How to Change the Transmission Fluid in a 1996 F-150

Ford truck

Changing fluids in your truck is a simple procedure that can help save you time and money. The 1996 Ford F-150 features both manual and automatic transmission models. Each has different fluid requirements and a different method of refilling, but you can add transmission fluid to both with a minimal amount of time and effort--and it will help save money in the long run.

Things You'll Need

• Car lift or jack stand
• Drain pan
• Lubricant
• Paper towels
• Screwdriver
• Socket wrench set
• Razor blade
• Pan gasket
• Filter
• Seal
• Noncombustible cleaning solvent

Instructions

Automatic Transmission

1. Drive your F-150 about 15 to 20 miles of expressway driving, or the equivalent distance in city driving, to achieve normal engine operating temperatures.

2. Park the truck on a level surface, with the engine idling and foot brake applied. Run the gear selector through each of the gear positions, including reverse.

3. Open the hood and remove the transmission dipstick from the filler plug. It is at the rear of the engine compartment, on the passenger side. Wipe it clean with a paper towel. Replace the dipstick, making sure it seats completely, then remove it again. The fluid level should be between the "Add" and "Full" lines. If not, fill with transmission fluid as indicated in your owner's manual. If the fluid is brown, smells burned or contains water, proceed to the next step.

4. Drive your F-150 to achieve normal operating temperatures, as in Step 1.

5. Remove the right kick panel, and turn off the air suspension switch. This is to ensure that when the F-150's elevation changes on the jack stand or lift, that it doesn't automatically adjust the suspension and potentially fall off the lift.

6. Drive the truck onto a car lift, or lift it with a jack stand, following all precautions and instructions for securing the truck safely.

7. Place a drain pan beneath the transmission pan to catch drained lubricant. Loosen the pan mounting bolts with the socket wrench to allow the lubricant to run out of one corner of the pan.

8. Remove the remaining bolts from the transmission pan with the socket wrench, and remove the pan and pan gasket. Use a socket and extension to remove the filter retaining bolts, and remove the filter and filter seal.

9. Clean the bottom pan with a noncombustible solvent. You may need to scrape the remaining pieces of the old gasket off the pan with a razor blade. Also clean the gasket surface of the transmission.

10. Install a new seal and filter on the transmission.

11. Place a new gasket in the pan. Install the pan, and tighten the pan bolts gradually with the socket wrench.

12. Pour 4 qts. of Mercon automatic transmission fluid down the filler tube.

13. Start the engine with the transmission in park. Allow the Ford to idle for a few minutes, then run the gear selector through all the gears as in Step 2. Check the transmission levels and adjust as needed.

Manual Transmission

1. Drive the truck onto a car lift, or lift it via a jack stand, following all precautions and instructions for securing the vehicle safely.

2. Find the transmission fluid filler hole on the driver's side of the transmission. Remove the filler plug. If lubricant runs out, or if you can feel lubricant inside the reservoir with your little finger, the transmission fluid is at the proper level. Otherwise, proceed to the next step.

3. Place a drain pan underneath the drain plug on the bottom of the transmission. This will catch any old lubricant that drains from the transmission.

4. Fill the transmission to the filler hole with Mercon lubricant. Replace the filler plug.

Tips & Warnings

• When emptying transmission fluid, make sure your work space is protected from spills. Cardboard underneath your work zone is lightweight and won't allow leaked fluid to seep through to the floor.

• When disposing of used transmission fluid, obey local ordinances concerning the disposal of hazardous materials.

• When working under heavy vehicles, follow the lift/jack stand instructions fully.

References

• "Ford Pick-ups & Expedition, Lincoln Navigator Haynes Repair Manual"; Jay Storer; 1999