Ford 5 Speed 5R110W Trans Service Question

Blackdiamond wrote:
Just FYI, what you are doing is the right we, (drain and refill) ...

Concur, especially if you are "ahead" of the recommended service schedule.

Also, transmission filters live for a very LONG time. Obviously they prevent "bad stuff" from being recirculated in the transmission. If you have a lot of "bad stuff" in the bottom of the pan, you have a much BIGGER problem than just a dirty filter.

Total liquid volume in the 5R110W transmission is 19 quarts but the only way to get it all out is to disassemble the transmission along with draining both the cooler and the torque converter. A pan drain could be any amount so best practice would to measure how much is drained and refill with the same amount. I've done a drain and refill twice and using compressed air at the external filter to push any fluid out of the cooler and anywhere else I can. Was able to get 12 quarts out both times.

A flush requires special equipment. The 5R110W has the thermostat which will open at around 155 or so. As such to be able to pump new in and and old out using the cooler lines the oil has to be preheated.

Regarding fluid type, check your model year owners manual. Initially Ford used Mercon SP but switched a short time later LV. My coach being a 2006 model year had SP. The two types are probably comparable but I would rather not find out the hardware so I use SP.

Well after adding 6.5 quarts my dipstick is starting to read correctly, I was given bad advice that the trans pan only needed 4.5 to 5 quarts vs 7 to 8 quarts, I did drive the motorhome a short distance on 4.5 quarts and it shifted fine and did not over heat so I don't think I did any damage, sure hate getting bad advice, thanks all for the help..

timmac wrote:

lawrosa wrote:
I read 7-8 quarts. With the external trans filter change.

I also read mercon sp was original fluid but they recommend mercon LV now as the replacement.

I got a hold of a case of 12 quarts Mercon SP, yes the new stuff is the LV but be aware its color turns dark brown/black just after a few miles after use, that can be a pain to determine if the fluid is still in good condition.

Here is a video on the Mercon LV
https://youtu.be/JUBoXyQ7UDQ

Funny, I only used LV and it has never turned brown/black.

lawrosa wrote:
I read 7-8 quarts. With the external trans filter change.

I also read mercon sp was original fluid but they recommend mercon LV now as the replacement.

I got a hold of a case of 12 quarts Mercon SP, yes the new stuff is the LV but be aware its color turns dark brown/black just after a few miles after use, that can be a pain to determine if the fluid is still in good condition.

Here is a video on the Mercon LV
https://youtu.be/JUBoXyQ7UDQ

Update,
I just dumped out the old trans fluid from the container I had it in into a gallon jug and additional 1.5 quart bottles, it appears 6.5 quarts is what was needed, spilled some so the amount could be 7 max quarts, I did not change the internal filter or removed the pan, I also get inaccurate reading on the trans dipstick, sometimes it shows very little or nothing and next reading it shows just a little low, I don't like the Ford dip stick with the plastic thing on the end.

Avoid the gross level errors when working on your rig. Figure out the capacity before you drain it. The last thing you want to do is put back 4 1/2 quarts when it should have been 8 quarts.

If you have any doubts as to how much to replace after draining the pan, MEASURE THE EXACTLY AMOUNT YOU DRAINED AND REPLACE THAT AMOUNT.

Just FYI, what you are doing is the right we, (drain and refill) I had a transmission rebuilder tell me to NEVER flush the trans....and I read an article in Popular Mechanics that said if any shop tells you you need a flush of anything...run.

I read 7-8 quarts. With the external trans filter change.

I also read mercon sp was original fluid but they recommend mercon LV now as the replacement.