I went to change my trans fluid and filter the other night and ran into some problems. I have a 2002 F150 FX4 w/5.4L & Auto Trans (14 Bolts). I believe this is the 4R70W automatic transmission. I picked up the filter & fluid and went to drain my torque converter.

First Problem: I popped the round plug off the hole on bellhousing and rotated my engine at least 360 deg and did not come across the drain plug at all. I even marked the torque converter and didn't see a drain at all. I thought all the 4R70W had them.

Second Problem: I got my pan off only to realize that they gave me the wrong filter. They gave me a really long type of filter and mine was kinda squarish. I took it back the next day and the filter they gave me was the one listed for a 5.4L 4x4 Auto Trans. The filter I needed was the one they have listed for the 4.6L engine. How does this work? Could I have a different trans in my truck? Doesn't seem to make much sense.

 

Are you the original owner? I ask because is there any chance the trans has been replaced?

 

I bought the truck used with 30k mi on it when it was 2yrs old and it was still under warranty. I would imagine that if the trans went out the dealer would have fixed it.

 

This is the transmission filter that my truck requires and Autozone lists it as the correct one for a 4.6L 4x4 Auto trans. How can I identify my transmission type?

 

Hey chadzeilenga,

To my knowledge, Ford stopped putting a plug in the converter in 1999 models. Someone might correct me if I'm wrong, but I was told by an ASE certified tech that in order to change fluid out on the trucks after 1998, they had to be taken in for a flush.

My truck is a 1998, and I had the plug in the converter. Like I said, maybe someone will correct me if I'm wrong, but I honestly don't think your converter has a plug.

 

Mine is a 99 and I have the drain plug

 

That really stinks! I guess I should have read up more before I spent a while turning my crank and feeling the TC, and then marking the crank and TC and turning them again...hahaha! Oh well. I guess I'll have to take it somewhere to change out the fluid.

I might just drain the pan every 30k, and mix in 6 quarts of new with the old and that should take care of it...

 

Thats exactly what I was going to suggest! If there isn't anything except the fine gear dust on the magnet, your transmission is probably in really good health. A buddy of mine did that with his '97, even though he had a plug in his TC, and it treated him just fine.

No kiddin?? Do you think its possible your truck is an early '99 that used some leftover parts from the '98 bin? Thats interesting to hear that yours has the plug - either the technician and myself are misinformed, or you are lucky!

 

My 99 5.4 also has a drain plug