Changing the transmission fluid in your 2002 Lincoln Town Car is a crucial maintenance task that helps ensure smooth shifting and prolong the life of your transmission. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you perform this task⁚
Contents
Materials You’ll Need
- New transmission fluid (Dexron III/Mercon) ⎻ Approximately 6 quarts
- Transmission fluid drain pan
- Torque wrench
- 17mm wrench or socket
- 1/2-inch drive extension
- Funnel
- Shop towels
- Gloves
- Safety glasses
Step-by-Step Guide
1. Prepare Your Vehicle
- Park the vehicle on a level surface and engage the parking brake.
- Allow the engine to cool down completely after driving.
- Locate the transmission fluid pan‚ which is typically located on the bottom of the transmission‚ towards the rear of the vehicle.
2. Drain the Old Fluid
- Place the transmission fluid drain pan beneath the transmission fluid pan.
- Using a 17mm wrench or socket‚ loosen the drain plug on the transmission pan. Be careful as the fluid will be hot!
- Allow the fluid to drain completely into the pan.
- Once the fluid has stopped draining‚ tighten the drain plug back to its original torque specification.
3. Fill with New Fluid
- Locate the transmission fluid dipstick‚ typically located on the top of the transmission.
- Remove the dipstick and slowly pour the new transmission fluid into the dipstick tube. Use a funnel to prevent spills.
- Add approximately 4 quarts of fluid‚ then check the fluid level with the dipstick. The level should be between the “add” and “full” marks on the dipstick.
- Continue adding fluid in small increments until the level is at the “full” mark.
4. Check Fluid Level
- Start the engine and allow it to idle for a few minutes.
- With the engine running‚ shift the transmission through all the gears‚ pausing for a few seconds in each gear.
- Turn off the engine and allow the fluid to settle for a few minutes.
- Recheck the fluid level using the dipstick. Top off the fluid as needed.
Tips and Precautions
- Always wear safety glasses and gloves when working with transmission fluid. It can be harmful to skin and eyes.
- Use only the recommended transmission fluid for your 2002 Lincoln Town Car. Incorrect fluid can damage the transmission.
- If you’re unsure about any part of this procedure‚ consult a professional mechanic.
By following these steps‚ you can successfully change the transmission fluid in your 2002 Lincoln Town Car and ensure smooth shifting and optimal performance.