2001 5.4 4x4 supercrew

I believe that I can drain my torque converter so I am thinking about changing out my own fluid/filter.

When you are pouring the new fluid back into the tranny through the dipstick tube are you suppose to put all 12-13 quarts in at once?

Should you pour only some in and then start the engine and pour the rest in?

When checking the dipstick should the engine be running or not?

I have the draining part down but need some help on what is the proper procedure when filling it back up.

Also, when you retighten the bolt on the torque converter do you need to use any thread locker or sealer?

Any help/tips is much appreciated, thanks guys.

 

Yes, you have a TC plug, squared ended plug that once removed goes back in just tight enough to secure it decent, not tight. Turn the engine over with someone on the other end of a 18mm socket on a decent size breaker bar. Put about 6 bottles in, start engine and go through the gears, then put another 2-3 in, do the same and over till you reach the level on the stick that's ok. Engine should be running to check it, yes. Thread lock is a no, just like I said, don't overtighten it, better too loose than x-threaded. It's pretty simple once you've done it. Pay attention to the filter orientation and where it pushes into.

 

Thanks.

Believe it or not I have been wrenching on my own vehicles for about 20 years but this is the very first vehicle I have ever owned with an automatic tranny.

I am going to have to get a bigger drain pan

 

I just wanted to clarify one thing so noone gets hurt when you do this. When he said "Turn the engine over with someone on the other end of a 18mm socket on a decent size breaker bar." He did not mean that you are turning the engine over with the key while someone else is holding the breaker bar on the crank up front. He just meant that you should use an 18mm socket on a longish ratchet to manually turn the crank until you see the drain plug on the TC.

You probably knew what he meant, but just in case you haven't done this before I would hate for something to happen in the event there was a misunderstanding

Oh yeah, and by the way, when you pull the filter out, be sure to check up in the hole to make sure the O-ring seal thingy didn't come off and stay up in there. That always happens to me...

 

yeah i saw that to and was thinking the same thing of how that could be mis understood. i am planing on changing my trans fluid real soon since it's overdue, but wasn't sure if i should bring it somewhere to get it done (get it pumped) or do it myself. how much of the fluid am i actually getting out by just dropping the pan and draining the TC. filling the transmission through the dipstick will also fill the TC, correct? am i better getting it pumped or will i get enough fluid out of it at home to make a difference? how many quarts should i buy to refill?

thanks

 

It should say the capacities in your owners manual. otherwise just get a haynes or chilton manual and it should show all the specifications for your vehicle as far as fluid capacities. Those are also useful because they show the torque specifications for most all the bolts on your vehicle so you don't over/undertighten. But draining the TC and the tranny should remove almost all of the fluid except the small amount left in the lines which run to the transmission cooler and back(which isn't enough to worry about).
This isn't any more a big deal than changing your oil man so I would say save a few bucks, besides I always feel better when I do the work myself

But yeah, when you refill it, you just refill through the dipstick hole and it first fills the TC, which is why you have to only add I think 4-6 quarts first and then start your vehicle so that it will transfer the fluid from the TC to the transmission. Then you add about 5 more and start it up again and run it through the gears. Then you add about 2 more depending on your total capacity. After this you have to let it warm up and keep checking and adding to get it exact. But you do not want to add it all at once or you will have problems.

Just do a search, there are much more detailed instructions, if you run into a certain specific problem just post it up or something. One of the grand masters like Jbrew or Klitch will know what to do

 

I found Peter Ferlow's article very helpful when I changed my trans fluid (pan & tc) last year:

http://www.fordf150.net/howto/transmission.php

I followed his procedure for refilling and had no problems.

 

thanks so if i buy 13 quarts i should be fine, dont' want to buy too little cause it's along walk to the auto parts store and i wont be in a good mood. from what i read in the article F150NJ put up doing it your self is better than a power flush, also in the article it says that the filter comes with a gasket that won't be used why does it come with it then? (it just doesn't seem right) any specific fluid recomended looking to do this for around $100

sounds like i have a nice project for tomorrow

 

Use the replacement gasket, I have seen many transmissions that leak a little around the pan with the factory gasket. I have always used the replacement and mine has always been dry with no leaks. check your manual or something for capacity, I would guess closer to 15 quarts. I think mine holds 16, I would recommend a synthetic fluid. I used amsoil but it is pricey, I think mobil's syntetic is cheaper and still good. Even if you use non-synthetic it is much better than the old stuff in there now.

 

I am getting ready to do this also.

I am going to use valvoline mercon V full synthetic for 3.79 a quart off the partsamerica.com website. I can pick it up at my local checkers for this price.

 

I have the haynes manual here for the 2000 F150, if you tell me what transmission you have I can tell you the capacity.

 

I was able to get 14 qts out of my '99 4r70w by dropping the pan and pulling the TC plug.

On a side note, does a 2001 have a TC plug? I thought I read on these boards that the TC plug disappeared mid 2000.

 

I believe it is hit or miss, some do and some don't. I have the rubber plug to access the TC but I haven't looked for the TC plug yet.

 

my truck is a 2000 150 5.4l 4r70w with tc drain plug i bought the fluid today 13qts of penzoil mercon V non synthetic with an ATP filter and replacement gasket for the pan. i am going to use the replacement gasket cause i figure it can't hurt anything and the other one has been on there for who knows how long.
whish i got to it today but what ever will definatly do it tomorrow, maybe even pickup another quart or two of trans fluid

 

The 4R70W says 13.9 quarts from dry, so since you will not get 100% of it out when you drain it, then you should be good with 13 qts. If you need any more then you will definitely be fine to drive it to the store for what little you need. Don't add all 13 right away, it might not need it all so check it after 10-12 and add if needed.