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How do you change the transmission fluid on a 2004 Ford Explorer?
I bought a used Ford Explorer and the old owner said the transmission has never been flushed. I thought I might at least change out the fluid, but there is no obvious way to put in new fluid. How do you change the transmission fluid on a 2004 Ford Explorer?
Lynell Spencer · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
For a full transmission fluid flush and change in a 2004
Ford Explorer
, you need specialized equipment, but you can drain and replace most of the fluid yourself with a handheld fluid pump.Changing
the transmission fluid
on your 2004 Explorer can be a little tricky, so if you aren’t confident under the hood, you might schedule this service with a mechanic. Here are the steps you need to follow.Drain the old fluid
- Locate the transmission drain plug underneath your car
- Remove the 16 bolts holding the transmission pan on, lower the pan, and replace the filter with a new one. Wipe off and reuse the gasket as long as it is in good repair.
- Replace the transmission pan and reinstall the plug
Add new transmission fluid
- Install the fluid drain plug
- Hold the larger outer plug tight with a wrench, and remove the smaller fluid level indicating plug from the center.
- Next, use a handheld fluid pump to pump new fluid into the transmission.
- Warm up the engine and check the fluid level with the engine running.
- Allow excess fluid to drain from the fluid level indicator.
- Reinstall the small fluid level indicator plug.
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- Gregory R.
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