to 3 times, a week or two between each draining will do you nicely

[@SonofGodly]

You know most questions in the comments can be answered if you just read the manual that came with your ford.Oil changes ,trans fluid change , tire pressure, Yup its all in there and tells you what kind of oil and fluid to use and how many miles to check things and change.

[@stanley514]

My 2005 escape 3.0 4x4 will not shift unless I lift on the throttle. Any ideas? Its had fluid changes over its life. Should I change the fluid?

[@mohammadmahmood3206]

good evening .what about ford focus 1.6l duratec mk2 2010 . automatic transmission 4 speed..

[@iknowdeweybrudda6564]

How many quarts did it take to fill? I feel like I’m over filling mine and can’t tell.

[@gokartbuyer]

I got 171k on mine and still going strong. Switched over to Mercon LV and installed an inline transmission filter. Pretty good luck with it so far

[@nubscrub]

Thought LV was only compatible with the newer gen Escapes?

[@Mr_Meowingtons]

your lucky i had to replace my CD4E 2 times on my v6 Escape that Trans is JUNK first one at 58K sec time at 102K

[@gokartbuyer]

@@Mr_Meowingtons what year?

[@gormenfreeman499]

@Matt6 Did they tell you why? Shops could be ripping you off if its just the 2-4 band breaking. This band can replace without removing the transmission from thr vehicle. To make it last longer turn off over drive when you actually shouldnt be using it. Like going up hills.

[@aspensilber39]

I have a 1999 Mazda 626 GF with the same Ford CD4E transmission and i can't find the dipstick anywhere under the hood :(

[@dmayes119]

I have a 2003 Ford expedition Eddie Bauer with 5.4 between 40 to 50 mph has a humming noise under load. When you take off pedal the noise stop. front wheel hub assembly are tight.

[@osirisfornever8299]

What would happen if alot of water got into the transmission? if I drained it do u think it would still work ?

[@OIL-ZONE]

What is transmission oil for automatic transmission 2005 Ford Escape .. I am confused now say they do not mix oils mecron v with mecron AFT with some may cause harm

[@dansyz80]

ty!

[@sl4983]

"No excuse to not maintain it". GREAT. All these years and I have brushed off maintaining the trans fluid, for whatever reason. Someone at O'Reilly looked at the color and it's a light brown not too bad for 217K miles. Now I know better!

[@jcsm10]

For a Ford Escape 2015 2.5 liter engine that has no barrel to measure the level of the automatic transmission fluid as you can change the fluid and measure to check that it is level

[@whoohaaXL]

Ford Probe (Base and GT) and Mazda MX-6 ATX as well.

[@isaiahbranch3628]

I have a 2002 F150 5.4L vin L 4x4 supercrew truck. I don't know if the transmission has ever been serviced. I've been told that I shouldn't service it at this point (264,000+ miles). I've been told by a couple of shops that changing the fluid and filter may cause the transmission to fail. How much truth is there to that? what would you recommend?

[@FordTechMakuloco]

If it is the original fluid I would not touch it but what you can do to renew the additive package is drain 2qts at a time and refill with fresh fluid over the next 10k miles or so.

[@rimantssarkovski6616]

Whats the problem when it is gargling??? Transmission vent issue or seal issues??? Can you please ellaborate...

[@gladysburgos1142]

What kind of mercon oil is recommended to use in an automatic 4×4 Ford escape 2006? Is it mercon LV or mercon V ?

[@FordTechMakuloco]

Mercon V

[@dg98adams]

Same Trans on 08 2.3L 4 banger?

[@eekbleek7164]

Pinch? Is the hose suppose to be connected? Or naturally dangling.

[@MrRichiepr]

good video, how often should the automatic transmission oil be changed, I have a ford escape 2008 V6, thanks

[@ormartinez2000]

30,000 miles

[@otarsulava]

Every 30K miles

[@felplayvina]

Hi, does ford tell you what transmission is by the vin#, o your have to look the trans to know, good vidio thank you.

[@patw52pb1]

The VIN can be decoded. www.google.com/search?num=100&newwindow=1&site=&source=hp&q=Ford+VIN+decode&oq=Ford+VIN+decode&gs_l=hp.3..0l10.1326.6542.0.7153.16.11.0.5.5.0.147.1254.3j8.11.0....0...1c.1.64.hp..0.15.1188.0..35i39k1j0i131k1j0i20k1.oX8KygBXblQ www.fleet.ford.com/login/?redirecturl=/partsandservice/vin-decoder/ www.motorcraftservice.com/AsBuilt

[@felplayvina]

patw52pb1 Thank you for the replay.

[@mrficks1838]

patw52pb1 - Thanks!

[@tristanturner972]

Is it hard to change the part that the drain plug is on? I believe the trans pan

[@dimoandgeorgio8328]

the car calls for 8.8l of fluid. should I just put in what comes out?

[@at6098]

I followed his instruction had no issues, figure if on 3.5q comes out and you re-add that and check level, and level is good....then there is no way that you could be what it "calls" for, because that would over fill and cause issues

[@homerlandon8767]

I have a 2001 Ford Escape with 220,000 miles and the transmission is still going strong. I did drain and fills every 10k since Mercon/Dex is only ~$15 a gallon. Since the factory fill was original Mercon, I kept using it instead of switching to Mercon V. Apparently, you want to keep using the same fluid as the factory fill. So if it came with Mercon V, keep using Mercon V.

[@Mr_Meowingtons]

Your lucky I had to replace my CD4E 2 times first one at 58K sec time at 102K on my v6 Escape that Trans is JUNK

[@Rjj2721]

@@Mr_Meowingtons I see you're one of those people that's gonna go to every comment saying oh it's a junk car huh? Next time try waiting for it to fully seat into gear before acceleration, no fast sudden acceleration neither. And say with stay with changing the fluid every 30k or so

[@EZRider1979]

non serviceable filter,, great idea.

[@TheCarCrazyGuy]

EZRider1979 Seems like they're making you pay for their poor engineering and potential failure.

[@nike1337ib]

The Car Crazy Guy yeah some older fords late 90s early 2000s i think also had none serviceable airfilters too

[@patw52pb1]

A non-user-serviceable filter is not as bad as it sounds. The newer non-serviceable transmission filters are designed with enough surface area and particulate material holding capacity that the filter does not need replacing or clog unless the transmission has shed most of the friction material or has a serious internal failure or in other words, if the filter needs replacement the transmission is in need of rebuilding, changing the filter at that point is not going to fix what is wrong. It also helps with case rigidity of many transmissions because the case is much stronger and lasts longer without a large removable pan/fluid sump. With some transmissions it would be impractical to change the filter due to the placement in the vehicle that would require complete transmission removal to gain access due to tight chassis clearances. Best practice with a non-user-replaceable filter transmission is always change the fluid at the manufacturer's recommended interval with the manufacturer's recommended fluid.

[@recoveringnewyorker2243]

EZRider1979 NOT!

[@recoveringnewyorker2243]

EZRider1979 '11 -- '14 Hyundai Sonata non serviceable trans filter. I thought Koreans had better sense!

[@Kansas-Trains]

Is this the same thing for a 2008 mercury mariner hybrid 2.3 4 bangor engine?

[@JD-sr3ie]

I just did a 3.7 qt drain and refill on my 07 escape I did find black and silver sludge on drain plug is this something to worry about?

[@FordTechMakuloco]

Nope

[@martincastaneda5495]

2006 ford freestyle, can you change the fluid in the transmission or you need to take to the dealer, thank you for your videos

[@HarryRacer18]

Martin Castaneda there's no need to take any car to a dealer for transmission fluid drain and change. There's always a way. Just google it.

[@martincastaneda5495]

HarryRacer18 thank you for your advice I will do that, the reason I ask, because the dealer says the only they can work in the transmission on this car

[@vikferreira2137]

Is there a video of a 2007 escape oil pump replacement? Oil light flickering on off, replaced pressure switch + checked wire, changed to 5w30 changed from a fram PH2 to a Motor Master filter bigger hole pattern. So far no remedy to oil light. 11 psi @ 800 remedy & 80 @ 2000. Is this normal? On average for an engine with 240,656 ?

[@otarsulava]

I had the same issue with flickering but it was solved with the pressure sensor replacement, which is behind the oil filter, I would try Liqui Moly engine flush and change oil again, hope this helps ✌️

[@otarsulava]

My 06 Escape occasionally shifts hard, 80k miles, fluid changed twice already so it's a fresh fluid in it. Is Lubeguard ATF additive would be okay to add? Anyone has same issue? Thanks

[@garretlizotte6288]

How long can you get with these transmissions if you maintain it this way? Thanks

[@robertartherton2046]

I change my fluid every 20k and I have 295000 miles still original trans

[@anthonybass8395]

2010 Mercury Mariner 2.5 AWD what type of oil do I use mercon v or lv?

[@FordTechMakuloco]

Follow my Escape 6F35 video.

[@randyragon]

I currently have an engine/trans in my garage that I'm going to put in my '02 Escape when the weather gets warmer. You said the filter is non-serviceable. Is changing the filter for a @130,000 mile trans that is out of the vehicle something possible/recommended? I may go with my old trans since I know the history of it (rebuilt twice with life-time guarantee free second rebuild) but I'm curious about the filters in these trans.

[@justinv3080]

Marichelo DeFacto The reason they don't want do this is because fluid changes don't net much profit and they don't want to be on the hook if the transmission fails shortly after. You know how Americans are with wanting to sue over everything, it would seem awfully convenient to blame a shop that changed your fluid in the past if your transmission failed. The reality is we put lots of miles on our cars and the transmissions are a weak leak to begin with, some more so than others in passenger cars, especially FWD models.

[@randyragon]

I was just curious about the filter in this trans and wanted a quick answer. Didn't say anything about flushing. I'll just download the manual and learn the specifics on this trans.

[@davidrodriguez9767]

What type at oil u use mercon v or mercon Lv?

[@FordTechMakuloco]

On a CD4E you use Mercon V only.

[@ianmackenzie686]

Is 59K miles on an '08 with the v6 and without any issues too late for a transmission drain and refill?

[@FordTechMakuloco]

nope

[@rsomes]

What are your thoughts on a WIX inline filter for these trans? only downside is says to change every 15k

[@justinv3080]

Robert Somes filtration is a good idea but I'm not sure if Wix is pushing the knockoffs or not. The name brand was sold under the Magnefine brand are they are generally great products, the problem is the knockoffs leak at the seam sometimes and if undetected can lead to fluid loss. Some guys run adapters to use spin on engine filters which have a huge holding capacity for a transmission and only need to be changed when the filter starts to age from corrosion.

[@rsomes]

Justin Miller my wife's pathfinder has the WIX and no leaks yet. I have heard of the others leaking from the seam. Pure junk

[@patw52pb1]

Genuine WIX brand is good.

[@mindiseverything5036]

Hey where do you get the fluid specs and torque down information if you dont have the owners manual or do you buy the haynes manuals and stuff? I was thinking of looking online like google but not sure cause the internet could have some misleading info sometimes I wish they made the newer cougars more muscle car like again :( off topic

[@patw52pb1]

Try the Ford Parts, Motorcraft, Motorcraft Service sites, they are the official Ford/Motorcraft sites with generally reliable info/data. Good substitutes for the genuine Ford service manuals (Helm) are hard to find. In my opinion Haynes are generally junk. Here are some links to help get you started: www.fcsdchemicalsandlubricants.com/main/quickref.asp www.motorcraftservice.com/quickguides/quickguides www.motorcraft.com/en/usa/technical-resources www.fordparts.com/Products/Chemicals-TransmissionFluids.aspx

[@mindiseverything5036]

thanks good info

[@patw52pb1]

You are welcome.

[@saumyaojha9560]

Hey sir how to fix p1213 Ford figo car won't start

[@Ctrl1Z]

Can I use autozone mercon v or other brand mercon v type fluid?

[@FordTechMakuloco]

Only use Motorcraft or something like Valvoline Mercon V that is specific and of higher quality.

[@Ctrl1Z]

FordTechMakuloco thank you!

[@ramongomez5977]

So, how change the oil filter !??

[@seeya205]

I do this yearly on my Escape since it only gets out a third of the fluid. It only takes 20 minutes and it's cheap insurance at $30 a gallon.

[@xMidgetFuryx1]

my owners manual for the 2003 ford escape calls for mercon atf fluid is this still correct or did it get changed to mercon v?

[@MrCYCLESMITH]

same question here. Ford also says holds 10 quarts. Is there a torque converter with fluid in it that can not be drained?

[@xMidgetFuryx1]

@@MrCYCLESMITH as far as i know the transmission on the escape is sealed. i don't know the answer

[@unitedwestand5602]

Mercon is now discontinued and replaced/recommended to use Mercon V now

[@TheAmazingMagician]

can u to do a video how to change cd4e Transmission complete pump??

[@KH-sl2ju]

I just changed the transmission pump on my 08 escape.

[@rrmech11]

The Mercury Mystic (mistake ) had this transmission too.

[@atx-cvpi_99]

That’s a big piece of shit.

[@sl4983]

My Escape 06 4cyl has this?

[@jesusduarte5034]

Does the 2010 ford scape also has no filter ?

[@FordTechMakuloco]

Yes

[@killiansred40]

I have a 2012 v6 escape is this the same transmission.

[@killiansred40]

Jonathan A thank you how did you find the information? I tried google but no luck

[@killiansred40]

Jonathan A - I do have the 6f35 transmission can I use the Valvaline $18 a gallon multi vehicle ATF it includes the Ford Mercon LV compatible. Or should I stick with the $9 a quart motorcraft fluid.

[@killiansred40]

Jonathan A - my thoughts too, thanks for quick response.

[@marks6072]

What interval do you recommend for '14 F150 with 5.0L-- (Should I install a drain plug?)

[@marksweetser6312]

Mark S also interested in this question as I have a '14 150 too. and I'm a Mark S FWIW

[@MrChirba4]

Hi a rookie here just one quick question what tool did you to get the drain plug out???

[@FordTechMakuloco]

Regular 3/8” square drive ratchet extension.

[@MrChirba4]

FordTechMakuloco thank you

[@robbym3542]

I hate the cd4e transmission. I'm on my 3rd transmission and I have 150k miles. Not acceptable. It's starting to shift hard in 2nd to 3rd gear. Any advice on how to stop that would be nice. Thanks

[@edlingja1]

robby m What are you doing to them..? Those poor atx's... Also, you can't reliably tow more than 1000 lbs on the cd4e without a cooler & overflow chamber.

[@FishFind3000]

Have you ever had both front wheel hubs on a 4x4 2013 f150 fail within a few hundred miles of each other at 70k miles?

[@wayneschnaak762]

FishFind3000 I doubt that is normal. My truck has over a 100,000 and has original hub bearings.

[@wayneschnaak762]

I live in Ohio and use my 2013 F150 to tow my bass boat and I use it to haul rocks, firewood, and dirt quite a bit. The only part I have replaced is the steering shaft because it make a clunking noise. The truck has been awesome so far.

[@FishFind3000]

Austin Chase your answer makes me feel a bit more comfortable since the truck came from Michigan. Tho it didn't come far down to Chicago. I guess the winter weather isn't as brutal.

[@oby-1607]

Probably both submerged at the same time.

[@saxdogg69]

I don't think anyone's mentioned it, but did that draining fluid look totally milky and weird? That normal for these?

[@FordTechMakuloco]

+Jeremy Polk Bushing failure from a few videos back Same trans

[@GIGABACHI]

I was about to say: THAT'S ONE NASTY FLUID !

[@devinmanning257]

Whats your recommendation for the AX4N, Lincoln Continental? I bought one with 125,000 now has 136,000 fluid was done at 109 and 119. Should I do a flush or change every 30,000?

[@oby-1607]

Yeah, it looked like a runny strawberry milkshake. Scary.

[@davidboothbyiii8249]

why did you pull the engine oil dipstick for this ?

[@davidboothbyiii8249]

now that I've seen the whole video...that's nuts, I've never seen a yellow Transmission dipstick before.

[@th0ut]

Whats gonna happen is you use Mercon LV in this Transmission?

[@FordTechMakuloco]

Better question is why would you? Mercon V is cheaper and readily available.

[@th0ut]

I use Mercon V. But on the forum some guy said he is using it in CD4E. I told him that this is not good. My question is - can transmission go bad if using Mercon LV instead of Mercon V.

[@henrykn4257]

@@th0ut here is your Answer: NO, your transmission can’t get bad when you use LV instead of V. Relax.👍

[@sl4983]

My owner's manual says MERCON , not MERCON V and that they should NOT BE MIXED. Why would they now say MERCON V is okay?

[@FordTechMakuloco]

Trust me Mercon has been discontinued with Mercon V being the official replacement from Ford.

[@JD_Spencer]

How often should you change the fluid in you cd4e? like 5,000 miles or how often?

[@FordTechMakuloco]

30k

[@JD_Spencer]

Thanks much....:-)

[@Theemackfavors73]

Question. Hoping you can give some advice. You are very Knowledgeable on these Escapes. I have a 2008 Ford Escape V6 3.0 . When i first start up the car, it will Shift into gear and go. After a short time, It will not go into gear anymore. I will turn the car of and then Start it back up and the Process repeats. Any Advice would help. Thank You in Advanced!

[@FordTechMakuloco]

Plugged trans filter rom failed torque converter

[@Theemackfavors73]

FordTechMakuloco thank you for the response. I really appreciate it! From what I’ve researched, the transmission filter is internal or built in. I will do a flush to start with then move to the converter. Thank You!

[@alanbaenagomez8991]

Would flushing do any good¿ I have same problem.

[@GIGABACHI]

Any one remember the spin on tranny filter on Saturns ? Yeah, talk about STUPID SIMPLE. I own a CR-V . . . SAME F-ING design as this FORD tranny. Thanks OEMs ! NOT ! P.S: Winter driving up North it's a ROUGH MISTRESS ! Look at the rusting belly of this Escape ! Thanks for these Vids ! It helps A LOT to DIY owners ! Specially the little bits like where you want the level on the dip stick while cold or hot.

[@brianlaird575]

ford probes had it too

[@barbaraharper7064]

I drain mine 08 model only 2.5 quarts came out

[@carloscastano3859]

where are the shift solenoids for a 06 fusion

[@patw52pb1]

Inside on the valve body.

[@mh87351]

here is the wiki for the different applications for those wondering: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ford_CD4E_transmission

[@bshowto]

was Escape at operating temp or ambient when you drained? read through comments, quickly, and only saw one other, unanswered inquiry. i might assume it was cold given your advisement to only add 3qts, then run engine and measure, top-off, repeat until near top of hash mark with engine at operating temp. i have seen elsewhere, another tip to turn the turn key (without running engine) and move stick through each gear to further drain while plug is removed.

[@jesamani75]

So 3 and a half total?

[@roketfingers]

4

[@hernanmurillo8925]

I thought when you wait too long between changes you shouldn’t drain it because the metal shavings is what is keeping the shifting smooth??

[@FordTechMakuloco]

no

[@hernanmurillo8925]

@@FordTechMakuloco so then is it flushing? Can you clear it up please

[@yqwgjsg]

That transmission is not the only one that requires regular fluid changes. I have a 1997 F-150 and if I go too far over 30K, I start to get shift slips and slips on takeoff.

[@reweydewy]

Hammer0f Thor Is the fluid low?

[@yqwgjsg]

reweydewy No...Ford requires the fluid change interval and they weren't kidding. I don't know if it is the clutch materials they used but this trans does not like old fluid. The 97 F150 also came with a torque converter plug so I can drain the entire system.

[@ItAGR-rv3dc]

why not use a manual transmission instead of a automatic transmission? you don't have to replace oil in manual transmission for 400.000km, i've had a opel vectra diesel come to my workplace which had well over 400.000km and it still had original red transmission oil.

[@danielbornhoeft7803]

how does this compare to a service center that exchanges the transmission fluid with a machine?

[@justinv3080]

Daniel Bornhoeft those fluid machines pump in new fluid at the same rate as the old fluid is being pumped out. There's nothing wrong with the machine itself but problem is the shops using these machines will also push cleaners and additives into the equation which adds lots of money to their pockets but isn't the best idea for transmissions which just want clean fluid.

[@danielbornhoeft7803]

Is just draining 4 quarts enough? Seems like the would mix and become contaminated with the remaining fluid in the torque converter. It just confuses me as to what is best, money aside..

[@justinv3080]

Daniel Bornhoeft don't think of it as contaminating the new fluid, but what you're really doing is refreshing the additives and reducing overall contamination in the transmission. I usually recommend that if you don't start early on the transmission maintenance to do a drain and fill every 1000 miles until you get three of them done then you can go back to draining every 30k. Drain and fill is the cheapest method since you only pay for the fluid and can do it yourself.

[@danielbornhoeft7803]

Makes sense. I've been fairly good to my transmission, so could get by with just changing out the fluid, maybe a double flush. 155k miles on my transmission and going strong! Would like to keep it that way.. Cars are to expensive to replace!

[@justinv3080]

Daniel Bornhoeft I've done a triple drain and fill before on neglected used cars I've purchased. What I did was drive about 10 miles on the highway in between each fill to mix all the fluid together first. If you are servicing a vehicle with a non replaceable filter the correct method is drain and fill, but if the filter is replaceable it's best to change the filter by dropping the pan, which gets more fluid out as well. Unfortunately many cars no longer come with drain plugs or even dip sticks which is one thing I avoid when shopping for cars.

[@ivobiancucci4528]

I put the fuild that came out into a clear gallon to see how much came out - then i pour the new fluid into another gallon - i put in the amount that came out

[@davidsmith4353]

What about adding an inline trans cooler filter and increasing that interval to 50k.

[@reweydewy]

David Smith all the fluid in the transmission will flow through the internal filter first. it may help to add a second filter but if a filter is going to clog it will be the internal filter first

[@danniellopezherrera6124]

why did you only used 3 and a half quarts?? I read the manual and says 10.2 quarts

[@FordTechMakuloco]

10.2 qts is the entire system capacity.

[@danniellopezherrera6124]

thank you

[@danniellopezherrera6124]

so if I do just the exact drain and fill like the video how much do I need??

[@FordTechMakuloco]

generally right around 4qts

[@RyanPowerhouse]

You can turn the key and move the transmission through the gears slowly and it pours alot more out. Do not start the car just enough to move it through the gears