chenripp

I'm going to change the ATF fluid and filter recently.

I read through some posts here and found I need to
disconnect the cooler line to drain it out completely.

My car is a '04 Sable GS SHO with AX4N tranny and
there are 2 lines hooked to the transmission body.
I know I should disconnect the fluid return line.
Which one is the return line, the top or the lower one?

Thanks

 

tbird100636

If it's the base engine then it's an OHV, not SHO, or SOHC. The Ford method actually doesn't involve changing the filter. It is the lower cooler line. Remove the aeroshield, it will give you much better access to the cooler line. Remove the metal clip, then squeeze the plastic tabs and pull the line out. Cap the fitting on the trans. (You don't have to, but that's what Ford wants you to do) get a hoses that fits onto the cooler line tightly and at least 3 to 4 ft in length. Put the end of the hose in a drain pan that holds at least 15 quarts. Start the engine and let it run until the steady stream of fluid stops flowing, which should be about 40-60 seconds, shut off the engine at this point. This will drain 2-3 quarts. Fill the trans. with 10 quarts of clean fluid. Start the engine again and let it run until the steady stream of fluid stops again, shut off engine. This should take 2-3 minutes and drain 10 quarts. Remove the hose, re-install line (should just push in and click), then the clip, the aeroshield, fill the trans. with 2 quarts of clean fluid. Start engine and check fluid. Should be in crosshatch area.
You can still do the old drain and fill dropping the pan and changeing the filter. Should be around 6 quarts refill. Be careful removing the filter seal if it stays in the trans. Pry it out carefully. Another note, get the gasket from the Ford dealer. It is a far superior gasket then the replacements that are cork. They are built with the reusable gaskets.

__________________
ASE Certified Technician- still a Ford fan at heart.
1964 Thunderbird Hardtop- Chantily Beige- 390-Uncle's Car
1966 Thunderbird Convertible- Red- 390- Uncle's other car- needs a hood!!!
2001 Taurus SEL- Spruce Green- 3.0L Duratec- my first car purchase- traded it for a 2006 Dodge Charger R/T (it only made sense, I work at a Dodge Dealer{Now a Chrysler Dealer, the Dodge Dealer closed!!!})