Changing the transmission fluid in your 2007 Lincoln Town Car is an important maintenance task that can help prolong the life of your transmission. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to do it⁚
- Materials You’ll Need⁚
- Safety Precautions⁚
- Procedure⁚
- 1. Warm Up the Transmission⁚
- 2. Locate the Transmission Drain Plug⁚
- 3. Drain the Old Fluid⁚
- 4. Remove the Transmission Pan⁚
- 5. Clean the Pan and Magnet⁚
- 6. Replace the Transmission Filter (Optional)⁚
- 7. Reinstall the Pan and Drain Plug⁚
- 8. Fill with New Fluid⁚
- 9. Check the Fluid Level⁚
- 10. Test Drive⁚
- Tips and Notes⁚
Materials You’ll Need⁚
- New transmission fluid (refer to your owner’s manual for the correct type and quantity)
- Drain pan
- Torque wrench
- Socket set
- Funnel
- Shop towels
- Gloves
- Jack and jack stands (optional, but recommended)
Safety Precautions⁚
- Work in a well-ventilated area.
- Use caution when working with hot fluids.
- Never run the engine while the transmission pan is removed.
Procedure⁚
1. Warm Up the Transmission⁚
Drive the car for a few minutes to warm up the transmission fluid. This will make it easier to drain.
2. Locate the Transmission Drain Plug⁚
The transmission drain plug is located on the bottom of the transmission pan. It’s usually a 17mm or 19mm bolt.
3. Drain the Old Fluid⁚
Place the drain pan under the drain plug. Slowly loosen the drain plug and allow the fluid to drain completely.
4. Remove the Transmission Pan⁚
Once the fluid has drained, remove the transmission pan. This may require removing some bolts around the pan’s perimeter. Be careful not to damage the pan.
5. Clean the Pan and Magnet⁚
Clean the transmission pan and magnet with a wire brush or shop towels. Remove any debris or metal shavings.
6. Replace the Transmission Filter (Optional)⁚
If your transmission has an external filter, replace it now. Consult your owner’s manual for the filter location and replacement procedure.
7. Reinstall the Pan and Drain Plug⁚
Clean the threads of the drain plug and pan bolts. Apply a thin layer of thread sealant to the drain plug. Reinstall the pan and drain plug, tightening them to the specified torque.
8. Fill with New Fluid⁚
Locate the transmission fluid dipstick. Remove it and slowly pour the new fluid into the dipstick tube until the level reaches the “full” mark.
9. Check the Fluid Level⁚
Start the engine and let it idle for a few minutes. Then, check the fluid level again and add more fluid if necessary.
10. Test Drive⁚
Take the car for a test drive to ensure the transmission is shifting properly.
Tips and Notes⁚
- If you have a front-wheel drive vehicle, you may need to raise the front end of the car to access the transmission pan. Use a jack and jack stands for safety.
- It’s a good idea to change the transmission fluid every 30,000 miles or as recommended by your owner’s manual.
- If you’re not comfortable performing this task yourself, take your car to a qualified mechanic.