A/T - (5R55N) Fluid Level Checking Procedure

Article No.
99-18-9

09/06/99

TRANSMISSION - 5R55N - CORRECT PROCEDURE
FOR CHECKING FLUID LEVEL - SERVICE TIP

LINCOLN:
2000 LS

This TSB article is being republished in its entirety to revise the Service Procedure.

ISSUE

Improper checking of transmission fluid level may result in the misdiagnosis of transmission concerns.

ACTION

To properly check the transmission fluid level, use the procedures as found in the current CD-ROM, Workshop Manual, STARS Broadcast, and as listed in this TSB.

SERVICE PROCEDURE

NOTE
THE RECOMMENDED TEMPERATURE TO CHECK THE FLUID IS A SETTING OF 27°- 49°C (80 - 120°F). THE FLUID CAN ALSO BE CHECKED ABOVE 50°C (122°F) USING THIS PROCEDURE.

1. Install diagnostic equipment and monitor the transmission fluid temperature (TFT) using the PID: TFT.

2. Start the engine and let idle (approximately 650 rpm) so that the transmission fluid temperature is between the recommended setting of 27-49°C (80-120°F). The fluid can also be checked above 50°C (122°F) using this procedure.








3. Move the selector lever through all gears (Figures 1 and 2).

4. Place selector lever in Park and set the parking brake.








5. Raise and support the vehicle on a hoist. For additional information, refer to the LS 2000 Workshop Manual, Section 100-02. Set vehicle as close to a visual level as possible (+ 2-3 degrees) on the hoist. Optionally, a special tool (Figures 3 and 4) can be used to assist with leveling the vehicle.

6. Place a drain pan under the transmission.





7. Do not remove the drain plug (large nut). With the engine running in Park, use a 3/16" allen wrench and remove the fluid level indicator plug (small inner plug) (figure 5)

8. Allow the fluid to drain. When the fluid comes out as a thin stream or a drip, it is at the correct level.

9. If no fluid comes out, fluid will have to be added.





10. Remove the fluid fill plug found on the extension housing (Figure 6).

11. Check fluid temperature.





Parts Block








12. Fill the transmission to the correct level (Figure 7). When fluid starts to drain out of the fluid level hole, as a thin stream or drip, reinstall the fluid level plug and tighten to 10 Nm (89 lb-in) (Figure 8). Use MERCON(T) V Automatic Transmission Fluid (XT-5-QM or equivalent meeting Ford specification MERCON(T) V). For transmission fluid temperatures above 50°C (122°F), additional fluid must be added, referring to Step 13 and the chart.

WARNING
FLUID TEMPERATURES ABOVE 50°C (122°F) MAY BE TOO HOT TO HANDLE.

NOTE
DO NOT HEAT FLUID PRIOR TO ADDING TO THE TRANSMISSION.





13. To set the fluid level for TFT temperatures above 50°C (122°F), refer to the following chant for the correct volume of ambient temperature fluid to add for the TFT indicated on the diagnostic equipment.





14. Reinstall the fluid fill plug and tighten to 20 Nm (15 lb-ft) (Figure 9).

15. Lower the vehicle.

16. Check transmission for proper operation and leaks.

OTHER APPLICABLE ARTICLES: 99-10-6, 99-8-13

SUPERSEDES: 99-17-4

WARRANTY STATUS: INFORMATION ONLY

OASIS CODES: 501000, 502000, 503000, 504000, 510000