Ford F150 Pickup. Instruction - part 1830

2. After the fluid has drained, remove the transmission fluid pan.  

3. DO NOT remove the fluid filter. It is not necessary to change the fluid filter during a normal maintenance 

fluid change. Remove the torque converter drain plug cover. See Fig. 5 .  

4. Remove the torque converter drain plug and discard.  

5. Clean and inspect the transmission fluid pan, transmission fluid pan gasket and magnet. Thoroughly flush 

the cooler tubes.  

6. After the torque converter has drained, install a new drain plug. Tighten drain plug to specification. See 

TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS . Install the torque converter drain plug cover. See Fig. 5 .  

7. Position the magnet into the transmission fluid pan. 

8. Install the fluid pan and gasket. Position the fluid pan with the gasket in place. Install the bolts. Tighten 

bolts to specification. See TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS .  

9. Fill the transmission. See RECOMMENDED FLUIDS and FLUID CAPACITIES . 

10. Start the engine. Move the transmission range selector lever through all the gear ranges, checking for 

engagements.  

11. With the engine running and the transmission at normal operating temperature 150-170°F (66-77°C), 

check and adjust the transmission fluid level, and check for any leaks. See CHECKING FLUID 
LEVEL . If fluid is needed, add fluid in increments of 0.5 pint (0.24L) until the correct level is achieved 
(fluid should be in the cross-hatched area of the fluid level indicator). 

NOTE:

The fluid pan gasket is reusable, clean and inspect for damage. If not 
damaged, the gasket should be reused.

CAUTION: The use of any other transmission fluid than specified can result in 

the transmission failing to operate in a normal manner or 
transmission failure.

 

2003 Ford Pickup F150 

2003 AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONS Servicing - Blackwood, Econoline, Excursion, Expedition, "F" Series Pickup & 

Navigator

  

Fig. 5: Locating Torque Converter Housing Plug 
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO. 

Vehicles Without Torque Converter Drain Plug 

1. With the vehicle in Neutral, position on a hoist. Loosen the transmission fluid pan bolts and allow the 

fluid to drain.  

2. After the fluid has drained, remove the transmission fluid pan.  

3. DO NOT remove the fluid filter. It is not necessary to change the fluid filter during a normal maintenance 

fluid change. Clean and inspect the transmission fluid pan, transmission fluid pan gasket and magnet.  

4. Thoroughly flush the cooler tubes.  

5. Position the magnet into the transmission fluid pan.  

6. Install the fluid pan and gasket. Position the fluid pan with the gasket in place. Install the bolts. Tighten 

bolts to specification. See TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS . 

7. Fill the transmission. See RECOMMENDED FLUIDS and FLUID CAPACITIES . 

NOTE:

The fluid pan gasket is reusable, clean and inspect for damage. If not 
damaged, the gasket should be reused.

CAUTION: The use of any other transmission fluid than specified can result in 

 

2003 Ford Pickup F150 

2003 AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONS Servicing - Blackwood, Econoline, Excursion, Expedition, "F" Series Pickup & 

Navigator

  

8. Start the engine. Move the transmission range selector lever through all the gear ranges, checking for 

engagements.  

9. With the engine running and the transmission at normal operating temperature 150-170°F (66-77°C), 

check and adjust the transmission fluid level, and check for any leaks. See CHECKING FLUID 
LEVEL . If fluid is needed, add fluid in increments of 0.5 pint (0.24L) until the correct level is achieved 
(fluid should be in the cross-hatched area of the fluid level indicator).  

TRANSMISSION FLUID COOLER BACK FLUSHING & CLEANING 

1. Using a suitable torque converter/fluid cooler cleaner, flush the fluid cooler and lines.  

2. Connect the cleaner pressure and return lines appropriately. Connect the pressure line to fluid cooler inlet 

tube. Connect the return line to fluid cooler outlet tube. Place the outlet end of the return line in the fluid 
tank reservoir. 

3. Switch the fluid pumps on. Allow the fluid to circulate a minimum of five minutes. 

4. Switch the fluid pump OFF.  

5. Disconnect the cleaner pressure line at the fluid cooler tube.  

6. Using compressed air, blow through the fluid cooler inlet tube until all fluid is removed.  

7. Remove the rubber hoses from fluid cooler tubes.  

ON-VEHICLE REPAIRS 

Various components may be serviced without transmission removal, depending on application. For servicing of 
these components, see appropriate component under ADJUSTMENTS and/or REMOVAL & 
INSTALLATION . For additional information on testing electrical components, see appropriate DIAGNOSIS 
article. 

ADJUSTMENTS 

the transmission failing to operate in a normal manner or 
transmission failure.

CAUTION: Prior to backflushing and cleaning the transmission fluid cooler tubes 

check for the transmission fluid Oil-To-Air (OTA) cooler, transmission fluid 
in-line filter and thermal bypass valve. If installed or equipped, they must 
be removed from the cooler tubes and discarded. Any components 
removed must be installed new.

NOTE:

Rubber hoses must be attached to the ends of the fluid cooler tubes, to aid 
in connecting them to the cleaner.

NOTE:

Cycling the fluid pump on and off will help dislodge contaminants in the 
cooler system.

 

2003 Ford Pickup F150 

2003 AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONS Servicing - Blackwood, Econoline, Excursion, Expedition, "F" Series Pickup & 

Navigator

  

SHIFT CABLE 

1. Place gearshift lever in Drive position. Hang a 3 lb. (1.4 kg) weight from gearshift lever. Raise and 

support vehicle.  

2. Using a screwdriver, pry shift cable from instruction control lever on transmission. See Fig. 6 . Pull shift 

cable adjustment lock tab outward to unlock. See Fig. 7 . Ensure adjuster body moves freely.  

3. Position instruction control lever in Drive position. Drive position is obtained by rotating manual control 

lever clockwise until travel stops, and then rotate instruction control lever counterclockwise 2 detents.  

4. Connect cable to instruction control lever. Push in lock tab to lock adjustment sleeve in position. See Fig. 8 . 

Lower vehicle. Remove weight from gearshift lever. Check for park gear engagement. If equipped with 
air suspension, reactivate the system by turning on the air suspension switch.  

5. Start engine and ensure indicated gear positions match transmission response. Verify vehicle only starts 

in Park and Neutral, and back-up lights operate.  

6. If operation is not okay, perform steps 1 -5 and check Transmission Range (TR) sensor adjustment. See 

TRANSMISSION RANGE SENSOR . 

WARNING:

Vehicle is equipped with Supplemental Inflatable Restraint (SIR) system. 
When servicing vehicle, use care to avoid accidental air bag deployment. 
SIR system-related components are located in various locations 
throughout interior and exterior of vehicle, depending on application. Do 
not use electrical test equipment on or near these circuits. If necessary, 
deactivate SIR system before servicing components. See appropriate AIR 
BAG DEACTIVATION PROCEDURES article in GENERAL INFORMATION.

CAUTION: The electrical power to the air suspension system must be shut OFF prior 

to hoisting, jacking or towing an air suspension vehicle. This can be 
accomplished by turning OFF the air suspension switch located in the 
right kick panel area. Failure to do so may result in unexpected inflation or 
deflation of the air springs which may result in shifting of the vehicle 
during these operations.

 

2003 Ford Pickup F150 

2003 AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONS Servicing - Blackwood, Econoline, Excursion, Expedition, "F" Series Pickup & 

Navigator