how to fix the transmission fluid leak on Ford F-150 13th Generation (2015-2020)

Solution

1. Preparation

• Gather all necessary tools and parts.
• Park the vehicle on a flat surface and engage the parking brake.
• Allow the engine to cool if it has recently been running.

2. Identify the Source of the Leak

• Sub-steps:
  1. Clean the area around the transmission pan and lines with a degreaser.
  2. Start the engine and let it run until it reaches operating temperature.
  3. Observe the transmission pan and lines for fresh fluid.

3. Replace Damaged Components

• Sub-steps:
  1. If the transmission pan is leaking, drain the transmission fluid using a socket set to remove the pan bolts.
  2. Remove the old gasket, clean the mating surfaces, and install a new gasket.
  3. Reinstall the transmission pan, tightening the bolts to the manufacturer's specified torque (typically around 10-12 ft-lbs).
  4. If cooler lines are leaking, use an appropriate line wrench to disconnect and replace the damaged line with a new one.

4. Refill Transmission Fluid

• Sub-steps:
  1. Use a funnel to refill the transmission with fluid through the dipstick tube.
  2. Check the owner's manual for the correct type of transmission fluid (typically Mercon LV for Ford).
  3. Start the engine and cycle through the gears to ensure fluid circulates, then recheck the fluid level and add as necessary.