2013-2019 Ford Explorer Escape Fusion 6F35 Six Speed Transmission Fluid Change Procedure
Difficulty: Intermediate · About 45 min · Ford Explorer
Perform a measured drain-and-refill on a vehicle confirmed to have the 6F35 transmission. The correct fill-level procedure and fluid temperature depend on the exact vehicle, so verify them by VIN before opening the transmission.
Tools you will need
- Vehicle-rated lift or floor jack and jack stands
- Drain pan
- Socket and hex-bit set
- Fluid transfer pump
- Scan tool that reads transmission fluid temperature, if the service procedure requires it
- Torque wrench
Parts and supplies
- Automatic transmission fluid meeting the exact vehicle specification
- Service plug seal, if required by the vehicle procedure
Steps
Confirm the transmission and service procedure
Use the VIN and transmission identification to confirm this is a 6F35 and find the vehicle-specific fluid specification, drain and fill access points, level-check method, temperature range, and plug torque.
Set up the vehicle safely
Park on a level surface, chock the wheels, and raise and support the vehicle at the approved lift points. Keep the vehicle level because the final fluid check depends on its position.
Expose the service points and drain the fluid
Remove any required underbody shield, position a drain pan, then open the specified drain point. Let the fluid drain and measure what came out as a reference, not as the final fill quantity.
Close the drain point
Inspect the plug and sealing surface, replace a seal only when the vehicle procedure calls for it, and reinstall the plug to the vehicle-specific torque specification.
Refill with the specified fluid
Pump in only the exact fluid approved for this transmission and begin with the service-manual fill quantity. Do not use the transmission dry-fill capacity as the drain-and-refill amount.
Set the fluid level by the required procedure
Follow the exact vehicle procedure for fluid temperature, engine state, gear cycling, and level port. Add or drain fluid as directed; stop if the level cannot be checked under the specified conditions.
Reassemble and inspect
Reinstall the underbody shield, lower the vehicle safely, and inspect the drain and fill areas for leaks. Road-test only after the level check is complete, then recheck for leakage.
Check your vehicle’s repair manual for exact specifications and fit.