How do you change a transmission filter on a 1994 Ford Escort LX with a 4EAT automatic transmission?

Answer 1

I have a Mercury Tracer, about the same car. You'll want to pick up a few containers of Transmission Fluid that matches Ford's specs for your tranny. My repair guide says to use MERCON atf. You'll also want to look under your car, and count the number of bolts on the transmission pan, because some cars have different pans. Once you know that, pick up a filter/gasket kit. Compare the new one to the existing pan to be extra sure. Once you've got the parts, you may want to warm up the fluid a bit... but becareful because it can get 200+ degrees F. So take it for a brief spin around the block. If you pan has a drain plug, loosen it and collect the old fluid. If not, start by loosening the bolts a bit, and remove all but the ones on the front of the pan, so it can hang and drain out that way. Just a note, sometimes a bolt or two will be behind a support bar or something, I recommend you get a wrench or a swivel socket. Make sure you don't bend the pan. Once the fluid is out, remove the pan, and clean the gasket mating surfaces. Once done with that, the filter should be held in by a bolt or two. Remove it, and the filter should then come right out. There will likely be an "o" ring that goes on the top of the filter. Make sure you install the new one with the kit before installing the new filter. Bolt the new filter in. When cleaning the pan, make sure you remove the magnets and clean them too. Check for metal fragments. A dust, or dull silver muck is pretty normal, but pieces of metal are not. Don't use paper towels or anything linty to dry the pan, I recommend you just let it air dry. Even a little lint can get in sensitive parts of the tranny. So then you just place the gasket on the pan, and torque it to specs in an alternating pattern. Don't overtighten!! My book says 69-95 Inch/Pounds. I recommend measuring how much fluid came out, and replace a little less than that using a funnel and pouring into the transmission dipstick. Then start the car (don't move it yet!) and slide it through each gear selection for a few seconds. With the car idling, check the dipstick. And add fluid as needed. It's really not hard once you do it once and get the hang of it. Also, make sure your gasket isn't leaking periodically and check the fluid for a few weeks afterwards.