Transmission Cooler: Service and Repair

Transmission Fluid Cooler

Material:

CAUTION: The clamps on the end of the fluid cooler tubes are glued to the tubes and are not to be removed. The clamps are part of the fluid tubes, removing the clamps from the ends will damage the fluid cooler tubes.

CVT Transaxle Cooler:

CAUTION: The clamps on the end of the fluid cooler tubes are glued to the tubes and are not to be removed. The clamps are part of the fluid tubes, removing the clamps from the ends will damage the fluid cooler tubes.

6-Speed Transaxle Cooler:

Removal and Installation

CAUTION: MERCON (R), MERCON (R) V, MERCON (R) SP, Motorcraft Premium Automatic Transmission Fluid and Motorcraft Continuously Variable Chain Type Transmission Fluid are not interchangeable transmission fluids. The use of any fluid other than what is recommended for this transmission will cause transmission damage.

NOTE: Refer to the following when adding transmission fluid.

^ The constant variable transmission (CVT) transaxle uses:
- Motorcraft Continuously Variable Chain Type Transmission Fluid
^ The 6-speed transaxle uses:
- Motorcraft Premium Automatic Transmission Fluid

Do not mix the fluid together, damage to internal components will result.

All vehicles
1. With the vehicle in NEUTRAL, position it on a hoist.

6-speed transaxle
2. Remove the 8 retainers for the upper grille opening cover and remove the cover.





CVT transaxle
3. Remove the 8 retainers for the upper grille opening cover and remove the cover.





All vehicles
4. Remove the LH air deflector pushpins. Position the air deflector aside.





5. Remove the RH air deflector pushpins. Position the air deflector aside.





6. Remove the bolt from the LH A/C condenser bracket.
^ To install, tighten to 10 Nm (89 inch lbs.).





7. Remove the bolt from the RH A/C condenser bracket.
^ To install, tighten to 10 Nm (89 inch lbs.).





8. Carefully lift the A/C condenser off the retaining clips and position the condenser aside.





9. Remove the screw for the cooler tube retainer.
^ To install, tighten to 10 Nm (89 inch lbs.).





10. CAUTION: Do not over compress the fluid clamps, damage to the clamps will result. The clamps on the end of the fluid cooler tubes are glued to the tubes and are not to be removed. The clamps are part of the fluid tubes, removing the clamps from the ends will damage the fluid cooler tubes.

NOTE: If the clamps become damaged, install new fluid cooler tubes.

Disconnect the fluid cooler hoses from the fluid cooler.





11. Lift the fluid cooler off the retainers and remove the fluid cooler.





CVT transaxle
12. Remove the fluid fill plug.
^ To install, tighten to 35 Nm (26 ft. lbs.).





13. Partially fill the transaxle with clean automatic transmission fluid to make up what was lost during the installation of a new transmission fluid cooler.
^ Using the transmission fluid level setting (CVT) procedure, continue filling the transaxle.

6-speed transaxle
14. Remove the fluid fill plug.
^ To install, tighten to 39 Nm (29 ft. lbs.).





15. To install, reverse the removal procedure.
^ Fill the transaxle with clean automatic transmission fluid to the specified level.
^ Prior to adding any transmission fluid, make sure that the vehicle is on a level surface.
^ Check the fluid level to determine how much fluid will need to be added.
^ Using a diagnostic tool, monitor the fluid temperature. Make sure that the fluid temperature is within specification.
^ The fluid level should be within the normal operating range on the fluid level indicator.
16. Check the transaxle for correct operation.