How to Change Transmission Fluid in a 1999 Lincoln Town Car

Changing the transmission fluid in your 1999 Lincoln Town Car is an important maintenance task that can help extend the life of your transmission. Heres a step-by-step guide to help you through the process⁚

What Youll Need

• New transmission fluid (check your owners manual for the correct type and quantity)
• Drain pan
• Torque wrench
• 17mm wrench or socket
• Funnel
• Gloves
• Clean rags
• Jack and jack stands (optional)

Safety Precautions

• Work on a level surface.
• Use jack stands if raising the vehicle.
• Wear safety glasses and gloves.
• Transmission fluid is hot, so avoid direct contact.

Procedure

1. Warm Up the Transmission

Start your car and let it run for 10-15 minutes to warm up the transmission fluid.

2. Locate the Drain Plug

The drain plug is located on the bottom of the transmission pan. Its usually a 17mm bolt.

3. Drain the Fluid

Position the drain pan under the drain plug. Slowly loosen the drain plug with a wrench or socket. Be careful as hot fluid will drain out.

4. Remove the Drain Plug

Once the fluid has drained completely, remove the drain plug and clean it before reinstalling it.

5. Replace the Drain Plug

Tighten the drain plug to the correct torque specification (check your owners manual). You may need a torque wrench to ensure proper tightening.

6. Locate the Fill Tube

The fill tube is usually located on the side of the transmission. It may have a dipstick-like tube or a small opening with a cap.

7. Fill with New Fluid

Using a funnel, slowly pour the new transmission fluid into the fill tube. Refer to your owners manual for the correct fluid level.

8. Check the Fluid Level

Start the car and let it run for a few minutes. Then, check the fluid level again, adding more if necessary.

9. Clean Up

Clean up any spilled fluid and dispose of it properly.

Important Notes

• Some transmissions require a special “flush” procedure. Check your owners manual or consult a mechanic for specific instructions.
• Its recommended to change the transmission fluid every 30,000-50,000 miles or according to your owners manual.

If youre unsure about any part of this process, its best to have a professional mechanic perform the transmission fluid change.

Additional Tips for Success

Here are a few additional tips to make your transmission fluid change go smoothly⁚

• Wear appropriate clothing. Transmission fluid can be difficult to remove from clothing, so wear old clothes or a mechanics jumpsuit.
• Have a helper. Having someone to help you hold the drain pan and assist with the filling process can make the job easier.
• Use a clean drain pan. Avoid contaminating the new fluid with old fluid by using a clean drain pan.
• Dont overfill the transmission. Overfilling the transmission can cause problems, so its important to follow the correct fluid level guidelines in your owners manual.

Understanding the Importance of Transmission Fluid

Transmission fluid is essential for the proper operation of your cars transmission. It lubricates the gears and bearings, helps to dissipate heat, and keeps the transmission clean; When transmission fluid gets old or dirty, it can cause the transmission to slip, shift roughly, or even fail.

Conclusion

By following these steps, you can successfully change the transmission fluid in your 1999 Lincoln Town Car. Remember to follow the correct procedures and use the proper type of fluid for your vehicle. Regular transmission fluid changes are crucial for the longevity and smooth operation of your transmission. If you have any doubts, consult a professional mechanic for assistance.