I have a 97 f150 with the 4.6 and its an automatic. It also has a 103k on it. It seems to have developed what feels like a slip at about 35 mph when it goes from 2nd to 3rd. The tranny shifts fine and works fine even under a load. I've heard horror stories about changing the fluid for the first time this late in the game. Trannys going bad shortly after fluid change. I don't beleive it has ever been done. Is there a way to tell if its a tranny prob or torque converter prob.Also the tranny holds 13.4 qts but my repair manual says i'll only have to replace 4qts. Any idea on how much I need?thanks

 

i had the same problem but with 256000km and my whole tranny needed to be rebuilt at a cost of $2500. Good luck with what ever happens all the best to you man.

 

That's 4 qts for just a pan drop, the rest is in the torque converter, which has its own drain plug.

Change the fluid - all of it.

 

how do you get to the plug on the torque converter? thanks

 

Remove the dust cover underneath the bellhousing and turn the engine over till you see the plug.

 

how do you go about refilling the torque converter? Is it all done through the dipstick?how do you tell when the converter is full and it should take about 9 quarts right? thanks again

 

Drop the pan and drain the TC. You will need about 14 qts for a complete refill. Put 5 qts in, start it and let it run for about 30 seconds. Shut it off and add more till it reads full on the stick. Start it again and leave it running, keep adding till it's full.

 

Thanks for the help. I have a case of NAPA mercon/dexron 3 laying around is this good or should i go buy new? thanks again

 

You could probably get away with it, but the recommended fluid now is Mercon V. When you go to the store to buy it, get a new filter. Reuse the factory pan gasket.