Transmission Fluid Cooler Backflushing and Cleaning

Transmission Fluid Cooler Backflushing and Cleaning

Special Tool(s)






Material(s)










General Procedure

1. NOTICE: Use Motorcraft(R) MERCON(R) LV Automatic Transmission Fluid for this transmission. Do not use any supplemental automatic transmission fluid additives or cleaning agents. The use of these products could cause internal transmission components to fail, which will affect the operation of the transmission.

NOTE: Transmission fluid cooler backflushing will be carried out using the 222-00007. Follow the manufacturer's instructions included with the machine. Test the equipment to make sure that a vigorous fluid flow is present before proceeding.

NOTE: If the 222-00007 or equivalent is not available, install a new transmission fluid cooler.

Check and top off fluid level of the cooler line flusher with Motorcraft(R) MERCON(R) LV Automatic Transmission Fluid.

2. Allow the fluid in the 222-00007 15-30 minutes to heat up to 60°C (140°F) before using.

3. Disconnect the transmission fluid cooler tubes from the transmission fluid cooler.

4. Install the line adapters on the transmission fluid cooler tubes.

5. NOTE: The FRONT transmission fluid cooler tube on the thermal bypass valve is the transmission fluid cooler pressure tube.

Attach the 222-00007 red line to the transmission fluid cooler pressure tube quick disconnect fitting.

6. Attach the 222-00007 blue line to the transmission fluid cooler return tube quick disconnect fitting.

7. Follow the equipment instructions to purge the transmission fluid cooler tubes and transmission fluid cooler prior to starting the flushing procedure.

8. Allow the transmission fluid cooling system to backflush for 10-15 minutes, then flush the transmission fluid cooler in a normal flow direction for an additional 10-15 minutes.

9. NOTICE: Do not use water-based cleaners to clean or flush the transmission fluid cooler tubes or transaxle damage will occur. Mineral spirits can be used to clean the transmission fluid cooler tubes, providing the transmission fluid cooler tubes are flushed afterwards with clean Motorcraft(R) MERCON(R) LV Automatic Transmission Fluid and blown dry with shop air. Use only clean Motorcraft(R) MERCON(R) LV Automatic Transmission Fluid designated for this transaxle and torque converter being serviced.

Clean the transaxle mounted fluid cooler tubes and replace the thermal bypass valve. REFER to Thermal Bypass Valve - 3.5L Ti-VCT, 3.7L Ti-VCT or REFER to Thermal Bypass Valve - 2.0L GTDI .