What is the transmission fluid capacity of a Ford Windstar?

Answer 1

It all depends...

When you look at the Owners Manuals, you'll see Transmission Fluid capacity numbers in the range of 12-14 quarts.

BUT!

That's if the transmission is totally empty, and here's the clincher for us average types: including the torque converter.

For us average types, even when doing a transmission fluid / filter change, do not end up with an empty torque converter.

When you pull the transmission pan for the fluid/filter change, you end up with 4-6 quarts on average. The rest is still up inside the torque converter.

Measure what you drained and start with refilling that amount to put back in to return levels back to normal.

If you're adding fluid, simply use the dipstick - according to the illustrated instructions in the Owners Manual - and add what is necessary.

NOTE: This is one of the points of distinction to having the transmission "flushed" - where a professional shop is going to hookup specialized equipment to achieve a full fluid exchange.

Note #2: Many experts (like the guys on "The Car Show" radio program) assert that exchanging 50-60% of the fluids like would happen when doing a fluid/filter change is GOOD. The oil itself is not deteriorating so much as, what they call the "additive package" dissipates. So the percentage from doing the fluid/filter revives the "additive package" sufficient to support the long life of the transmission.

See "Related Questions" below for much much more - including links to your very own electronic copy of 1996 or newer Windstar Owners Manuals.