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  A/T - Cooler Flushing Service Tips  
 
Article No.
03-14-8

07/21/03

TRANSMISSION - NEW TRANSMISSION COOLER
FLUSHER - SERVICE TIPS

FORD:
1992-1997 CROWN VICTORIA, PROBE, THUNDERBIRD
1992-2003 ESCORT, MUSTANG, TAURUS
1994-1997 ASPIRE
1995-2000 CONTOUR
2000-2003 FOCUS
2002-2003 THUNDERBIRD
1992-1996 BRONCO
1992-1997 AEROSTAR, F SUPER DUTY, F-250 HD, F-350
1992-1999 F-250 LD
1992-2003 ECONOLINE, EXPLORER, F-150, RANGER
1995-2003 WINDSTAR
1997-2003 EXPEDITION
1999-2003 SUPER DUTY F SERIES
2000-2003 EXCURSION
2001-2003 ESCAPE, EXPLORER SPORT TRAC, EXPLORER SPORT

LINCOLN:
1992-1997 TOWN CAR
1992-2002 CONTINENTAL
1993-1998 MARK VIII
2000-2003 LS
1998-2003 NAVIGATOR
2002-2003 BLACKWOOD
2003 AVIATOR

MERCURY:
1992-1997 COUGAR, GRAND MARQUIS
1992-2000 TRACER
1992-2003 SABLE
1995-2000 MYSTIQUE
1999-2002 COUGAR
1993-2002 VILLAGER
1997-2003 MOUNTAINEER

This article supersedes TSB 00-1-5.

ISSUE
The number one cause for repeat transmission repairs is that contamination from the transmission cooler system (lines and tank) will work their way back into the rebuilt or new transmission. For this reason a new transmission cooler flusher has been released, "Turbo-Tank Heated Cooler Line Flusher" Rotunda Tool number 22-00001.

ACTION
The transmission cooling system (cooler and lines) MUST be flushed every time the transmission is overhauled or replaced in order to minimize the likelihood of repeat repairs. The use of this new "Turbo-Tank Heated Cooler Line Flusher" (222-00001) is the most effective way to remove contamination from its cooling system. Refer to the following Service Procedure and Equipment instructions (supplied with the "Turbo-Tank Heated Cooler Line Flusher").

SERVICE PROCEDURE

Prior methods of cooler flushing have not obtained the level of cooler cleaning and contaminant removal that is required to prevent repeat repairs. The "Turbo-Tank Heated Cooler Line Flusher" uses heated Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF) and a pulsating action to loosen system contamination.

Previous equipment used solvents to clean & flush coolers, lines and torque-converters. There are 2 issues with this method:

^ Residual solvent contamination can cause damage to friction bonding materials within the transmission (Clutches and Bands).

^ Lack of fluid heating and agitation prevents this method from completely removing contamination from lines, in-radiator coolers and auxiliary coolers.

Aerosol Solvents should never be used for several reasons.

^ They do not provide the volume necessary to remove heavy contaminants.

^ They evaporate quickly and essentially leave contaminants in pockets, bends, or wherever they are as the solvent dries.

NOTE YOU MUST IDENTIFY THE RETURN COOLER LINE TO START THE BACK FLUSHING PROCEDURE.

A quick way to identify the return cooler line (fluid coming out of the cooler and returning to the transmission) is to locate the return cooler line fitting on the transmission case. Refer to the following lists:

Rear Wheel Drive

^ TORQSHIFT, 4R100, E40D, C6 - The REAR transmission case filling receives the return line.

^ 4R70W, AODE, AOD - The TOP transmission case filling receives the return line.

^ A4LD, 4R44/55E, 5R55E, 5R55N, 5R55W, 5R55S

- The TOP transmission case filling receives the return line.

Front Wheel Drive

^ CD4E - The REAR or Pump End transaxle case fitting receives the return line.

^ 4F27E - The REAR or Cover End transaxle case fitting receives the return line.

^ AXOD, AXODE, AX4S, AX4N, 4F50N - The BOTTOM transaxle cooler line fitting receives the return line.

NOTE IF AN IN-LINE FILTER HAS BEEN INSTALLED IN THE COOLER LINE, IT MUST BE REMOVED BEFORE FLUSHING THE COOLER OR COOLER LINES.

Purge the cooler and cooler line before flushing:

Located on the "Turbo-Tank Heated Cooler Line Flusher" is a fluid transfer and purge valve. This valve can be used to purge the cooler and cooler lines of contaminated fluid before starting the back flush procedure of the fluid cooling system (refer to step 5a of this Service Procedure or Equipment instructions, supplied with the "Turbo-Tank Heated Cooler Line Flusher").

Flush Procedure

1. Check and top off fluid level of the "Turbo-Tank Heated Cooler Line Flusher" tank with transmission fluid.

2. Allow the fluid in the flusher 15-30 minutes to heat up to 140°F (60°C) before using.

3. Install line adapters into the transmission cooler lines.

4. Attach the flusher's blue line to the transmission return cooler line quick disconnect.

5. Attach the flusher's red line to the transmission outlet cooler line quick disconnect.

a. Follow equipment instructions, to purge cooler lines and cooler prior to starting flushing procedure (using factory installed purge valve and clear hose on "Turbo-Tank Heated Cooler Line Flusher").

6. Allow the cooling system to back-flush for 10-15 minutes, then flush the cooler in a forward/normal flow direction for an additional 10-15 minutes.

For ordering information on this new "Turbo-Tank Heated Cooler Line Flusher" (222-00001), contact Rotunda at 800-ROTUNDA (800-768-8632 or outside U.S. 262-656-5805).

CAUTION THIS FLUSHER CANNOT BE USED TO FLUSH COOLERS ON VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH THE TEMPERATURE BYPASS-TYPE TRANSMISSION COOLER CURRENTLY FOUND IN 1998-2003 CROWN VICTORIA, GRAND MARQUIS, AND TOWN CAR VEHICLES.

OTHER APPLICABLE ARTICLES: NONE
SUPERSEDES: 00-1-5
WARRANTY STATUS: INFORMATION ONLY

  

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