How to Change the Transmission Fluid in a 1996 Lincoln Town Car

Replacing the transmission fluid in your 1996 Lincoln Town Car is an important maintenance task that can help extend the life of your transmission and prevent costly repairs. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to do it yourself⁚

What You’ll Need

• New transmission fluid (Dexron III/Mercon) ⏤ Approximately 12 quarts
• Transmission fluid drain pan
• Torque wrench
• 17mm socket
• 1/2-inch drive ratchet
• Funnel
• Clean rags
• Jack and jack stands
• Safety glasses
• Gloves

Safety Precautions

Before you begin, it’s crucial to take some safety precautions⁚

• Park your car on a level surface and engage the parking brake.
• Wear safety glasses and gloves to protect yourself from hot fluid and potential spills.
• Ensure the car is cool before you start working on it.
• Never work under a car that is supported only by a jack. Use jack stands for safety.

Steps to Change the Transmission Fluid

1. Locate the Transmission Drain Plug

The transmission drain plug is located on the bottom of the transmission pan, usually on the driver’s side. It’s a 17mm bolt.

2. Drain the Old Fluid

Position the drain pan beneath the drain plug. Slowly loosen the plug with the 17mm socket and ratchet. Be careful as the fluid will be hot. Allow the fluid to drain completely into the pan.

3. Remove the Transmission Pan

Once the fluid is drained, you can remove the transmission pan. The pan is held in place by several bolts. Use a socket wrench to loosen and remove the bolts. Be careful not to damage the pan when removing it.

4. Clean the Pan and Filter

Clean the transmission pan thoroughly with a wire brush or a cleaning solution. Remove the old filter and replace it with a new one. Make sure the new filter is properly seated and the gasket is clean.

5. Reinstall the Pan

Place the new gasket on the transmission pan. Carefully position the pan back onto the transmission and tighten the bolts to the proper torque specifications (usually 10-12 ft-lbs). Avoid overtightening.

6. Fill with New Fluid

With the pan reinstalled, use the funnel to pour new transmission fluid into the transmission dipstick tube. Add approximately 6 quarts of fluid. You’ll need to check the fluid level with the engine running and the car in park.

7. Check the Fluid Level

Start the engine and let it warm up for a few minutes. With the engine running and the car in park, remove the dipstick and check the fluid level. The fluid level should be at the “full” mark on the dipstick. If it’s low, add more fluid until it reaches the full mark.

8. Drive and Re-Check Fluid Level

Take the car for a short drive, then check the fluid level again. If it’s still low, add more fluid. You may need to add a little more fluid after driving the car for a while, as the transmission warms up.

Important Notes

• It’s a good idea to use a transmission fluid flush kit to completely remove all the old fluid from your transmission. However, this is a more advanced procedure that requires special tools.
• Always use the correct type of transmission fluid for your 1996 Lincoln Town Car. Refer to your owner’s manual or consult a mechanic if you’re unsure.
• If you’re not comfortable performing this procedure yourself, it’s best to have a mechanic do it for you.

By following these steps and using caution, you can successfully change the transmission fluid in your 1996 Lincoln Town Car and help keep your transmission running smoothly for years to come.